Table of Contents
Ayurvedic Skin Care
We humans have always been under the course of survival and reproduction. Among the different organs in the human body, skin holds multivarious functions from being a protective barrier to a mirror which can reflect your health.
Do you feel good when you have glowing healthy skin? It is possible only when you follow a healthy lifestyle.
Skin care has become a major concern in the present era. Many diseases related to skin like Psoriasis, SLE, Eczema are becoming more and more common in the present world. Constant pollution, use of different chemicals and unhealthy foods have had a drastic effect on the skin.
In Ayurveda (the science of life) it has been mentioned that there are 7 Dhatus that support the human body. Rasa Dhathu( plasma/ nutritional fluids) is considered as one among the 7 Dhatus that nourishes the skin. Rasa dhatu is nourished by the Ahara Rasa (the collection of nutrients which is formed just after the digestion of food in the alimentary tract) and is considered as the first Dhatu.
Ayurvedic skin care has its base on the principle that the formed Rasa has a good nutritive value that provides nourishment to skin and promote overall health and luster of the skin. Ayurveda has documented different regimens and remedies for skin care, many of which helps in maintaining skin health, preventing age related changes such as wrinkling, curing and managing skin related diseases.
Involvement of all the 3 dosas are explained in the manifestation of different skin diseases and collectively they are termed as Kusta or Kusta roga in Ayurveda.
Common symptoms of Skin disorders
Based on the Dosha involved in skin disease, different kinds of symptoms are manifested in the skin.
Vata
- Dryness
- Loss of sensation
- Swelling, cracking
Pitta
- Ulceration and suppuration
- Redness
Kapha
- Itching
- Discolouration
- Swelling
- Exudation
Considering these presentations there are numerous types of skin conditions based on different permutation & combinations of these dosas. That’s why Ayurveda emphasizes on proper diagnosis of skin disorders.
Treatment for skin diseases
The unhealthy diet and lifestyle accumulates toxins in the body and leads to skin conditions in future.
Different medicines have been prescribed by ancient scholars and among them some of them are Khadira (acacia catechu), Triphala, Patola.
Internal cleansing is of equal importance to get better results as it removes different toxins from the body. Internal cleansing can be achieved by the use of specific internal and different kinds panchakarma procedures such as Vamana(emesis), Virechana(purgation), Vasti (Enema), Raktamokshana (bloodletting) and Nasya (nasal drops).
Internal cleansing renders the body fit for medicine so that maximum efficacy can be achieved when medications for specific skin conditions are administered later..
Even though this is the general protocol for treating Kusta, the exact treatment can be prescribed only by a Qualified Ayurvedic physician after considering your body type, age, season and various other factors like doshas involved in manifesting the disease symptoms.
Diet and Lifestyle changes mentioned in Ayurvedic Skin Care
- Diets mainly involving good nutritional value and easy to digest are proposed to be good for the skin and better health. One of the major causes for skin diseases is the use of incompatible food. By identifying and avoiding these food habits one can lower the chances of getting skin conditions.
- Moisturizing skin with help of aloe vera, coconut oil ,olive oil promotes smoothness and glow.
- Intake of different fruit juices such as watermelon, papaya which contain antioxidants that are easily digestible are proven to promote complexion.
- Dinacharya or the daily lifestyle which has been told by Ayurveda for the skin health includes
- Oil massage with coconut oil, sesame oil etc.
- Use of medicated water such as Siddarthaka Churna, Nalpamaradi Churna
- Use of clean dress and apparels.
- Stop sharing Cloths, Ornaments, Cosmetic products, Bed sheet etc
- In case of skin diseases due to hypersensitivity, finding and isolating themselves from the triggering factors is essential.
Don’ts mentioned in Ayurvedic Skin Care
- Meat of aquatic animals(especially prawns, crabs, shells, squid fish), milk curd, sour,pungent, salt, (egg, fish, meat in excess) and overeating have to be avoided during the course of treatment and also for overall well being.
- Avoid exposure to hot sun, mists, extreme environment (extreme cold and heat) directly to skin
- Exposure to sudden changes in temperature should be avoided
- Avoid contradictory foods.
Conclusion
Healthy skin shows overall health of your body and makes you attractive and confident.
Different skin conditions arise due to imbalance in dosas, digestive strength and time.
So it is advisable to maintain the balance of dosa and the digestive strength to promote and maintain skin health.