A skin that glows effortlessly and stands the test of time is a desire shared by women and men alike. More so, the market is flooded with an array of skincare products that promise miraculous transformations. However, such fleeting trends come and pass with time. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda transcends these trends and offers a sustainable approach to skincare that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Skin, being the largest organ, plays a crucial role in our body. It not only protects us from environmental pollutants, but helps in thermoregulation, storage of water, and fat cells as well1. In short, our skin health matters more than we think it does.
If you’re looking for a quick and effortless approach to improve your skin’s texture and health, Ayurveda offers a slew of remedies that improve not just the health of your skin but also make it appear even-toned, glowing, and revived.
Oh, and did we tell you these are not your everyday DIY tips and tricks that can be found on the Internet but are derived from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom!
Before we move on to the Ayurvedic beauty tips, let’s first get to know our skin better.
The Anatomy of Your Skin
The skin has three layers — epidermis, dermis, and fat. The epidermis is the outermost layer which consists of different cells like melanocytes. Melanocytes make melanin, which gives the skin its color.2
The next layer is called the dermis, which consists of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and hair follicles. This middle layer gives strength and flexibility to the skin.
The last layer, the subcutaneous fat layer helps to conserve the body’s heat and protects the body from getting injured.
Because of our busy lifestyles, it often becomes challenging to take care of the skin, and this can lead to faster skin aging.
In the world of cosmetology, there are various formulations available that claim to nourish your skin. We all, indeed, make use of creams, ointments, and supplements in the hope that they will enhance our skin’s health.
They may work to an extent, but what’s even more important is your diet. Ayurveda preaches that your skin health is directly wired to your gut health, and it finally comes down to what you consume.
When it comes to food, fruits are recommended to be consumed and included in your daily diet. They may also be used externally to help fortify your skin barrier and assist in preserving the look of rigidity and elasticity of your skin.
Fruits For Improving Skin Texture
Grapes or Draksa
- The rich content of Vitamin C and antioxidants helps support the formation of collagen3, a fiber-like protein that helps skin retain its elasticity and enhance youthfulness.
- Aids in calming aggravated Pitta and Vata dosha4 and cools fiery skin that’s prone to breakouts and acne. Further, it has immunity-boosting properties which help detoxify the skin.4
- High levels of Vitamin E found in grapes helps protect from free radicals, contributing to the powerful youth-boosting properties that make it the best diet for aging skin
Pomegranate or Dadima
May help inhibit tyrosinase activity and lead to enhancement of the skin health. It can also enhance the elasticity and collagen density of the skin. Natural conditioner for skin that softens, brightens, and moisturizes it5. Ayurveda says it helps in dermal regeneration and epidermal regeneration.6
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Indian Gooseberry or Amalaki
- Hailed as an ‘Ayurvedic Superfood’, for its innate property to boost skin health, making your skin appear naturally radiant and full of life. 7
- Rich with antioxidants, vitamin C, flavonoids, and tannins, it acts as a rejuvenating herb for the skin and promotes age-defying activity,
- Amalaki is packed with antioxidants that help fight aging cells and leave skin looking youthful and vibrant 8
Ayurvedic Herbs for Improving Skin Texture
Cinnamon9,10
- Boosts collagen production and helps maintain elasticity and firmness of skin
- Known in Ayurveda for its ‘tiksha’ property that makes it act quickly when it comes to enhancing skin complexion
- Contains a high amount of youth-boosting nutrients and is also soothing for sensitive skin
Fun Fact: Cinnamon is also highly revered for its wonderfully soothing aroma and flavor and has for centuries now been a staple in natural perfumes and scents.
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Turmeric10
- Specializes in toning, brightening, and cleansing the appearance of the skin to help it achieve an illuminating glow.
- Possesses the unique ability to naturally bring back your complexion along with moisturizing your skin.
Khadira10
Known to be the best herb to benefit the skin, its powerful anti-oxidant activity along with its astringent properties promotes nourishment to your overall skin health. It shows remarkable tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, which helps in skin lightening.
Other Herbs For Healthy Skin
The Ayurvedic scholar Charaka in Charak Samhita, mentions medicinal herbs which are varnya11,10, meaning those that promote complexion and enhance skin texture. Here are some of the herbs mentioned in Charak Samhita:
- Chandana (Santalum album L.) (Indian Sandalwood)
- Tunga (Calophyllum inophyllum) (Alexandrian laurel balltree)
- Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides Don) (Wild Himalayan Cherry)
- Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides) (Vetiver)
- Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) (Licorice)
- Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia L.) (Indian Madder)
- Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus [L.] (Indian Sarsaparilla)
- Payasya (Pueraria tuberosa [Willd.] DC) (Indian Kudzu)
- Sita Lata (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers) (Bermuda Grass)
These herbs can be used alone or in polyherbal formulations externally to improve your skin tone.
If you’d like to try a combination of these herbs in an oil form, you can use iYURA Kesaradi Oil, a luxurious indulgence with uber-nourishing properties containing wild himalayan cherry, vetiver, and manjistha in a revitalizing potion enriched with saffron, the most expensive spice in the world!
As we have explored the depths of Ayurveda’s wisdom, we remind you to honor the unique needs of your bodies, nourishing yourself from the inside out. Remember that Ayurveda is not a quick fix or an overnight solution to your skin problems. It is a journey of self-care and self-love leading you to a glow and radiance that comes from within, transcending the boundaries of age and time.
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