Ayurvedic perspective on Skin
Ayurvedically skin is composed of seven distinct layers, each of which serves their own defined functions whilst supporting each other. And from the physiological frame of reference, Pitta Dosha is responsible for the optimal working of the skin. The health of the skin completely relies on the food we eat as the Rasa Dhatu (nutrition) obtained from the food helps in nourishment, rejuvenation, and proper functioning of the skin cells.
Seven layers of the skin
1. Avabhasini – Outermost layer, reflects the quality of Rasa Dhatu in the body.
2. Lohita – Supports the outermost layer and exhibits the quality of Rakta Dhatu in the body.
3. Shweta – Maintains the complexion of the skin.
4. Tamra – Middlemost layer working as a barrier between internal and external layers.
5. Vedini – Contains active supply of nerves and nerve endings.
6. Rohini – Proliferating, rejuvenating, and healing layer of the skin.
7. Mamsadhara – Innermost layer, supports musculature and underlying structures.
Right foods to eat for a
healthy skin
Skin acts as a mirror of our body reflecting all our shortcomings arising due to nutritional deficits. Ayurveda defines two major types of these nutritional deficits –
1. Ama-janya i.e. resulting from accumulation of toxins leading to improper absorption and assimilation of the food.
2. Abhava-janya i.e. resulting from the deficiency of the nutritional food needed by one to thrive.
These deficits exhibit themselves in forms of numerous skin conditions like – Dryness, Itching, Redness, Inflammation, Pricking, Burning Sensation, Rashes, Acne, Discoloration, Wrinkles, Pimples etc. Although the right approach in such cases is to reach out to a Licensed Ayurvedic Practitioner, however certain food and diet improvements listed below can help ease the symptoms.
• Plenty of water – Staying hydrated is indeed important for our skin but that doesn’t means drowning our system with excessive water. Water should be taken as per the body’s need when you feel thirsty whilst making sure you drink lukewarm water.
• Fruits – Introduction of seasonal fruits in your eating regime gives you a kick of all the essential multivitamins and antioxidants needed by your body whilst marinating your energy levels. So whenever, tiredness tries to take over you, punch it with a bowl full of fruits because tiredness is a thing that always reflect on your skin and especially your face.
• Dairy – Low fat dairy foods are necessary to maintain your skin health because all that you can miss in fruits, you can always get from a glass or bowl full of milk, butter milk or curd. Hence it is necessary to include a dairy substance in at least one of your meals for a healthy glowing skin.
• Healthy Fats – Healthy fats like Ghee, kacchi ghani oils and direct sources of oils like flaxseed, almonds, walnuts etc contains essential fatty acids responsible for maintaining skin health. A fist full of seed mix or chapattis smeared in ghee will definitely be your pathways to a healthy skin.
• Homely Food – Homely food when cooked with love contains a magical power of vanishing all worries, troubles, and health issues. Achieving healthy skin from homecooked food is just an added benefit!
Foods to be avoided for
maintaining skin health
• Anything that you are allergic to, should be avoided as it is only going to worsen your skin and overall health.
• Avoid refined oils and too much oily foods. Good fats in proportionate amounts are necessary but excess is always harmful.
• Cut down on your salt and sugar intake if you consume more than the recommended amount.
• Strictly say NO to packed, processed and junk food.
• Stay away from all types of cold, soft, aerated, fermented and alcoholic beverages if you want a healthy skin.
