Ever since the dawn of the 21st century, the concept of total healthcare has transformed to include, besides physical fitness, wholesome diets, mental wellness and sleep hygiene, one more rather vital component.
That is, attaining the very desirable fountain of youth – a visibly vibrant appearance sans any signs of ageing.
And this is something that, for most people, is certainly easier said than done. Chiefly owing to the heightened stress from hectic schedules, be it at home or work, constant exposure to pollutants, germs in external environments, households, along with harsh UV rays in sunlight, directly damaging the skin.
These harmful factors invariably result in wrinkles, dark patches, loss of volume, elasticity, fine lines, scarring, prominent tans, grooves and sagging, leading to a dull, lifeless, sunken look to the face.
Although these problems might be inherently modern, the solutions for acquiring smooth, soft and radiant skin can be found in the age-old ayurvedic scriptures.
How To Slow Down Skin Ageing, As Per Ayurveda:
Ayurveda – the ancient Indian system of medicine, comprises tomes of information on skin-reviving herbs in the archaic texts, namely Charaka Samhita, Atharva Veda and Sushruta Samhita. These classical manuscripts define the primary requirements for skin health as:
Balance Of Three Doshas:
This comprises ensuring normal states of bodily energies or tridoshic equilibrium, which involves:
Regulating Kapha Dosha: By providing adequate moisture, eliminating dryness in skin.
Controlling Pitta Dosha: By guaranteeing optimal metabolism, hormone function of skin tissues.
Maintaining Vata Dosha: By conserving proper blood circulation, nutrient supply to the skin.
Wellness Of Three Dhatus:
The three dhatus or body tissues crucial for fortifying skin consist of:
Rasa: This refers to the nutritional fluids that foster luminous skin.
Rakta: This is the key element of nourished blood that purifies the skin of toxins.
Mamsa: These are the strong muscles that offer structural support to the skin.
Types Of Therapies:
Ayurveda vouches for holistic rejuvenation of skin tissues through two forms of anti-ageing medications:
Urjaskara: Coming from the Sanskrit words “Urjas” meaning strength and “Kara” meaning to give, this deals with the promotive and preventive aspects, to enrich texture for gorgeous skin.
Vyadhihara: Derived from Sanskrit, where “Vyadhi” translates to illness and “Hara” implies to defeat, this encompasses efficacious methods to completely treat a host of skin ailments.
Classes Of Herbs:
According to the traditional Ayurvedic documents, there exist eight categories of skin-related rasayana or invigorating anti-ageing herbs:
Vayasthapana: This group of herbs helps to defy growing older, literally meaning upholding youthfulness or ceasing ageing.
Varnya: These herbs significantly brighten the complexion of the skin.
Sandhaniya: This category of herbs repairs wear and tear, stimulates regenerative functions of the skin.
Vranaropana: These potent herbs heal the deeper layers of skin.
Tvachya: These herbs deliver hydration and moisture to the skin.
Shothahara: Packed with anti-inflammatory traits, these herbs protect skin from detrimental chemicals, allergens.
Tvachagnivardhani: These herbs infuse shine and lustre to the skin, by promoting its intrinsic metabolism.
Tvagrasanaya: These herbs refine skin features by averting chronic ailments.
Rejuvenating Natural Remedies For Youthful, Glowing Skin:
Gotu Kola (Asiatic Pennywort)
Abundant in the powerful antioxidant triterpenes - asiaticoside and madecassic acid, gotu kola, also called mandukaparni, is a wonderful therapy for diminishing acne, scars and injuries on the skin.
Dry a bunch of gotu kola leaves, powder it and mix it with some honey. Apply a small portion on regions of skin with pimples, to reduce swelling and redness.
Also Read: Gotu Kola: 5 Fabulous Wellness Incentives Of This Wonder Herb
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla or amalaki is renowned for the treasure trove of beneficial constituents it houses, for the wellbeing of the skin, such as vitamin C, gallic acid and tannins. Being adaptogenic, they safeguard skin from excess stressors, pressure.
Dab some diluted amla juice on the face, leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water, for rested skin sans wrinkling, drooping.
Chandan (Sandalwood)
Instilled with a pleasing scent, profuse cooling properties and organic brightening essentials, chandan or shweta chandana remarkably rectifies sun tans, dark spots, efficiently treating uneven skin tone.
Make a paste out of chandan powder and milk, apply a uniform layer on the face after cleansing, let it stay for 15 minutes and rinse off, to obtain a flawless, fair complexion.
Salai (Indian Frankincense)
Salai, otherwise termed as sallaki, is bestowed with anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is one of the best herbal antidotes for mending myriad skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Smear a bit of gum resin extract of the salai plant on peeling and wounded portions of the skin, keep it on for 5 minutes and wash off with cold water. This assists in curing breakouts and blemishes.
Also Read: Top 5 Incredible Therapeutic Uses Of Indian Frankincense
Gulab (Rose Plant)
Famed for its enticing fragrance, gulab, also known as shatapatri, holds vast reserves of hydrating phytonutrients, besides vitamins A and B complex. These contribute towards locking in moisture, boosting collagen synthesis and nurturing skin integrity.
Gently spread a watery preparation with the essence of rose petals on rough, faded areas of skin, to instantly tone and moisturize the face.
Here are two herbal face packs for oily skin and dry skin, to banish all skin woes and attain gorgeous youthful looks with pure natural infusions.
Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng):
Ashwagandha reigns as an adaptogenic herb celebrated for its ability to combat stress, a significant contributor to premature ageing. Rich in antioxidants, it neutralises free radicals, promoting cellular vitality and supporting a youthful complexion.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, boasts potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess. A revered spice in Ayurveda, it aids in maintaining skin elasticity, reducing fine lines, and promoting a radiant complexion.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):
Shatavari, revered as a feminine tonic, supports overall well-being, including skin health. Its antioxidant-rich composition assists in maintaining a youthful glow, and its adaptogenic properties contribute to hormonal balance.
Besan And Chandan Face Pack For Dry Skin:
Ingredients:
2 tbsp besan
2 tsp sandalwood powder
1 tbsp curd
Method:
Combine the besan, chandan and curd in a clean bowl to obtain a homogenous thick paste.
Smear on a uniform layer on the face and neck and keep it on for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with cold water and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
How It Works:
Besan is a superb cleansing agent that removes all dust, dirt, grime from the skin, while chandan possesses brightening properties that help diminish age spots, acne scars, uneven skin tone for a younger-looking complexion. Curd is a brilliant moisturiser that infuses hydration into drying, peeling tissues and repairs damaged areas, to bestow smooth, nourished skin.
Multani Mitti And Gulab Face Pack For Oily Skin:
Ingredients:
3 tbsp multani mitti i.e. fuller’s earth
1 tbsp tomato juice
4 tsp gulab jal i.e. rose water
Method:
Mix the multani mitti, tomato juice and rose water in a dish such that a fine flowing paste forms.
Apply this blend all over the face and neck, let it stay for 20 minutes until it entirely dries up and the components are absorbed into the skin.
Wash it off completely with lukewarm water. Use this herbal remedy twice a week for best results.
How It Works:
Multani mitti is imbued with numerous minerals being a clay extract and is hence an excellent detoxifying as well as an exfoliating compound that eliminates all impurities, and dead cells from the skin. Tomato juice is rich in vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene which rejuvenate skin surface, while also holding valuable astringent qualities to shrink large pores on the face and nose for a soft texture and youthful glow. Rose water is a fantastic natural toner that balances the skin’s pH, sebum/oil levels and minimises the appearance of wrinkles, and fine lines.
References:
- Critical review of Ayurvedic Varṇya herbs and their tyrosinase inhibition effect - By Khemchand Sharma, Namrata Joshi, and Chinky Goyal
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623628/
- Trends in aging and skin care: Ayurvedic concepts - By Hema Sharma Datta and Rangesh Paramesh1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151377/
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
