Yoga provides several health benefits, ranging from increased strength and flexibility to soothing the mind and lowering stress levels. It can also make your skin look younger and more radiant. Some poses may provide monetary benefits, and regular yoga practice may address some of the problems that contribute to dull-looking skin in the long run.
Continue reading to find out how yoga might help your skin and which poses are ideal to do.
How does yoga help?Yoga will not suddenly change your skin. It will not make that pimple or those dark undereye circles disappear overnight. Neither will it reverse the signs of aging. However, practicing yoga can help you feel better and improve your overall appearance.
Benefits of Yoga
Reduces stress and promotes better sleep. Yoga practice has been shown in studies to lower stress and anxiety levels. It can even help you sleep better. While you sleep, your body’s skin cells are repairing and healing from stimuli. Furthermore, when you are well-rested, your skin appears brighter.
Reduces inflammation. Other research suggests that practicing yoga may help to reduce inflammation, particularly stress-induced inflammation. Inflammation can cause tiredness and fatigue, among other symptoms that may be visible on your skin. Practicing yoga may have a favorable effect on your skin since it reduces stress and helps you sleep better, with all of the benefits it entails.
Improves blood circulation. Some poses increase blood circulation. Some can give you an immediate, short-term glow. Other poses may not have the same effect, but they may help you slow your breathing, settle down, and feel your stress levels drain away, all of which can significantly improve your skin.
Unsweetened Beauty’s Pro Tip
Yes, yoga can help you achieve that flawless and radiant skin. However, you need to take care of some things to maintain it. We have put together a quick, handy guide for you.
Sunscreen. Irrespective of what yoga or beauty treatment you follow, it will go in vain if you do not use sunscreen regularly.
Moisturize. It functions as a protective barrier for your skin. Of course, choose a moisturizer that’s tailored to your skin’s specific requirements. For dry skin, use a stronger, oil-based moisturizer. While for oily or combination skin, use a lighter, water-based formulation.
Drink water. Basic, cliched and overrated advice, right? Sometimes, basic things go a long way. After all, there is a reason why everyone keeps repeating the same.
Beauty sleep. Do you get enough sleep regularly? A lack of sleep can accentuate fine wrinkles, make eyelids appear puffy, and make dark circles appear more prominent. A 2015 study discovered that lack of sleep could speed up aging process.
Sleep in a different position. Elevate the head of your bed or sleep with a couple of pillows under your head. This can help reduce the chances of waking up with circles and bags under your eyes.
Now to the juicy part. We have compiled a list of five effective yoga asanas which can help you achieve beautiful glowing skin.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- Stand with your big toes touching and your heels slightly apart.
- Engage your thighs and press the soles of your feet into the floor, bringing them inward and upward.
- Draw your belly button in and lengthen your tailbone toward the floor.
- Draw your shoulders back and down while keeping your chin parallel to the mat.
- Relax your eyes and throat, and hang your arms beside your torso.
- Close your eyes.
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Deeply inhale and exhale for five breaths.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
- Take the position of Mountain Pose with your hands on your hips.
- Exhale slowly and bend forward from the hips (not your waist).
- Bend your knees as far as you need to alleviate your lower back.
- Allow your head to dangle low.
- Bring your palms to rest on the floor or against the back of your ankles.
- Lift and stretch your body slightly with each inhale, being careful not to curve your back.
- Deeply inhale and exhale for five breaths.
Parivrtta Sukhasana (Simple Seated Twist)
- Sit in a cross-legged position on the floor.
- Align your head, neck, and spine, and extend your tailbone toward the ground.
- Put your right hand on the floor behind you.
- Put your left hand on the outside of your right thigh.
- Exhale by gradually twisting to the right and looking over your right shoulder.
- Stretch your spine with each inhalation and twist with each exhalation.
- Repeat for five breaths, then swap sides.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
- Lie on your back, legs bent, and feet flat on the floor.
- Raise your hips and tuck your hands, palms down, beneath your buttocks.
- Tighten your forearms and elbows against your body.
- Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and gradually arch your back to pull your body up and away from the floor on your inhale.
- Firm your shoulder blades and elevate your chest higher to lengthen your spine.
- Tilt your head back, allowing the crown of your head to rest on the floor.
- Maintain the vigor of your legs.
- Take five deep breaths in and out.
Bhujangasana (Cobra)
- Lie on your stomach.
- Stretch your legs behind you, knees touching and the tops of your feet resting on the floor.
- Spread your hands beneath your shoulders on the floor and hug your elbows into your sides.
- Firmly press your feet and thighs into the floor.
- Straighten your arms on the inhalation to drive your chest forward and up off the floor.
- Slowly roll your shoulders back and away from your ears to lengthen your neck.
- Take five deep breaths.
Bottom line,
Yoga will not make any changes overnight or within a week. However, regularly practicing yoga will result in mind-blowing results. Also, make sure to follow the basics! Basics never get old.