“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar
Often considered one of the greatest gifts of Indian tradition, yoga is an invaluable asset that our ancestors have given us. It is a holistic exercise that is a panacea for not just the physical body but also the mind and the soul. Yoga is not just about flexibility and physical strength; it is also about breathing right, and all this helps control the body and the mind. But did you know that regular practice of yoga can have a positive effect on your skin and overall beauty? Read on to find out more.
Yoga for Your Skin
Skin sagging as a result of aging is a natural process. “We have a layer in our face called fascia that wraps around the muscles. When the aging process starts, this layer and the surrounding tissues become restrictive and lose their flexibility, so you may experience sagging and changes in appearance. Doing yoga regularly helps with the movement of the fascia and the muscles; thereby, it leads a person into healthy aging. Breathing techniques in yoga help with the oxygenation of cells. This helps in cell regeneration, collagen production, and overall skin rejuvenation. Yoga also helps with lymphatic drainage and the movement of lymph in our body. When the lymph gets moving, cellular-level detoxification happens effectively, which helps reduce puffiness and improves overall skin vitality” says Dr Aishwarya Selvaraj, Founder & Chief Doctor of Bio Revive Clinic. Further yoga exercises help improve blood circulation. “Better blood flow helps promote brighter-looking skin and supports healthy hair growth. Yoga may help prevent the worsening of stress-related skin concerns by supporting cellular-level skin rejuvenation” adds Selvaraj.
The Poses to Note
There is no single yoga posture that can completely address aging-related changes, but certain categories of poses can be particularly beneficial. “Inversion postures, such as Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose), may help improve circulation and reduce facial puffiness. Downward Dog is another inversion posture that encourages blood flow to the upper body while also strengthening and stretching multiple muscle groups. Backbends help open the chest, improve posture, and encourage deeper breathing, which enhances oxygen delivery throughout the body. Twisting postures support circulation and overall body mobility, while neck and shoulder stretches help release tension that can positively affect facial muscles and appearance” mentions Selvaraj.
Facial Yoga
Facial yoga exercises can also be beneficial, as they engage and strengthen the muscles of the face while promoting movement of the fascia. “Simhasana (lion pose) is particularly helpful, as it actively engages the facial muscles, promotes circulation to the face, and helps release tension in the jaw and facial region. Cat-Camel pose supports spinal mobility, improves posture, and encourages coordinated movement with the breath, which can contribute to overall well-being and healthy aging. In addition, restorative poses and breathing practices (pranayama) help reduce stress levels, which is important because chronic stress can accelerate the aging process and affect skin health. Ultimately, the greatest benefits come not from one specific posture but from a consistent yoga practice routine that combines movement, breathwork, and relaxation” adds Selvaraj. She further adds that when one does face yoga, the skin gets enough oxygen and essential nutrients which helps lend a natural glow to the face. It also helps with puffiness and fluid retention by supporting the lymphatic drainage system. Face yoga not only helps with the muscles of the face but also helps rejuvenate the body from within.
Being Cautious
As with everything else, it is key to exercise certain precautions. Practice needs to be consistent and mindful so that you can achieve calmness in your routine. “Before doing yoga, do warm-up exercises and maintain focus and concentration to get the posture right. Ensure you practice on an empty stomach and wear breathable clothing. In case you experience discomfort or pain while doing yoga, or if you have any specific medical condition or are taking medications, it is better to consult a health professional before you start. Start gradually under the watchful guidance of a qualified instructor” adds Selvaraj.
Along with regular practice of yoga, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and following a suitable skincare routine can significantly contribute to healthier skin and a better quality of life.
