A skin exuding an interstellar luminance san any signs of ageing, uneven skin tone or blemishes is what every woman dream of. But the hard fact is, it's only a dream cause once you wake up and look at yourself in the mirror, you are greeted with a baggage of stubborn skin issues. Additionally, owing to environmental factors like dust, dirt, grime particles, perspiration, stale make up, and chemicals, most women are plagued with unwanted accumulation of bacteria eventually making your skin prone to various issues in the form of pimples, acne, parched skin, dullness, pigmentation, fine lines etc. That being said, even intake of unhealthy food ultimately causes build-up of toxins causing flare-ups every now and then.
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So, just following a skin care routine or getting expensive beauty treatments isn't enough to get rid of these skin issues, it requires a thorough skin care ritual that includes expulsion of toxins, a boost in the blood circulation and overall maintenance of health and wellness. As the saying goes, you must be healthy and well from the inside to be able to look good on the outside. And, one such permanent and effective way to bestow yourself with crystal-clear glowing skin right from the inside is Yoga.
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Does it sound absurd to you? Well, if you have noticed the age-less beauty Shilpa Shetty, you won’t have a doubt. The secret to her rejuvenated and glowing skin is nothing but Yoga. She even swears by this incredible holistic approach for working on the mind, body and soul to strengthen, tone and cure from inside and out.
Well, we bring you some brilliant yoga poses to help you achieve ravishing skin sans any blemishes in no time.
Effective Yoga Postures To Enhance Skin Health
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose)
Come on all fours with your knees hip-width apart and your hands shoulder-width apart. Now, slowly lift your hips off the floor and straighten your elbows and knees. Ensure that your body forms an inverted ‘V’. Now, press your hands into the ground and stretch your neck such that your ears should touch your inner arms, and you should turn your gaze towards your navel. Hold this position for five-eight breathes and then return to the original position.
Benefits:
The downward facing dog-pose is one of the most effective yogasanas for improving blood circulation, opening blocked channels and relieving overall body stress. Not only does it stretch the neck and strengthen the spine but also decongests nasal cavities and provide quick relief from sinus.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie flat on your stomach and place your head on the ground. Keep both your hands on either side of your shoulders. Slowly, put pressure on your palms and lift your body up from the torso while stretching your back and belly muscles. Straighten out your arms and keep your shoulder blades pressed against your back. Fix gaze at a point on the ceiling and hold this posture for about 15-30 seconds and exhale as you return to the starting position.
Benefits:
The cobra pose not only brings calmness and relaxation to the body but also relieve stress, tension and fatigue. By supplying and nourishing the skin with extra oxygen, this pose facilitates skin cell regeneration and actively helps in flushing out toxins.
Uttanasana (Forward Bent Pose):
While standing, bring the feet hip-distance apart. Without bending your knees, slowly bend your body above the torso downwards. See that your knees are straight. You can allow your hands and hang down and rest your palms on the ground or just hold your feet to the ankles. Hold this position for 8-10 breaths, then slowly get back to the standing position.
Benefits:
This inverted posture helps in increasing blood flow to the face and neck and thereby helps in getting rid of toxins from the body. The increased blood flow also delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the skin, thus helps in reversing free radical damage and promotes skin cell regeneration.
Halasana (Plough Pose):
Lying on your back, raise both legs above the stomach. Bend your body and try to extend your legs above the head to touch the ground with the toes. Hold this posture for 10-15 seconds, relax for a minute and repeat again.
Benefits:
Halasana is one of the most effective yoga poses that helps in achieving glowing skin by getting rid of toxins naturally in no time. It also helps in resolving digestive issues and blesses you with radiant complexion.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder-Stand Pose)
Lie flat on the ground with your legs laid side-by-side and both arms resting on either side of the body. Swing your legs up in such a way so that your legs, buttocks and hip is up in the air and support your body with your elbows attached to the ground. While settling into the pose, ensure that the hold your body properly keeping your legs and spine straight. Hold the pose for 30-40 secs while breathing normally. Slowly bring down your legs back to Shavasana pose and repeat 2-3 times.
Benefits:
Deemed as the “Mother of all Poses”, sarvangasana holds high significance in soothing the nerves, calming the mind and stabilizing secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland. It is also a pivotal pose in improving the quality and texture of the skin, promoting blood circulation and relieving one from different skin issues like acne, pimples, sagging skin, fine lines, pigmentation etc.
How Does Yoga Benefits Your Skin?
Reduces Stress /Improves Sleep Quality
Several pieces of evidence have strongly revealed that practising yoga can decrease stress levels, anxiety and even help you get sound sleep. Well, when the body is better rested, the skin can appear more radiant and vibrant. While you’re sleeping well, your body’s skin cells are repairing and revamping from stressors.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation can lead to exhaustion and depression which may reflect upon your skin health. Practising yoga regularly may lower stress-induced inflammation, and makes your skin look rejuvenated and nourished.
Improves Blood Circulation
Some yoga asanas can quickly trigger a short-term glow by increasing blood circulation to the head and face. While other poses can help you slow your breathing, calm down and soothe your mind, which still has a positive effect on your overall skin health and appearance.