Ayurveda Skincare for Acne and Aging

Being the mirror, the barometer of an individual’s health, skin is the clue to one’s Ayurvedic constitution. This can be understood by the types of skin that one has. Example: If vata is predominant the skin of a person is dry, rough, cold, thin with fine pores and wrinkled. In case of pitta constitution, the skin is delicate, fair and red toned with freckles, moles or acne and burns easily. If the constitution is of kapha dosha the skin of a person is oily, smooth, moist and thick with a tendency towards large pores.

If the skin is not cared properly and neglected it suffers from premature aging, becomes dull and blemished. Regular consumption of milk, honey and yogurt are good nourishment for skin and prevents premature aging.

Following are some common skin problems and ayurvedic remedy for preventing and curing the same.

Acne and Pimples

The aggravation of tridosha or the three energies of the body results in the occurrence of acne, pimples and blackheads. In all pitta dosha is effected the most and it happens so due to the excessive intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, spicy, oily and fried foods. Stress, tension, pollution and chemicals are also among the major causes that aggravates Pitta dosha and result in acne, boils, pimples and rashes.

Remedies

* A paste made from one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk, is very good. A paste of nutmeg and water is also beneficial.
* Half a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally (Do not take internally if pregnant) or applied externally to the skin. Dosage: Twice a day.
* Before going to bed, was the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of 1 Tsp. coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder.
* For pimples, apply a paste made from one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Remove after one hour.
* A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves, applied and washed off with warm water before going to bed prevents pimples.

Pigmentation

Imbalance of Bhrajaka Pitta that colors the skin and can be compared to melanin causes blackening, pigmentation and discoloration of skin. Excessive exposure to the sun, irregular eating, sleeping habits and consumption of foods and drinks that aggravate pitta are responsible for the aggravation of bhrajka pitta also.

Remedies

* Grind five almonds and mix with 1 teaspoon of fresh cream and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this paste to the face and neck. Leave on for
about fifteen minutes.
* Apply papaya juice, or mashed papaya, to the affected areas.
* Grind equal amounts of sesame seeds and turmeric in a small quantity of
* Water Apply to the face or discolored skin.
* Make a paste from basil (tulsi) leaves and water to use on the affected skin.

Premature Aging

This is due to the aggravation of vata dosha, which naturally increases with age. Thus aging is something that can be prevented to come to early but can’t be cured as such. It’s a natural ongoing process and beyond human limit to control it.

Aging causes dryness and wrinkling of the skin. Factors like excessive thinking, stress, tension, over work, strain, irregular sleeping and eating habits and cold or dry foods enhance aging. Foods containing artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and chemicals also aggravate the Vata dosha and fasten aging.

Remedies
* Massage the face with ghee, almond oil or coconut oil before going to bed.
* Use grated cucumber in a face pack.
* Apply fresh aloe Vera gel to the skin.

Complementary and Alternative Health Practices

By: Van Le |

Complementary and Alternative Practices towards a Healthy Lifestyle. Over the last century, doctors and researchers in the Western world have made several medical breakthroughs and significant discoveries in the fight against terminal diseases.  Such discoveries are key milestones towards finding the cure for diseases such as cancer and other illnesses, however, the idea of using complementary and alternative medicines, remedies, and holistic therapy to help manage a natural, healthier lifestyle is gaining popularity in the Western world.

Complementary and alternative medicine consists of practices that do not follow the norm of conventional medicine; complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medicine, while alternative medicine is used in place of conventional treatment.  Some examples of complementary and alternative medicine include acupuncture, meditation/visualization, and the use of natural products.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a complementary medicine technique, is the practice of inserting tiny needles into very specific parts of the body to relieve pain and discomforts associated with conventional treatments.  According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), it is the oldest healing practice in the world, and works by restoring the body’s balance (ying and yang.)  Acupuncture is most popular for its ability to relieve pain and aches, but the idea of “cosmetic acupuncture” is also gaining attention as a less-drastic alternative to cosmetic surgeries.

It has been reported that those who undergo cosmetic acupuncture experience vibrant skin tone, reduced and finer wrinkles, and firmer skin.  A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture states that 90% of cosmetic acupuncture patients experience notable improvement in their skin quality.  As with any medical procedure, acupuncture carries risks, and when considering an acupuncture treatment, it is important to examine the creditability and equipment of the practitioner.

Meditation/Visualization
Meditation is a complementary technique used to escape from the stress of our hectic lifestyles and reach a profound state of relaxation and calmness.

There are several types of meditation, including yoga and tai-chi.  Yoga consists of molding the body into postures, using controlled breathing, and focusing on the moment to escape from the day’s stress.  Tai-chi started as a form of martial arts but has transformed into a healing practice.  Those who practice tai-chi move their bodies slowly and mindfully while focusing on their breathing.  According to the Associated Press, tai-chi helps build a stronger immune system, which can help the body fight against shingles, a skin condition that cause rashes.  Visualization, also known as mental imagery, is a technique in which the mind focuses on a specific image.  Cancer patients sometimes use this technique to envision their bodies fighting off the disease.  Visualization can be used by anyone to relieve stress from a busy day.

Use of natural products
The popularity of natural products has increased exponentially in the last few years due to its ability to generate healthy skin from the inside out.  Products that contain natural ingredients as opposed to harsh chemicals are logically better for the body and skin.  From a diet filled with healthy choices to using natural skincare products, there are several ways to generate a healthy, more fulfilling lifestyle.  By choosing blueberries over Botox, you can achieve longer-lasting and healthier results.  Switch to an all-natural line of skin care products to give your skin a break from the preservatives and lab-generated chemicals that can wreak havoc years down the road.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare, you can also link to http://bestorganicnaturalskincare.com

Anti Oxidants and Sun Damaged Skin

Sun damage or photo damage produces both skin cancers as well as photo-aging. Photo-aging shows itself on the skin as wrinkling, scaling, dryness, and mottled pigmentation. Ultra-violet light is absorbed by skin, which in turn produces a photo-chemical reaction.
The UVA light is absorbed by both DNA as well as urocanic acid, the photo-chemical reaction produces oxidation of both DNA, nucleide acid, and protein, as well as lipids, this is known as oxidative damage. Anti-oxidants have been evolved to protect against, and reverse some of the damage produced by sunlight. An anti-oxidant mechanism is very advanced in plants that protect against the damage from sun exposure.

Oxidation:

Oxidation is produced by reactive oxygen molecules. The DNA absorbs ultra-violet light mostly in the UVB (290-320 manometres) range. This produces damage mainly within the epidermis. UVA (320-400 manometres) penetrates deeper into the skin and produces damage in the epidermis, the dermis as well as affecting blood vessels. The UVA has a much more oxidizing effect on cells.

The carcinogenic or cancer forming effects of ultra-violet B produce mutations within the DNA. This initiates tumours within the epidermis. The UVA promotes these tumours as it has much more oxidizing stress on the skin than UVB. It may as a result be more cytotoxic and immunosuppressive.

Sunscreens:

Sunscreens certainly protect against ultra-violet light, the sunburning spectrum is UVB and sunscreens are very effective. Ultra-violet A is the most difficult to protect against. It is important to realize that the SPF numbers are calculated with an amount of sunscreen on skin that exceeds what most of us put on our own skin.

The SPF is calculated with a quantity of 2mg. of sunscreen per centimetre2. Most people will put on about half to one quarter of this when used as sun protection. Unfortunately, low quantities of sunscreen of per centimtre2 will have minimal sun protective effects. Usually if 5mg. per cm.2 of sunscreen is applied to the skin, the sun protective factor is in the region of an SPF of 3.

Anti-Oxidants:

Anti-oxidants play a significant part in the protective and repair mechanisms within animals and plants. This can be achieved by anti-oxidants that are produced within the skin itself or by those consumed or applied from plants. The anti-oxidant effects can be divided into those that have their protection through enzymes, and those that tend to reduce the quantity of hydrogen peroxide as well as lipid hydroperoxides.

Topical Anti-Oxidants:

The use of topical anti-oxidants has certain requirements, these have to be stable as well as being cosmetically acceptable. It is clear that anti-oxidants have a photo-protective benefit. The physiological anti-oxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and ubiquinol. Vitamin C is water-soluble and is a free radical scavenger, it is required for collagen synthesis and may inhibit elastin formation in the dermis.

It may also reduce pigment synthesis, as well as enhance epidermal barrier function. For it to be active it must be present on the skin at a pH of 3.5 or lower in order to have an anti-oxidative effect. Vitamin E is different from vitamin C, in that it is lipid soluble, there is evidence that combining vitamin E and vitamin C may be of some benefit. Other anti-oxidants to be considered will be selenium as well as zinc.

Plant Anti-Oxidants:

Plants synthesize vitamin C, vitamin E and flavones, and polyphenolic compounds.

• Silymarin
• Soy isoflavones
• Tea
• Polyphenols

These are all potent plant anti-oxidants.

Silymarin:

This is a Milk Thistle extract, the main component in terms of anti-oxidants is silybyn. This prevents lipid peroxidase action. It also has been shown to inhibit tumour promotion in animals.

Soy isoflavones:

Soy has been connected with a reduction in cardiovascular disease, and in some incidents’ of breast cancer when taken by mouth in large quantities. It has a phytoestrogen effect, which can reduce menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones are genistein and gaidzein. The genistein has a collagen synthesis effect. It is also anti-cancer. It has been used both orally as well as topically.

The genistein is a powerful scavenger of peroxyl radicals. This has a significant reduction in lipid peroxidase activity. It has been shown to reduce redness in the skin of mice which are subject to ultra-violet A. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The use of this compound reduces the immune suppression effect of ultra-violet light.

Tea polyphenols:

Tea is fermented initially to green, and then to black tea. The drinking of black tea has been shown to reduce the frequency of squamous cell carcinomas. Work done with green tea both topically and taken orally, shows that it reduces the ability of ultra-violet to produce skin cancers and redness, particularly in animals. The possibility of combining tea, plus vitamin E, to work together as anti-oxidants is interesting.

Much more work needs to be done in order to establish how combining anti-oxidants with sunscreens will have a very beneficial effect on reducing sun damage to skin.

Ayurvedic Toxic Skin Types

When our internal body chemistry is normal, so is our skin. When that chemistry changes because of improper diet, improper exercise or stress, toxins form in the body and the skin throws them out as acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or other kinds of eruptions.

Vibrant healthy skin has a youthful glow, good coloring, and a smooth, unblemished look. However, unhealthy skin can look shallow, tired, wrinkled, and older than its actual age. No one wants unhealthy skin, but since so many people fail to understand its causes far too many people are suffering from it.

According to a leading Ayurvedic practitioner, the type of toxic skin manifestations will depend upon each person’s constitution. In general, skin disorders fall into six categories:

Disorders of the sebaceous glands  - which include seborrhea, which is a Vata or Pitta imbalance, and blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, sebaceous cysts and excessive oiliness, which are Kapha imbalances.

Disorders of the sweat glands include excessive sweat, prickly heat, and red rash, which are Pitta problems; lack of sweat, which is a Vata problem; and abnormal foul-smelling perspiration, which is an imbalance of all three doshas.

Pigmentation problems include blackish discolorations (Vata); brown or reddish discolorations (Pitta); and whitish pigmentation (Kapha).

Skin allergies include psoriasis (Vata), dermatitis (Pitta), and eczema (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha).

Infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral) are due to low immunity (depleted ojas) and occur in all skin types.

Changes in tissue growth, which include dandruff (Vata or Pitta); moles, acne rosacea, and birthmarks (all Pitta imbalances); and cysts and tumors, which are Kapha imbalances.

As you can see, there are numerous explanations for unhealthy skin but the main causes tend to be an unhealthy diet, an ineffectual cleansing routine, and poor lifestyle choices.

Poor Diet
Your skin is a living, breathing organ of the body and it needs proper nourishment and hydration to look and feel its best. When your skin is deprived of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs it is unable to functional at optimal levels and the structure slowly begins to break down. This breakdown results in dry skin, blemishes, discoloration, wrinkles, and premature ageing.

In order to avoid this breakdown you need to feed your skin a varied mix of important nutrients each day. Ingesting sufficient amounts of vitamin A, a nutrient that can be found in citrus fruits and orange vegetables, can help you avoid dry skin and blemishes. Eating foods rich in the vitamin B group like brewer’s yeast or breads, or taking a vitamin B group supplement, can help you ward of skin discoloration, dry skin, dermatitis, shallow skin, and premature ageing.

To help discourage wrinkles, pale skin, sun damage, blemishes, and other unhealthy skin symptoms, nutrients like calcium, protein, iodine, niacin, folic acid, iron, and copper are very important to a healthy diet. Get these effective skin helpers by enjoying foods like mild, eggs, cheese, chicken, fish, leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Poor Hygiene
Another common cause of unhealthy skin is poor hygiene. Whether this involves the failure to clean your skin often enough or the use of an ineffective cleansing routine, built-up dirt and grime can lead to blemishes, premature ageing, shallowness, dry skin, and wrinkles.

When your skin is not properly cleaned on a regular basis, dirt, pollution and other harmful substances are allowed to build up on your skin and clog the pores. Clogged pores result in breakouts, dry skin, and the reduction of cell renewal.

To get the most out of your cleansing routine make sure that you wash your skin twice a day, everyday. Also, make sure that you are using an effective cleanser like a soap that is specially formulated for deep cleansing. Make sure that you use gentle pressure when cleaning the skin, do not scrub or pull on the skin since this can result in tiny tears that are susceptible to irritation and infection. Finally, always follow your cleansing routine with a hydrating moisturizer that also contains a sunscreen in order to hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage.

Bad Lifestyle Habits
Even if you enjoy a healthy diet and pay special attention to your skin care regime you can still be sabotaging the health of your skin by indulging in unhealthy habits. Habits like sun tanning, smoking, choosing fizzy drinks or sodas over water, and wearing heavy makeup can lead to the development of unhealthy skin. Avoid excessive sun exposure, always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, stop smoking and avoid those who smoke, drink plenty of water, and choose light cosmetics if you want your skin to stay young and healthy looking for years to come.

Ayurvedic overview for Acne and Rosacea

Many of you may be curious, what is Ayurveda and how’s it going to help my acne?

The word Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” (Ayru – life and Veda – science). Ayurveda has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into your lifestyle can bring about radical changes in your life.

It is currently considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United States of America, but this ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years.

Where Ayurveda differs is in its approach. Unlike other treatment methods, Ayurveda is a comprehensive, holistic system that uses a variety of therapies in an attempt to bring about fundamental change in a person’s lifestyle.

Ayurveda states that each person is unique, exhibiting a distinct energy pattern that is a combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics. These energies manifest themselves within three doshas, or regions within the body. The three doshas and their perceived locations are vata (colon), pitta (small intestine), and kapha (stomach).

There are more than 20 types of Ayurvedic treatments. These include herbs, nutritional changes, healing oils, massage therapy, meditation and breathing exercises, yoga and other forms of exercise, as well as inducing a person to sweat, move his or her bowels, or even vomit to cleanse the body of toxins.

According to Ayurveda, ojas is the source of the body’s immunity and the subtle substance that gives healthy skins it’s natural glow. When ojas is depleted, the immune response is weak and the skin becomes lifeless. Low ojas and low immunity result from the same cause: an overload of physical, chemical or psychological stress. Ayruveda describes this overloaded condition as an imbalance of the three doshas, and seven dhatus (or body tissues).

For example, acne rosacea is a blood disease and therefore originates in the second tissue. Whether the stressor is the wrong food or an undigested emotion, it takes a couple of weeks from the time the stress occurs for this type of type to break out. Cystic acne, on the other hand, is a disease of the fat tissue–or fourth dhatu-and takes as long as three to four weeks to appear on the skin. Cancer, a disease of the bone marrow and reproductive tissue –the sixth and seventh dhatus, may exist in the body as long as seven years before being discovered.

The basic premise here is one that western medicine is only now beginning to recognize–that every organ, tissue and cell in your body, are directly connected to each other. The skin and the mind form from the same embryonic tissues in the womb. Our skin can be seen as our second brain and the mirror of our thoughts and emotions. What you eat or drink can affect your mind as equally as how you think or feel can affect your body. This is experiential fact, for any of you who may have enjoyed too much alcohol at one time or felt your stomach turning the last time you were nervous or upset.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that they must first identify which of a person’s doshas are out of balance before suggesting treatment methods. Symbiotically, whatever substance is absorbed into the skin will have an effect on the individuals’ body tissues and vice versa.

That said, there are some specific treatments that many recognize as effective treatments for skin conditions. For starters, regardless of the skin condition, Ayurvedic practitioners suggest staying hydrated. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that water helps to naturally stabilize dry or oily skin. Drinking enough water also helps prevent the loss of moisture through the skin, which helps to promote overall wellness.

Ayurveda also recommends adhering to a daily regimen for proper skin care, including the use of a natural soap and the use of natural skin moisturizers. This is true whether a person has naturally dry skin or suffers from a more serious condition such as psoriasis. The key is to make sure that the moisturizer is, in fact, natural, containing only substances such as aloe vera—a natural antibiotic that many believe is particularly helpful in the treatment of many skin conditions. Unfortunately, many commercially available moisturizers contain preservatives and other chemicals, and do not fully absorb into the skin, instead remaining on the surface and sometimes clogging pores as a result.

In addition to proper hydration and skin care, Ayurvedic medicine has identified three natural supplements that appear to help treat a wide range of skin conditions—neem, haemafine syrup and khadir. All three of these are widely prescribed to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema, although many believe they can be used to treat any skin condition. The tree stem, root, and bark of neem, a large evergreen tree, have antibacterial properties. It is used in supplement form to treat skin conditions. In addition, many Ayurvedic soaps contain neem extract. Haemafine syrup is a natural solution made up of more than a dozen herbs. It is used as a remedy for all types of skin diseases through its natural blood purification properties. Khadir, also known as the acacia catechu herb, is another natural blood purifier used to treat skin conditions.

Besides supplements, some Ayurvedic sources also suggest that a person with a skin condition receive an abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic massage that uses herbalized oils to draw toxins out through the skin.

Ayurvedic overview for Acne and Rosacea – part I

What is Ayurveda and how’s it going to help my acne?

The word Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” (Ayru – life and Veda – science). Ayurveda has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into your lifestyle can bring about radical changes in your life.

It is currently considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the United States of America, but this ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years.

Where Ayurveda differs is in its approach. Unlike other treatment methods, Ayurveda is a comprehensive, holistic system that uses a variety of therapies in an attempt to bring about fundamental change in a person’s lifestyle.

Ayurveda states that each person is unique, exhibiting a distinct energy pattern that is a combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics. These energies manifest themselves within three doshas, or regions within the body. The three doshas and their perceived locations are vata (colon), pitta (small intestine), and kapha (stomach).

There are more than 20 types of Ayurvedic treatments. These include herbs, nutritional changes, healing oils, massage therapy, meditation and breathing exercises, yoga and other forms of exercise, as well as inducing a person to sweat, move his or her bowels, or even vomit to cleanse the body of toxins.

According to Ayurveda, ojas is the source of the body’s immunity and the subtle substance that gives healthy skins its natural glow. When ojas is depleted, the immune response is weak and the skin becomes lifeless. Low ojas and low immunity result from the same cause: an overload of physical, chemical or psychological stress. Ayurveda describes this overloaded condition as an imbalance of the three doshas, and seven dhatus (or body tissues).

For example, acne rosacea is a blood disease and therefore originates in the second tissue. Whether the stressor is the wrong food or an undigested emotion, it takes a couple of weeks from the time the stress occurs for this type of type to break out. Cystic acne, on the other hand, is a disease of the fat tissue–or fourth dhatu-and takes as long as three to four weeks to appear on the skin. Cancer, a disease of the bone marrow and reproductive tissue –the sixth and seventh dhatus, may exist in the body as long as seven years before being discovered.

The basic premise here is one that western medicine is only now beginning to recognize–that every organ, tissue and cell in your body, are directly connected to each other. The skin and the mind form from the same embryonic tissues in the womb. Our skin can be seen as our second brain and the mirror of our thoughts and emotions. What you eat or drink can affect your mind as equally as how you think or feel can affect your body. This is experiential fact, for any of you who may have enjoyed too much alcohol at one time or felt your stomach turning the last time you were nervous or upset.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that they must first identify which of a person’s doshas are out of balance before suggesting treatment methods.

General Ayurvedic treatment options for acne will be explored in the next published article.