If your face is a window to your soul, your skin is the window to your health. This is because, if any other organ in your body is not functioning properly, it will be clearly reflected on your skin. For example, pimples occur due to a bad gut or stress in the brain.
In this fast-paced lifestyle, constant UV exposure, pollution, and makeup can wreak havoc on your skin, making it look dull and lifeless. A regular skincare routine with an Ayurvedic skin detox can reverse these changes by reducing the signs of damage caused by toxins. This article provides a comprehensive review of skin detox, its benefits and steps involved in Ayurvedic skin detox.
What is a Skin Detox?
A skin detox in simple terms means, cleansing and nourishing the skin from inside out. It can be done through your diet as well as by the application of certain face masks and packs on the skin. Skin detox removes all impurities, toxins, pollutants and dead skin cells. It also regulates the skin’s pH levels and restores the fresh, normal look.
When Does the Skin Require a Detox?
The indications of the skin needing a detox include:
- An uneven skin tone
- Dull-looking skin
- Oily skin
- Sensitive or dry skin
- Sagging and wrinkled skin
- Irritated skin with breakouts
Ayurveda and Skin Health
According to Ayurveda, a number of factors determine skin health and youthfulness, and these include proper moisture balance (Kapha in balance), effective functioning of the metabolic mechanisms that coordinate various chemical and hormonal reactions of the skin (Pitta in balance), and efficient circulation of blood and nutrients to the different layers of the skin (Vata in balance).
Important Steps Involved in Ayurvedic Skin Detox
An Ayurvedic practitioner can help you determine your Dosha and recommend you the ideal skin detox regime with herbs and supplements. Listed below are the important steps involved in an Ayurvedic skin detox.
A Healthy and Well-balanced Diet
According to Ayurveda, your diet plays a vital role in both safeguarding or harming your skin. Food is one of the prominent factors which cause most of the Doshas in the body. Therefore, if you wish to get the best results from your skin detox, your diet should also be equally considered. It is recommended to choose a diet based on your specific body type and Doshas. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains in your diet. Say no to sugary and fried foods, eating these foods can trigger inflammation and pimples. Also, avoid food with high glycaemic content as they harm your skin health.
Drink Lots of Water
Drink at least 12 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated and flush out all toxins from your body. Avoid dehydrating drinks such as coffee and tea and switch to detox water instead. It is made by infusing water with fruits, vegetables or herbs. Detox water ensures excellent skin rejuvenating benefits by releasing toxins and restores the natural look.
Skin Exfoliation with Scrubs and Masks
As you grow older, your skin does not shed dead skin cells effectively or in a timely manner like how it was when you were younger. Ayurvedic exfoliation resolves this problem with specially formulated scrubs and masks that help in clearing dead skin cells, enabling efficient skin detoxification.
Detox facial
An Ayurvedic detox facial benefits your skin by removing impurities, pollutants and dead skin cells. It also encourages increased production of collagen and elastin. Ayurvedic detox facial products use herbs with excellent anti-ageing and antioxidant properties to eliminate the metabolic waste known as Ama.
Abhyanga or Ayurvedic Massage
This traditional Ayurvedic procedure is a great detoxifying treatment for your skin. Abhyanga soothes and nourishes your skin by entering and cleansing your sweat glands. It effectively hydrates and replenishes all tissues supporting good blood circulation. Abhyanga can also help reduce stress thereby minimizing worse skin effects.
Supporting your skin’s natural ability to detoxify not only gives you fresh and glowing skin but also makes you feel better from the inside out. Therefore, no matter how busy your schedule is, make sure to set apart some time for self-care with regular skin detox.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Jyoti Lakhani
