Glowing Skin
All of us have heard the saying
‘beauty comes from within’. Now, while it may have been invented to indicate our soft skills and talents, that’s just not all there is to it. According to Ayurveda, beauty truly comes from within!
Natural beauty and self-care have been an inevitable part of Ayurvedic wisdom right from ancient times. Centuries of careful observation, detailed studies conducted, and tried-and-tested preparations all stand to show how invested this wellness system is when it comes to improving health, as Ayurveda focuses to provide a balanced and harmonious life, holistically.
Your skin health can actually speak volumes about your general health.
According to Ayurveda, smooth and glowing skin is also interpreted as an indication of overall good health and genuine well-being.
So, it is not only important that we take care proper care of our skin, but our entire body!
Glowing skin is nothing but a fresh,
radiant appearance with which your skin shines, especially when it’s
lively and full of spirit. Ayurveda explains that this
energy, in turn, makes your skin look awake and healthy, imparting a
dewy sheen and a rosy tinge
- and all these together makes the skin gleam.
Or, in other words, your skin becomes exceptionally smooth...
So smooth that it reflects light, creating a glossy appearance.
Such a visible luminescence makes skin look
youthful, evenly textured and attractive. This luster is what beauty blogs and magazines often, unmistakably, refer to as “the glow”.
But, in Ayurveda, the story doesn’t end there...
Sure, with highlighters and bronzers, your skin might radiate a sparkly appearance, but an
original glow
is more than just skin deep.
According to Ayurveda, this should be a
natural lit-from-within factor that is the result of a
balanced mind-body-spirit connection
as well when the
Doshas are in harmony.
All the more, Ayurveda believes that
skin is like a mirror to the internal functioning of the human body. Therefore, if there's a lack of, or increase in any constituents including elements, nutrients or even hormones,
your skin is the first place where symptoms materialize.
In simpler terms, your skin is wired directly to your internal organs and so, the health of one affects the other.
In Ayurveda, the study of skin and its different qualities and properties starts right when it begins to form in a fetus. So, you can imagine the depth and seriousness with which Ayurveda considers skincare. In Ayurveda, skincare is not just about attaining beautiful skin but also about taking care of your skin so that your entire body is healthy – a literal inside out glow!
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is also the first line of protection against infections, germs and other disease-causing substances.
When you have healthy skin that glows, Ayurveda recognizes it as a sign that you also have:
Optimum hydration levels
Proper functioning of internal body systems
Good immunity and resistance to defend your body
This is why in Ayurveda, the goal of attaining glowing skin is not just about attaining a luminous complexion, but goes beyond that: by enkindling that glow from the inside through healthy practices including not just daily skin care routines but also major lifestyle practices too.
Now, that we have covered the basics, let’s jump into the most asked question:
While there is no foolproof method that works the same way for everyone, there are a few things that help everyone, no matter your current skin type or general health.
Following the Ayurvedic perspective when it comes to healthy food habits, exercise, maintaining a proper sleep cycle and following a natural beauty care, we’ve curated a few simple steps that you can easily incorporate to make sure you enjoy that remarkably glowing skin too!
As we’ve already established that the quality of skin is a reflection of what’s inside, a crucial element under this section would, of course, be the fuel we provide our body.
When it comes to food and a healthy diet for glowing skin, Ayurveda recommends:
Yup, you heard this right! These spices are more than just flavor-boosting substances. In fact, you’ll be surprised to find out the amount of nutrients in them!
Fenugreek is rich in
Beta Carotene, Vitamin C and K which are THE go-to essentials known for their natural youth-boosting properties.
Cumin, on the other hand, works mostly to help clear up your skin and enhance the texture, look and complexion as it comes naturally rich in
Vitamin E - the most used vitamin to treat skin problems like
dullness and is recommended specifically for glowing skin. The high measures of
potassium,
calcium and
copper also fortify your skin against allergies while they
deep-cleanse and
detoxify your body from the inside.
Ayurveda even recommends
cumin water to boost immunity and help restore
flawless and
ageless skin. It is indispensable for keeping your skin delicate, supple and smooth as it works on all the skin parameters, whether it’s scars or acne or wrinkles. Its solid impact on skin is strongly visible on whatever skin issue you might be facing and helps your skin naturally glow, from the inside.
Pro Tip:
Cumin water is a millennium-old traditional folk remedy that has various nutritive health benefits along with enhancing the quality of your skin. To make cumin water, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to a cup of water. Boil and strain the cumin seeds to enjoy this water, either warm, as it is, or cooled. Drink daily for best results.
Besides, these spices also give you a good reason to level up your cooking skills by including them in your recipes for extra flavor and an added pep.
Both fenugreek and cumin also produce wonderous effects when applied topically on skin. They are both known for boosting a youthful look and enhancing the very spirit. These exotic spices can be used alone as a scrub by themselves or along with other clarifying and smoothening herbs to give your face a shining glow.
If you’d like to experience the truly mesmerizing quality of cumin in a polyherbal formulation, you can try
iYURA Varanya Pure Black Even-Toning Facial Potion, that is enriched with the benefits of cumin along with 3 other spices!
With this intensely-nurturing vegan oil, you can be assured that not only will your skin appear clean and free of the looks of
acne, pimples or redness, but also feel uber-brightened with a definite upgrade in your complexion!
A staple in Indian cuisines since ancient times, ghee or clarified butter has even been dubbed the ‘Ayurvedic Superfood’ for its incredible rejuvenating properties for skin and the entire body. This alternative to normal butter comes with benefits galore, especially for skin. Ghee is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and linoleic acid – the nutritive trio helps impart the golden hue of ghee to your skin! Being a natural emollient, it also helps enhance the texture of your skin for a silky-smooth feel essential to marvelously glowing skin.
Wait, what’s the catch here? Something cannot be this good, right? Except it’s a Superfood so it is indeed true, ghee is THAT good!
You can easily include ghee as a healthier alternative to vegetable or seed oil as it can handle the high temperatures without damaging its nutrients. Pssst! It’s also a better choice over butter if you're lactose or casein sensitive.
Or, if you’d like to experience the magic of this ‘Ayurvedic Superfood’ directly, right on your skin, you can also try
Ajara Sandalwood Rose Eye Butter, for an extra-clarified shine and to add a sparkle to eyes, literally!
This ‘miracle pot of gold’ is made from
pure organic ghee and also contains the goodness of both
sandalwood and rose, to form a never-before-seen concoction. Now, flaunt the same glow of your skin on your eyes too with this luxurious golden emollient. If you wish to say your final goodbyes to
dull, aged or tired-looking eyes, then you’ve hit jackpot with this one!
Or, experience the goodness of
100-times washed cow ghee with Cleanalyn 100% Natural Jelly - Eucalyptus.
This Multi-purpose
7-in-1 go-to Ayurvedic moisturizer that has
outperformed Petroleum Jelly in Clinical Testing when it came to firmness (after 4 hours of application). It is clinically proven to provide moisturization for
48 hours and boost skin luminosity and firmness!
Made with
3 classical Ayurvedic formulations, this is an intensely moisturizing jelly with the soothing and moisturizing powers of Eucalyptus.
With their rich essential oils and other nutrients that specifically cater to provide a flawless look and an immensely satisfying smooth finish to skin, you can never go wrong with seeds. They also offer optimum levels of hydration to keep skin moist, perfectly hydrated and clear enough to bounce off light!
What’s even better is that – from sunflower seeds to sesame seeds to melon seeds to pumpkin seeds, they’re all incredibly versatile and can easily be included in your diet like dressings and seasoning on soups and salads.
If you’re averse to including these dry-roasted seeds but still want the same effects naturally, Tulsi or Holy Basil is your best friend. Regular intake of Tulsi is even recommended in Ayurveda as the essential way to flaunt a
younger-looking skin that’s replete with a glowing tone.
And what if we tell you that Tulsi is now available as an alternative dietary supplement to up your skin game? Yes, try Ayuttva’s
USDA-Certified Organic Tulsi Caplets, nature’s own ‘incomparable’ secret to
boost immunity and
support natural metabolism all while imparting an
uber-clarifying effect to your skin!
Who knew the wonderous effects of this magic-like herb could now be available in
easy-to-consume caplet format, that too with the USDA Organic seal?! Guess, when ancient sciences meet with modern technologies, there is indeed much benefits!
Wondering if this miracle herb also could be used for external application, if it’s sooo good? You’re right! Try this
Ajara Tulsi Mint Tonifying Eye Gel, a
polyherbal blend of 11 distinctive Ayurvedic herbs to lend your eyes the same sparkle as your skin.
As they say, bright eyes bring out your skin’s glow even more, this gel is designed to give you exactly that very same effect! Now, feel experience the joy of naturally
revitalized,
nourished and
refreshed-looking eyes to go with your
radiant, glowing skin, for a completely rejuvenated look.
Ever wondered why your skin doesn’t have this characteristic glow, even though you’re pretty much healthy and may even already have all of the above in your diet?
Well, that’s because this glow actually depends on a few important qualities of your skin too.
Tone
Texture
Clearness
Fun fact:
All these qualities might bring to your mind the famous ‘pregnancy glow’ now, don’t they? That’s because it is actually true! During pregnancy, greater blood volume makes the skin look flushed, clear and smooth while the associated changes in hormones also help the skin glands to secrete more sebum, resulting in an eye-catchy glow and an even-toned texture.
To enhance these qualities and to take care of your skin, first you must also be aware of the causes that prevent this distinctive glow, which brings us straight to:
Ayurveda provides that there be a number of reasons, both external and internal, that prevent your skin from sporting the glowy look you wish for. To regain your skin’s natural radiance and shine, let’s see what causes your skin to lose it, in the first place:
Cleansing might be no new story but are you sure that your method of exfoliation suits your skin type? Ayurveda recommends that exfoliation should be done based on your skin type, corresponding to the ratio of the 3 doshas or constituents that make up your body. It is the aggravation of these 3, namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha, that leads to dry, sensitive or oily skin, respectively. When you don’t match your routine to your dosha type, it also hinders your skin’s natural quality that makes it glow.
The primary purpose of exfoliation is to remove the dead skin cell build-up which might otherwise cause dullness, rough or patchy-looking skin. To correctly do this according to your elevated doshas, you can use the following DIY gentle cleanser/scrubs:
Pro Tip:
For Vata skin: Prepare a fine paste by mixing a spoon of
almond powder
and ½ spoon of
coconut milk. Apply it to your face and gently massage it for a few minutes. Then wash your face with lukewarm water.
For Pitta skin: Prepare a thick paste by mixing a spoon of
lentil flour, ½ spoon of
neem powder, and one spoon of water. Exfoliate your skin using this paste and then wash it off with cool water.
For Kapha skin: Add ½ spoon of
lemon juice to ½ spoon of
honey
and apply it to your face. Wait for 5 minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water.
Did you also know that some of the most common natural exfoliators are ingredients we often have in our kitchen? Yes, it’s finally that time – the time to raid our kitchens! According to Ayurveda, you can never go wrong with these often-seen foods as natural exfoliators:
Honey
With its powerful humectant qualities, it makes for a natural cleanser that also perfectly moisturizers the face. Plus, who doesn’t wish the glow of honey on their face, right?!
Yogurt
Yogurt contains natural lactic acid and zinc which exfoliates the skin in such a way that it reveals the fresh skin below. It also helps in soothing your skin with its coolness while it even-tones too.
Papaya
Naturally rich in papain, which has exfoliating properties that helps to remove dead skin cells and smoothes the look of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots, Papaya is one of the best fruits that has cleanser-exfoliator-toner effects all rolled into one.
But, if you're looking for an easy-to-use, excellent exfoliator and detoxifier your search ends at
Nicumin Brightening & Even-Toning Face Mask. It contains the
purifying powers of Turmeric,
even-toning goodness of Black Seed or ‘Nigella Sativa’ and
exfoliating effects of the mildest and safest AHA derived from lactic acid. This unique, biweekly mask has a purging effect for skin troubled by
acne spots, blemishes and breakouts, all while
deeply nourishing it from within
Comes in a ready-to-use paste format that maintains hygiene – Simply squeeze, apply and let the Ayurvedic ingredients do their magic! It has a
creamy, smooth texture and does not stain, despite being enriched with Turmeric.
It reduces
dullness and the appearance of dark spots, blemishes and age spots, promoting an even toned looking texture! It is Vegan, Dermatologically Tested and free of Lactose.
Now, to answer one of the most recurring questions –
how often should you exfoliate?
Even though it’s an inevitable step in your skincare routine that you should never skip, the frequency of exfoliation should again, be according to your skin type, age, climate and atmospheric factors in the place where you live and even in harmony with your body metabolism.
But ideally you can
exfoliate up to 2-3 times a week, though you should be mindful to regulate it based on the above conditions.
According to Ayurveda, as you age, the dosha that encompasses the space + air elements –
Vata dosha - aggravates. This kickstarts your process of aging,
decreases the rate at which
cells rejuvenate and thereby, causes your skin to look
dull, dry or even dehydrated. This, in turn, affects the quality of
texture of your skin preventing it from a glowing appearance.
Remember how we explained the doshas in the stages of life, in our article about 'What causes wrinkles?' As babies, we move through the stage of Kapha infused with smooth, oily skin and unctuousness, in general. That's why babies and young children often have that enviable dewy skin!
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you feed your body. Only when you eat clean will your body also break down the nutrients properly and make for way for healthy, glowing skin. Ayurveda recommends to include at least a minimum of 5 portions of fruits and vegetables every day. Ensure that you also eat Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, broccoli, sweet potatoes and strawberries as these contain natural antioxidants that fight the look of tiredness and ensure a sparkly appearance.
Moisturization is a crucial step to secure a healthy skin that’s glowing. If truth be told, Ayurvedic beauty suggests regular massage with herbal oils for a perfectly unctuous skin with optimal balance of hydration and moisture. Without prudent and regular ‘abhyanga’ or self-massage with an oil that maintains this balance, your skin will have more chances that it may appear flaky or scaly which tampers with your texture, thereby minimizing a raw shine.
Unlike other superficial treatments, Ayurvedic herbs help you rejuvenate your skin from inside and balance your doshas as well.
And for this, Ayurveda resorts to natural herbs. The function of Ayurvedic herbs is to purify skin and eliminate vitiations of the 3 doshas from the body as such, they are mainly responsible for protecting the skin from disorders and keeping the whole body healthy.
Herbs have always been an inevitable part of Ayurvedic study and practices. In fact, so much so that, Ayurveda has classified herbs into specific categories for different purposes. And sure enough there is one that particularly focuses on glow-giving herbs.
Traditionally known as
‘Kanti-Vardhaka’ or
one that enhances radiance, the herbs classified under this section serves to naturally adorn the skin with a glowing look, a finishing touch and a mesmerizing healthy feel.
Several herbs have been mentioned in Ayurveda which are used to obtain healthy skin and glowing complexion. Revered for their
‘Varnya’ or
complexion-enhancing property, the following can be trusted as a foolproof way to always make sure you’ve radiant and glowing skin:
Typically known as a complexion enhancer, Manjistha provides an even-toned appearance for a clean and clear look. It is also a keen complexion booster and skin brightener. It is known to bring about clear-looking, youthful and vibrant skin. Moreover, it gives skin a clean and clear appearance and promotes youthfulness.
Further, according to Ayurveda, it enhances and evens out the skin tone (Varnakrit), exfoliates and purifies the skin (Vishahar), soothes the skin (Shothahar), and brings a healthy-looking glow to the face, for a fresh, gorgeous look. Indian Madder is one of the most potent Ayurvedic herbs when trying to clarify your skin or your body. Its nature is to brighten the skin’s complexion radically, to take away the day-to-day dullness that sits on your skin and makes you look older.
Pro Tip:
Mix Manjistha powder with a little honey until it gets a fine texture. Apply this pack on your face for 10-15 minutes. Wash away with lukewarm water. Continue about 2-3 times a week.
If you need a much more nuanced and research-backed support to get a glowing skin, try
iYURA Manjish Glow Elixir, to flaunt a clean, clear and skin with a never-before-seen glow and an illumined complexion.
This elixir, cooked using ingredients strictly according to ancient Ayurvedic recipes, is a miracle-potion to provide you an elevated experience for a radiant complexion. Infused with Manjistha, along with other nutritive Kanti-Vardhaka herbs such as lemon and butter tree bark, it provides the perfect unctuousness to make sure that your skin is smooth enough to glow!
With as little as 4 drops, in a 5-minute massage for 7 seven nights, you’ll get to see the visible change in your facial profile yourself!
For an added clarifying effect to boost your skin’s natural glow, you can also try
iYURA Paraania Oil, which is enriched with the goodness of not just Manjistha but also other deep-cleansing herbs such as neem, turmeric and Indian long pepper.
This vegan, light-textured oil is an intense power-potion to get an instant glow-up as it makes your skin look radiant, smooth and clear – all in a matter of minutes! Also infused with the secret, authentic Ayurvedic ingredient, Himalayan rock salt to help with hydration retention, this wonderful oil presents to you the best and the easiest way to flaunt glowing skin!
Now gift yourself an inside-out makeover, with the combined goodness of both iYURA Manjistha Glow Elixir and iYURA Paraania Oil in this all new avatar – as
iYURA Manjistha Magic Duo - for a perfectly luminescent, attractive skin that shines with a natural glow!
Hmm...never heard before? That’s because this incredibly potent nutrient-rich lentil comes naturally packed with everything that makes it more effective than your regular highlighter or toner BUT is seldom used. Truth be told, its innumerable effective properties haven’t even been completely discovered – there’s that many!
Widely popular for its unctuousness and intense nourishment, Black Gram is known to keep the skin's moisture intact. Meanwhile, it is also youth-promoting, soothing and helps keep the skin’s moisture level at an optimum level. Black Gram is, in itself, moisture-boosting owing to its innate nature for keeping hydration levels at optimum rates. In an ancient Sanskrit text, it has been called the ‘utter-nourisher’ that nourishes all 7 tissues in the body, with equally strong clarifying effects.
Pro Tip:
Soak half a cup of black gram overnight in water and grind it into paste in the morning. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of ghee and mix thoroughly. Apply the paste for not more than 20-25 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.
Can’t find this ‘utter-nourisher’ in your local market but still craves for the glow it provides? We’ll help sort you out! Try
iYURA Yauvari Amplified Youth Spring, no doubt enriched with our star ingredient – black gram!
Perfect for skin that appears dry or aged – that which affects the texture preventing a glow – this power-packed natural protein-rich serum will help wage your worst wars for you. Cooked in a combination of 3 base oils, Yauvari helps your skin be more smooth, supple and dewy so that it rightly glows and bounces off light with that luminescent effect!
Or, if you were hoping for a full-body glow-up, you can also try
iYURA Balaayah Black Gram Body Booster, which also contains the goodness of black gram. This exception concoction, straight from the ancient texts of Ayurveda is an ingenious invention that perfectly balances the 2 important features responsible for a glowing skin – hydration and moisturization.
This rich vegan oil with a scintillating aroma gives you the best option to make your skin feel healthy, strong, glowing and naturally good, with regular use. A perfect addition to your skincare, Balaayah provides the best way to revamp your beauty for an instant day-long support to combat dryness.
And, together, they form one of iYURA’s most sought-after duo set powered with the moisturizing energy of Black Gram, at 10% OFF –
Black Gram Face & Body Duo!
This old, known kitchen-candy is far from being just a ‘sweetie’ - it can get pretty feisty to ward off the look of signs of ageing from dry skin to the appearance to fine lines and even wrinkles. It is also known to have a deep moisturizing effect or ‘snigdha’ according to Ayurveda. Besides, licorice is also a great complexion-enhancer that gifts a youthful look and a woke presence to skin by keeping it enriched and nourished enough to radiate a glow.
Pro Tip:
Add 1 tablespoon of licorice root powder to ½ tablespoon of sandalwood powder and mix it in 2 tablespoons of raw milk. Make sure that the consistency is thick enough to apply as a paste. Let the pack sit for at least 15-20 minutes before washing it off with cool water. Repeat once a week for best results.
Or, if you’re looking for to bring a more professional touch to your skincare routine, you can also try
iYURA Kesaradi Oil, which is specifically designed to infused a gold-like hue and enhance a natural glow to your face.
In addition to licorice, Kesaradi oil also contains other common but effective Kanti-Vardhaka herbs such as saffron, the costliest spice in the world and turmeric, the ultimate glow-inducer, as per ancient Ayurvedic texts. Together, these ingredients have been cooked to form a concoction that only works but has been known to work so well that you’ll be surprised yourself!
With Kesaradi, you never have to fear having a bad-skin day because it makes sure that your looks speak for you, just with a radiant glow!
If you’re looking for a more modern solution, especially for sensitive skin, then you can also try
Ajara Lavender Licorice Restorative Exfoliator. As the name suggests, this scrub contains a unique blend of herbs and flours in a gentle base of goat milk to reboot your skin.
Glow? Smooth finish? Firm Look? All your skin woes are taken care of here! With the soothing aroma of lavender and clarifying effect of licorice, this scrub helps bring back your skin to a natural state of equilibrium, all while imparting freshness that enhances a sparkling glow!
Ayurveda offers the perspective that while all skin conditions can seem superficial in nature, the skin is actually a mirror to all the unseen realities within each of our bodies. Usually, skin conditions are not caused by an issue on the surface of the skin; they are far more likely to be the
result of a deeper imbalance - making it somewhat ineffective to treat the symptom alone.
This is why Ayurveda aims to
identify and treat the underlying cause of skin imbalances, which makes it even more effective too. By delving deep beneath the surface of the skin - an approach that can take a little time, Ayurveda offers real and sustained results – one that will improve your life in ways that you never imagined skin care could.
The best part? The improvements you’ll notice on the surface of your skin are usually the result of consistent skincare practices and natural remedies, like those mentioned above, that you can whip up yourself — not just to make your skin glow but to make it glow from the inside out and everything along the way!
