2 Herbs For Great Skin

Would you like to have great skin?

Do you invest in your skin care and still feel dissatisfied with how your skin looks?

Many people waste a lot of money on their skin to look and feel better.  They do not understand their skin problems and reach for magic bullet solutions, sometimes making the problem worse.

There is a way out of this problem with some revisions in your self-care. First, we have to understand the causes of skin problems and how to get great skin.

What Causes Skin Problems?

Skin problems come from may sources: viruses and bacteria are two common sources. However, the biggest source of skin problems is actually how we live.

Diet, water, rest and exercise play the most important roles in our skin condition. The seasons are also important since seasonal factors play an important role in skin aggravation: winter wind can dry the skin, summer heat can burn it. Toxins of all sorts can clog our bodies including our skin.

Here in the west, we think of skin as a layer of tissue covering our bodies. Ayurveda has a more complex and holistic understanding of this important organ.

The Seven Layers Of The Skin

Ayurveda has identified 7 layers to the skin.

According to this MAPI article on skin care, they are:

1. Avabhasini: This is the outermost layer. It reflects the complexion and the quality of nutrition. It also acts as a mirror: it indicates whether the physiology as a whole is balanced or imbalanced, and whether there is inner health or disorder. The avabhasini layer also reflects the aura of the individual-if there is inner bliss, it shows on this layer. It does not have its own color: it reflects the colors of the inner layers. Internal and external re-hydration and regular massage supports the health and appearance of the avabhasini layer of the skin.
2. Lohita: This layer supports the outermost layer. It indicates the quality and health of the blood. If there is ama (impurities) in the blood, it impacts the aura of the outer layer and accentuates sensitivity to the sun. The color of this layer resembles molten iron.
3. Shweta: This is a white layer, and it provides balance to skin color, lightening the darker colors of the inner layers.
4. Tamra: This layer nurtures the upper layers of the skin. It supports the immune system. This is the layer that helps the skin perform its function of being a “barrier. Skin infections reflect an imbalance in this layer. It is copper-colored.
5. Vedini: This fifth layer sensually links the skin to the rest of the body. It is the center for transformation of sensation-feeling of pain, for example.
6. Rohini: This layer supports healing and regeneration. Imbalance in this layer retards healing and the disappearance of scars over time. A balanced diet, rich in nutritional value, supports the rohini layer.
7. Mamsadhara: This innermost layer is the platform for the skin’s stability and firmness. When this layer is in balance, the skin looks young and supple.

The Skin And The Immune System

All parts of the body are vulnerable to toxins including the skin.

The immune system protects us from toxins and our body expels them in various ways. The skin plays an important role in the release of these toxins from the body. Whenever our skin is showing signs of some sort of damage, it is because of some imbalance or toxins in the body that need to be released.

Most Common Causes Of Skin Problems

The following are among the most common lifestyle causes of skin problems:

• dehydration
• poor quality food: processed, fast food, and leftovers
• wrong food for our system
• lack of sleep
• stress of all kinds
• overwork
• weather changes that are a problem for your body time
• lack of exercise

The best way to improve skin conditions is to begin changing our lifestyles.

Improving Skin Condition

Diet, exercise, hydration, stress reduction and a good night’s sleep will improve skin resilience and health.

In addition, these herbs will help remove toxins from the skin and improve appearance:

1. Neem is one of the most important herbs for the skin; it’s leaves, bark and oil are all used in healing preparations. Neem has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungical benefits.
   1. according to the Neem Foundation, neem is useful in treating fungus based conditions: athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candida.
   2. neem has been used to successfully treat psoriasis, eczema and other conditions.
   3. neem is antibacterial properties help heal sores and burns.
2. Turmeric is known as a wound healer. Turmeric improves skin conditions by purifying the blood.

Massage For Great Skin

A daily massage is a daily practice that makes skin feel wonderful while it helps remove toxins.  There are two different types: warm oil massage and dry massage.

1. Warm oil massage or abhyanga is a head-to-toe form of self-massage that provides deep healing to the tissues.  Using herbal oils provides nourishment and detoxification to the many levels of the skin and joints. It is done daily for maximum effect.  Daily massage has a calming effect on the entire being and is a great way not only to have great skin but also to reduce stress.  One of the best results of daily warm oil massage is incredible soft skin!
2. Dry massage also called garshan is great for treating cellulite which is caused by a buildup of toxic fat and poor circulation.  Garshan like warm oil massage is conducted in the morning using silk gloves which stimulate the skin resulting in the removal of toxins.

Both types of massage are beneficial depending on your need. This Ayurvedic massage pdf gives instructions for both massage types.

Getting Started On Creating Great Skin

Great health starts with good food, healthy water, stress relief practices, and exercise. Adding herbs for skin can accelerate your healing, and massage will make your skin soft and help you feel wonderful and save you a lot of money.