Yoga is celebrated for its stress-relieving and strength-building abilities – but did you know that it can also benefit your skin? Yoga glow is one thing, and if you practice regularly, you've probably noticed positive changes in your complexion. Dr. Genieve Burley tells us: "Moving your body is medicine. It enables detoxification by flushing all organs, increases breathing, lubricates the joints and strengthens the muscles. Breathing and moving in yoga can help balance hormones and move stagnant waste in the gut. All of this leads to healthier and happier skin. " In honor of Wellness month in August and National yoga month In September you can see the power of yoga for radiant skin on and next to the mat.
On the mat: 5 yoga poses for healthy skin
Yoga benefits for the skin start on the mat. Dendy Engelman, MD tells SELF: "Yoga causes vasodilation (enlargement of the blood vessels), which leads to increased blood flow to the skin, provides it with more oxygen and nutrients and is suitable for skin reddening or a" glow "." Whether you practice at home or in the studio, here are five yoga poses for a glowing complexion.
Tadasana (mountain pose)
With its focus on deep, rhythmic breathing, this simple standing posture helps to relieve stress and improve oxygen flow. According to NDTV: "Taking in more oxygen through controlled breathing helps the body release harmful toxins and keep the skin healthy and glowing." By improving blood circulation, Tadasana improves lymphatic drainage, which lightens the complexion and reduces swelling around the eyes.
How to do mountain pose:
- Stand comfortably with your big toes touching and your heels slightly apart
- Press the soles of your feet into the ground, grab your thighs and pull them in and up
- Extend your tailbone to the floor and pull your stomach in
- Keep your chin parallel to the mat and pull your shoulders back and down
- Soften your eyes and neck and let your arms hang next to your torso
- Optional: Raise your hands in a prayer position in front of your chest
- Close your eyes
- Breathe in and out for 5 breaths
Uttanasana (standing forward fold)
Inversions are one of the best ways to stimulate facial blood flow and increase skin cell oxygenation. Yoga teacher Jessica Bellofatto tells Shape: "If I don't have the opportunity for an entire yoga practice, I take at least five minutes and turn my head – it works against gravity and against aging and gives the skin an absolutely healthy glow."
How to make a standing forward fold:
- Stand in a mountain pose with your hands on your hips
- Exhale slowly and bend forward from your hips (not your waist)
- Bend your knees as far as necessary to relieve tension in the lower back
- Let your head hang hard
- If possible, put your palms on the floor or against the back of your ankles. If not, cross your arms in front of you and hold your elbows
- Lift and lengthen your torso slightly each time you breathe in. Be careful not to round off your back
- Breathe in and out for 5 breaths
Parivrtta Sukhasana (simple seated turn)
A healthy intestine is important for healthy skin. Dendy Engelman says to SELF: "Toxins that are not eliminated from the body often accumulate in the adipose tissue and in the skin, which can lead to acne, discoloration and accelerated aging." Parivrtta sukhasana is a gentle, sedentary twist that aids digestion and toxin removal by increasing circulation and energy for the stomach, small intestine, colon, and liver.
How to make a simple seat rotation:
- Sit cross-legged on the floor (if your hips are tight, you may need a block)
- Align the head, neck and spine and extend the tailbone to the floor
- Place your right hand flat on the floor behind you
- Place your left hand on the outside of your right knee
- As you exhale, gently turn to the right and look over your right shoulder
- Extend your spine each time you breathe in. Turn lower each time you exhale
- Practice this for 5 breaths and then switch sides
Matsyasana (fish farming)
Another yoga pose for better skin is matsyasana or fish pose. By gently stretching the neck muscles, fish farming helps flush your thyroid and parathyroid glands Keep hormones – and hormone-related skin problems – at bay. In addition, Matsyasana has great anti-aging benefits. The social says: "This posture gives the muscles of the face and throat a good stretch, which makes it one of the useful exercises to reduce the appearance of a double chin."
How to do fish pose:
- Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat
- Raise your hips and put your hands, palms down, under your buttocks
- Pull your forearms and elbows firmly towards your body
- As you inhale, press your forearms and elbows into the floor and gently bend your back to lift your torso off the floor
- Stretch your spine by tightening your shoulder blades and lifting your chest higher
- Gently tilt your head back and let the crown of your head rest on the floor
- Keep your legs energized
- Breathe in and out for 5 breaths
Bhujangasana (Cobra)
Stress is one of the worst culprits for skin problems. Chiropractor and yoga teacher Genieve Burley tells us: “Emotional stress takes a huge toll on your hormones and your skin. If you live in harmony with work, friends and obligations, your stress will be reduced and your skin will shine. “The cobra pose reduces tension, stress and fatigue by opening the lungs and supplying the body with energy. By Yoga lowers cortisol (the "stress hormone") and reduces oxidative stress. It helps to minimize and prevent the visible signs of aging caused by dehydration and loss of elasticity.
How to do cobra pose:
- Lie down on your stomach
- Extend your legs behind you, with your knees touching and your toes resting on the floor
- Spread your hands on the floor under your shoulders and press your elbows into your sides
- Press your feet and thighs firmly into the ground
- As you inhale, stretch your arms to push your chest forward and up from the floor
- Slowly roll your shoulders back and away from your ears to lengthen your neck
- Hold for 5 breaths
Off the mat: healthy body, healthy skin
You can extend the benefits of yoga to your skin by considering yoga principles in your daily life. One of the basic principles of yoga is "niyama" and refers to how you take care of your body. Practicing Niyama involves adopting lifestyle habits that support your body's health. This includes paying attention to what you eat and how you care for your skin. Genieve says, "We have layers of the epidermis in the gut and skin, so what we put in the gut is reflected on your skin." A diet rich in Plant foods and antioxidants can help minimize the wear and tear on your skin caused by environmental stressors such as the sun, seasonal changes, and pollution.
It is equally important to treat your skin from the outside in. Genieve tells us: "We need products that are filled with nutrients and made from natural ingredients such as plants. Our skin recognizes elements from nature, not plastics.“Natural and organic products that are filled with vitamins, minerals and ingredients rich in antioxidants are extremely beneficial for a healthy and youthful looking complexion. Not sure where to start? Yoga diaryRecommend beauty experts Eminence Organics Rosehip and lemongrass lip balm, acai peeling with firm skin and facial restoration oil ensure that your skin looks healthy and youthful.
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Has Yoga Improved Your Skin? We'd love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.
This entry was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.