Wrinkles, fine lines, and patchy or sagging skin are all tell-tale signs of aging. Over time, your skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and youthfulness. While your body grapples with this natural progressive change owing to both internal and external factors, there are specific Ayurvedic remedies for anti-aging you can undertake to delay this process.
But first, let us understand what comprises good skin, Twacha or Twak. The skin is the outermost layer and one of the most significant organs of the body. The outermost layer of your skin acts as a barrier to keep it moisturized and nourished. However, environmental factors, a sedentary lifestyle, poor health choices, and the onslaught of toxins, such as sun rays, damage your skin in several ways. And premature aging is one of the most common concerns.
Ayurveda's 2000-year-old classic literature, the Charak Samhita, provides a clear-cut definition of healthy skin. The scripture says, "The healthiest skin is glossy, smooth, soft, clean and adorable with fine, thin, deep-rooted and delicate hair."
In Ayurvedic terms, aging is commonly known as "Jarā" or the act of wearing out. Some of the most common signs of skin aging are:
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Vata Skin: You can define it as dry, thin skin with pores. This type of skin is delicate, cool in nature, and tends to develop wrinkles earlier than others. Vata skin needs mild herbs such as ashwagandha or ginger, known for rejuvenating properties that help maintain skin elasticity.
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Pitta Skin: Warm in nature, this type of skin is fair and soft. It is photosensitive and cannot tolerate exposure to sunlight. Over the years, sun exposure leads to maximum damage to this skin type. Pitta skin requires nourishing facial Ayurveda oils and appropriate sun protection.
Herbs such as aloe vera, sandalwood, and turmeric help reduce signs of aging. Aloe vera boosts collagen production, while sandalwood and turmeric have antioxidant properties. These properties increase skin elasticity and slow skin cell aging.
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Kapha Skin: This type of skin is oily, thick, and cool to touch. While wrinkles develop much later in life, it is commonly prone to toxins. Kapha skin requires mild exfoliation and the use of honey with its antioxidant properties to avoid early signs of aging.
Know your dosha here
As per Ayurvedic principles, radiant skin depends on the Rutus (seasons), subtly interwoven into our Dincharya or daily routines. Many factors affect the tridoshic balance and determine youthful and healthy skin.
More importantly, the overall robustness of the three dhatus (body tissues) is essential to the strengthening of the skin:
Some of the most common Ayurvedic anti-aging herbs for healthy and youthful skin:
These include a community of age-defying herbs that preserve youthfulness and help nourish the skin by balancing the doshas and promoting optimum physiological functions. For example, Gotu Kola, in particular, is a renowned herb that falls under this category. This herb promotes collagen production and increases the production of antioxidants in the skin tissues.
READ MORE: Ayurveda on Gotu Kola: Benefits for Skin and Hair
These herbs help considerably brighten the skin's complexion by giving it a natural glow. Licorice or Madhuka is a common Varnya herb recommended in Ayurveda. It contains several beneficial compounds that are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature.
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READ MORE: Licorice: Anti Aging, Benefits And Uses
This herb cluster, known to heal and regenerate the skin, repairs wear and tear while reversing the signs of aging. These herbs protect the skin from climatic changes such as the sun, wind, and cold. Guduchi or Giloy, a classic herb that falls under this category, contains antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, lycopene, and carotene.
Deeply healing the innermost layer of the skin, Ayurvedic herbs under this category are known to be very powerful in aiding anti-aging. The Mimosa pudica or Laajvanti is known for its ability to heal wounds owing to antimicrobial properties.
Herbs under this category retain the moisture level in the body while providing it with adequate hydration. For example, grapefruit extract Ayurveda oil and rose petals are popular Tvachya herbs containing Vitamins A, E, D, and C to prevent wrinkles.
TRY: Kesaradi OilThis class of herbs protects the skin from allergens, toxins, stress, and external inflammatory factors, which result in micro-scars and pimples over a significant time. Aloe vera is a strong anti-inflammatory herb that contains Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
The herbs under this category provide much-needed luster and shine to the skin. It, in turn, aids the process of anti-aging. The herb Gotu Kola boosts collagen and contains beta carotene that helps prevent premature aging. It falls under this category.
These herbs, known to help the body avert chronic ailments, help maintain overall skin health. Amla is considered the foremost anti-aging herb with the presence of Vitamin C, iron, and fiber.
Look no further if you are wondering how to delay the aging process. We've listed 7 Ayurvedic herbs that will work like magic to help you maintain that glow you long for.
With its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties, this yellow spice has the active ingredient curcumin. When applied to the skin, turmeric helps brighten an even skin tone, speeds up healing, and reduces signs of aging. Studies even indicate that turmeric helps reduce damage caused by UV rays.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Haridra:
Guna (Quality) - Rough
Rasa (Taste) - Pungent and bitter
Virya (Potency) - Warm
This herb is a powerhouse of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, phytochemicals, and flavonoids. It can fight off radicals while boosting collagen production in the body. Overall, this helps maintain the skin's elasticity and reduces signs of aging.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Gotu Kola:
Guna (Quality) - Light
Rasa (Taste) - Astringent
Virya (Potency) - Cold
With its anti-oxidizing properties, neem leaves are packed with essential oils, Vitamin E, and antimicrobial compounds that reduce pores and even out and tighten skin. According to a study, this herb has proven to reduce wrinkles, dark circles, and signs of mature aging. It increases the rate of cell turnover and stimulates the production of collagen.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Nimba:
Guna (Quality) - Light
Rasa (Taste) - Bitter
Virya (Potency) - Cold
Rich in antioxidants, ashwagandha is known for its rejuvenating properties. It boosts rapid cell regeneration and delays the signs of aging. With the consistent use of this herb, the skin appears youthful and glows over time.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Ashwagandha:
Guna (Quality) - Light and Oily
Rasa (Taste) - Astringent and Sweet
Virya (Potency) - Hot
Amla or Amalaki has a high dose of Vitamin C with high antioxidant properties, making it an anti-aging hero. When applied topically, this fruit extract gives you radiant, even-looking skin. According to a Japanese study, it brightens the overall complexion, reduces hyperpigmentation, and increases collagen production.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Amalaki:
Guna (Quality) - Heavy
Rasa (Taste) - Sour, Bitter, Sweet, and Astringent
Virya (Potency) - Cool
A commonly used Ayurvedic herb, aloe vera has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It naturally reduces visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, owing to the presence of molecules called sterols. These promote the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Ghrit Kumari:
Guna (Quality) - Heavy and Sticky
Rasa (Taste) - Bitter
Virya (Potency) - Cool
Most effective as a skin brightening agent, saffron works wonders on the skin. Its active compounds protect against UV radiation, fight inflammation, and help reduce pigmentation while supporting skin healing.
Ayurvedic Attributes of Kesar:
Guna (Quality) - Slimy
Rasa (Taste) - Bitter and Pungent
Virya (Potency) - Hot
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According to Ayurvedic principles, you must learn to go with the flow to balance nature's energies. You can maintain a youthful appearance and turn back the clock on those years by practicing a healthy lifestyle and following a balanced diet.
Regular rejuvenation, relaxation, and skincare routines can remarkably reverse the signs of aging. However, a specific combination of products can work wonders for your skin.
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Becky
May 11, 2024
Thank you for your generous and knowledgeable advice for my health . It is deeply appreciated!