BEAUTY & SKIN DISEASES: CURE & CARE BY AYURVEDA

This article was published in the Nagaland Post on May 22, 2017

Beauty is no longer limited to females or the younger generation; it has expanded to all age groups both males and females. Today, everyone is beauty-conscious and increasingly health-conscious. People need to understand that a person’s beauty means the beauty and health of the skin. Beauty is the desire of every individual to give pleasure to the senses. It is not only a source of joy but also provides confidence and pride to some extent. Ayurvedic physicians believe that toxic materials inside our bodies make a person unattractive and cause skin diseases. Sodhana (Purification) is the best therapeutic intervention to eliminate body toxins. Safe solutions, no side effects, the use of natural herbs, and long-lasting impacts have made Ayurveda a preferred choice for skin care.

Skin diseases cause significant misery, suffering, incapacity, and economic loss. Additionally, people suffering from skin diseases often face social stigma. Ayurveda has its unique principles of diagnosing and treating various skin diseases under the category of Kuṣṭha. Considering the global prevalence of various diseases, nearly 20% of patients seeking medical advice suffer from skin diseases annually. The present scenario regarding beauty has changed completely. Our ancestral herbal beauty products like Haldi and Chandan have been replaced by chemical-laden, costly cosmetic products, leading to an increase in skin problems.

CAUSES OF SKIN DISEASES

Change in Lifestyle:

This is the root cause of most of our problems. Poor dietary habits and a shift from physical activity to mental stress have caused unhealthiness, stress, and hypertension. Irregular eating and sleeping schedules create digestion problems and skin diseases.

Decrease in Nutritional Levels:  

Poor diet leads to nutritional deficiencies. Lack of essential nutrients like Vitamin A, B1, D, and E causes skin dryness, which can lead to various other skin problems.

Disease Attack:

Disturbed lifestyle and dietary habits lead to major diseases like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, piles, and asthma, affecting the whole body, including the skin.

Hormonal Problems:

Altered lifestyles, increased stress, and anxiety affect body hormones, leading to gynecological diseases in women and testicular disorders in men. These problems adversely affect the skin, leading to infections and skin diseases.

Aging:

The pace of aging has increased. Technology advancements have made people forget that the body will naturally age. During teenage years, active sex hormones increase oil secretion, causing pimples and acne. By the 40s, these hormones slow down, leading to dryness, wrinkles, patches, and other disorders. It is a natural process, but its pace can be slowed by improving lifestyle and dietary habits and using beneficial herbs.

Excessive Beautification: 

The skin needs nourishment and massage but is often harmed by chemical-laden beauty products. These products contain harmful agents that damage the skin in the long run. Natural skin requires herbal nourishment and treatment, which is light and free from side effects.

STEPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

1. Improve Lifestyle:

   Timely sleep and diet will automatically cure problems like stress, anxiety, early aging, and gynecological issues. Reduce the use of market-available beauty products as they can harm the natural smoothness and health of the skin. Herbal treatments suit the body’s natural requirements and provide effective, lasting results.

2. Maintain Nutritional Levels: 

   Intake of nuts, sunlight, and beneficial herbs like Manjistha, Methi, Neem, and Haridra, which are useful for the skin. Natural treatments should be prioritized for beautification, such as preparing herbal face packs at home and using herbal oils like coconut oil for regular skin massages.

AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS & PANCHAKARMA THERAPIES BENEFICIAL FOR SKIN HEALTH

Ayurvedic Formulations:

• Mahamanjistha Kwath
• Khadiraristha
• Maha Sudarshanachurna
• Chandraprabha Vati
• Arogyavardhini Vati
• Kaishore Guggulu
• Neem Juice
• Aloe Vera and Karela Juice

Panchakarma Treatments:

These renowned therapies cure many significant problems, including skin-related issues. Effective therapies include:

• Virechan: Very effective for skin
• Vaman
• Sweden
• Basti
• Udvartan: Powder massage
• Herbal Face Pack
• Potli Massage: Bolus massage

Our skin is a natural gift, and we must take care of it naturally. Artificial products provide temporary shine and glow, but Ayurveda offers natural care. Ayurvedic care for skin health includes enhancing the appearance of facial skin, promoting hair growth, treating teenage skin issues (acne, pimples), and providing shampoos, soaps, powders, and perfumery.

NOTE: Ayurvedic medicines and treatments should be taken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor/physician. The drugs described in this article are for general information and educational purposes only and should not be used without consulting a qualified Ayurveda doctor/physician.