Ayurveda for Healthy Skin

Every once in a while we meet someone with a remarkably fresh skin and the everlasting freshness and we wish if we could look the same. Looking fresh and having a glowing skin is not something that comes only with the genes. Wearing make-up or putting other cosmetics does not serve as a permanent solution. Here are some guidelines to keep your skin as healthy and fresh as that of a baby.

Like all other organs in our body skin is an organ. The largest organ and it needs to be nourished, taken care of and pampered. Most importantly, skin needs to be protected from harmful things. Millions of skin cells die and rejuvenate every day. According to Ayurveda, all three dosha and the tissues namely Rasa (literally meaning plasma) and Rakta (literally meaning blood) need to be in balance to have a good skin.

The food we eat is digested by the digestive systems and the nutrients are provided to different tissues based on their need. So firstly we should eat food that is good for plasma and the blood so that the new skins cells are generated healthier. Carrots, beetroot, cucumber, pomegranate, oranges are especially good for nourishment of those tissues and the skin. Secondly, our digestive systems should be working optimally so that the food is digested well and the nutrients are really provided to tissues. Most of the skin problems arise from disturbances in digestion.  Local application of creams/ointments in that case does not help. Teenagers, menopausal women suffer from specific skin problems that are associated with the hormonal changes and stress. A healthy diet along with mind relaxation together works best for those.

Skin need to be protected from cold, heat, the sun and the wind. If you wear cosmetics regularly it is important that the cosmetics are of good quality. It is also crucial to take those cosmetics off and clean the skin at the end of the day with cold water. One should use soap that suits his/her skin and most people are not able to tolerate soaps with strong chemicals/essence. Hot, spicy, salty and fried food is not good for skin. For external application papaya, cucumber, honey, turmeric and aloe vera are very useful for healthy skin.