Managing Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Ayurveda
We’re all looking for that magic cure for fine lines and wrinkles. Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean we have to be resigned to them prematurely. The natural aging process is inevitable and should be embraced, but there are ways to lessen its effects on your skin.
This is not just for aesthetic reasons. The skin plays a major role in our overall health, performing many vital roles such as temperature control, balancing hydration and removing waste to name a few.
As people grow older, their skin naturally becomes less nourished by natural inner oils. Losing elasticity in the skin leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Wrinkles are worsened by other factors such as sun exposure, smoking and especially stress. The sun's ultraviolet radiation (above level 5 UVA) causes connective tissues that maintain the skin's elasticity to break down, leading to deeper and more visible wrinkles on sun-exposed skin.
Ayurveda’s Perspective on Wrinkles
Ayurvedically speaking, wrinkles are often the result of imbalances in Vata energy. Vata is the element associated with movement and change. As people grow older, their skin naturally loses oil and becomes drier—which leaves them with more noticeable wrinkles. Moisturizers, facial peels, Botox injections, laser resurfacing, and plastic surgery are all western methods of wrinkle reduction.
In Ayurveda, wrinkles are treated by reducing the imbalances associated with Vata energy. In essence, this involves reducing the excess of air energy through the use of nourishing, moisturizing practices, such as the intake of oils, the use of topical applications of oils, specialized oil-massage treatments, and the consumption of foods and herbs that help to nourish the body as a whole.
The Diet’s Effect on Wrinkles
According to Ayurveda, the diet is the basis for nearly all ailments and diseases. One of the ways to shift the Vata energy is to make conscious choices as to what foods we consume.
- It is best to consume cooked foods over raw and dried ones, as they are more digestible and grounding to the body.
- Favor nourishing foods such as white basmati rice, barley, ghee, milk, and cooked vegetables.
- Ghee can be melted over cooked foods on a regular basis to lubricate the body and moisturize the skin.
- It is important to not go without nourishment for long periods of time, as this can result in excessive lightness and further aggravate Vata.
- Dry and cold foods as well as pungent, bitter and astringent tastes will dry out the body and aggravate the Vata dosha.
- Choose room temperature or hot beverages to encourage the strength of the digestive fire.
Lifestyle Changes for Reducing Wrinkles
Avoid the sun on the face as much as possible when it is strong. If going outside, be sure to use a natural sunscreen. If you have to go out without sunscreen, try to limit your time in the sun. If you can't avoid it, try to use a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself as much as possible.
One of the best ways to keep your skin looking young and vibrant is by massaging it with sesame, coconut, rose or almond oil. This will help to keep your skin flexible and supple, as well as prevent dryness that can lead to premature aging.
Avoid synthetic moisturizers made from ingredients like chemicals, water, and alcohol for this is likely to dry out the skin in the long-term. Instead opt for natural moisturizers like Jojoba or olive oil that contain anti-inflammatory properties which will help calm irritation from sun exposure and other environmental factors such as pollution or smoggy air quality levels.
Herbal Supplements for Wrinkles
Our cellular structure is strengthened by herbs by aiding digestion, breaking down and eliminating toxins, and aiding elimination of toxins. One of the best herbs is Ashwagandha, which is rich in bio-active properties that help deeply cleanse, moisturize, and calm the skin. Ashwagandha has been shown to control collagen depletions and smoothen fine lines. It also helps with mental calmness, reducing stress, which can also exacerbate wrinkles.
Visit InspireLiving.co for more information on diet and lifestyle.
Visit 108.health to read more on Ashwagandha.
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