5 Common Skin Ailments Ayurveda Can Help Manage
2021 can undeniably be described as the year of increasing appearance consciousness. The pandemic has given ample time to consumers to dedicate to their skincare routines and research solutions that can effectively solve their skin concerns. The science of life, Ayurveda, says that the process of healing lies within us and offers numerous natural treatments for most skin-related problems.
- Acne
Acne is caused by the clogging of pores due to excess oil produced by our own hormones. However, acne is manageable and the best way to combat this unattractive condition is to avoid synthetic cosmetics and going all-natural with Ayurveda which is safe and easier to incorporate into our daily life.
Daily application of a paste of herbs like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Shalmali (Bombax malabaricum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Khas-Khas (Veteveria zizanoides), and Jathiphal (Myristica fragrans) is traditionally used to give excellent results in managing acne. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum regulating action of these herbs help to control acne eruptions.
Also consuming decoction or herbal juice of herbs like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) promotes healthy-looking acne-free skin through detox and good digestion, bringing beauty from the inside-out.
- Hyperpigmentation
Pigmentation or discoloration of the skin is a common complaint nowadays. Blame the blazing sun, improper diet, stressful lifestyle, or environmental pollution. All these take a toll on our skin health. Using chemical-laden cosmetics does further damage. They may show temporary improvement but may damage the skin barrier and take away its natural glow.
Applying oil of herbs like Chandana (Santalum album), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Kesar (Crocus sativus) and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Alabama) on your skin can help in the fading of pigmentation. These herbs have been researched to inhibit tyrosinase enzyme and accelerate the loss of epidermal melanin to promote even and natural skin tone.
Daily use of antioxidants-rich decoction or juice of herbs like Amla (Emblica Officinale), Aloe vera (Kumari), and Picrorrhiza kurroa (Kutki) helps to increase antioxidants, especially glutathione content in your liver to enhance its detoxification function. It also protects skin cells from free oxygen radical damage and inhibits enzymes involved in pigment formation.
- Allergic skin disorders (Dermatitis and allergic urticaria)
Allergic skin disorders are prevalent today than ever before, be it due to the changing lifestyle, lower immunity, or increase in environmental toxins, the consequences have affected approximately a quarter of the global population. Other common triggers include chemical-based soaps, detergents, and skincare products with heavy fragrances.
Since allergic skin conditions are chronic, Ayurveda recommends conducting detoxification procedures to remove the root cause. In general, pride virechana or laxatives herbs like Trivrit — (Operculina Turpenthum), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Aragwadha (Cassia Fistula), and Eranda (Ricinus Communis) can be taken for immediate relief from symptoms.
The use of antihistaminic and immunomodulatory herbs like Katurohini (Picrorrhiza aurora), Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa) helps to reduce itchy lesions.
- Fungal skin infection
Most people living in tropical climates tend to suffer from fungal infections at least once in their lives. Poor hygiene, humidity, and warm weather are possible causes of fungal infections. Presently rise in Candida infections could also be due to a reflection of an inherently higher level of antifungal drug resistance to more aggressive forms of medications (Anti-fungal creams and tablets).
Ayurveda has a vast repository of medicinal plants having antiseptic and antifungal properties that help in curing skin diseases. Herbs like Marich (Piper nigrum), Karanja beej (Pongamia pinnata), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Indrayava (Citrullus colocynthis), and Chitrakmul (Plumbago zeylanicum) can be used as a topical application and taken orally to control the spread and inhibit the mycosis infection in the body.
- Xerosis (Dry skin)
Xerosis is a common condition experienced by millions of people either chronically or acutely in response to changes in the environment, skincare regimen, age, or illness. Many cleansers contain surfactants that extract and emulsify skin surface lipids and the intracellular lipids between the corneocytes of the epidermis, damaging the skin barrier and increases water loss.
Daily self-massage (Abhyanga) with herbal massage oil like coconut oil, almond oil, sesame oil, and castor oil, is one of the oldest Ayurvedic self-care practices for dry skin. You can massage yourself with warm oil 30 minutes before you shower or use infused oil with moisturizing herbs like aloe vera, sandalwood, moringa, and licorice to massage your body twice a week.
Shata Dhauta Ghrita or 100 times washed ghee is a classical ayurvedic preparation that has the capability to penetrate to the seventh layer of the skin and hydrate the skin at the root level.
The skin is a sensitive and exposed organ that should be treated with care. It is designed to be a strong and protective barrier and has the ability to shield you from harmful pathogens. However, the skin is prone to a variety of disorders depending on your age, diet, lifestyle, and individual body type. Ayurveda provides a unique outlook on how to care for your skin. Although Ayurveda does offer excellent topical skin treatments, the internal imbalance that causes the condition is the priority. The skin reflects the health of the blood and the digestive system. These systems are closely intertwined, so healthy blood chemistry and strong digestion are essential components for healthy skin. By supporting digestion and cleaning toxins from the blood, the skin will be soft, supple, clear, and healthy.
