Yoga practice can aid in reducing inflammation and reducing tension, according to research. And for your skin, that’s excellent news.
Yoga has proven benefits for reducing stress and anxiety.
You’ve undoubtedly already heard about yoga’s numerous advantages for both the body and the mind. The writers of a research that was printed in the International Journal of Yoga claimed that the practice can enhance muscle, flexibility, sleep quality, and general well-being. But did you realize that spending time on the mat can benefit your complexion as well? Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a well-known dermatologist and the medical head of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City, asserts that the epidermis is the largest organ in the human body. Everything beneficial to the organism is also beneficial to the epidermis. According to Johns Hopkins Medical, the advantages of yoga are centered on its capacity to lessen inflammation, an immunological reaction that can make the skin red, dry, and itchy. Inflammatory chemicals of 25 yogis and 25 individuals who were new to the practice were compared in one research, which was published in December 2012 in the journal Physiology & Behavior.
In comparison to those who had practiced yoga before, levels of the pro-inflammatory hormone leptin were 36% higher in the beginner group, and levels of the anti-inflammatory hormone adiponectin were 28% higher. Yoga also has a stress-relieving impact, as anyone who has practiced knows when they leave the mat feeling reenergized. It has been demonstrated to reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Yoga has a beneficial general impact on our endocrine system, which controls our hormones, including cortisol, in addition to the neuromuscular advantages, according to Dr. Mudgil. According to a research that appeared in the Journal of the International Society of Preventative & Community Dentistry in the months of January and February 2016, those who routinely practice yoga have lower cortisol levels than those who do not. According to Mudgil, “our skin—and body—are happy” when cortisol levels are under control.
Yoga benefits the face in other ways, too, according to wellness coach and worldwide yoga expert Claire Grieve. It “gets your pulse pumping and your circulation flowing, which transports new oxygen and nutrients throughout your whole body, including your skin,” according to the expert. A healthy stomach is equivalent to healthy epidermis, according to research that was published in the journal Gut Pathogens, says Grieve. Last but not least, according to Grieve, a hot yoga session can help remove surface pollutants and dead skin cells. The outcome? a radiant appearance.
You can benefit from yoga on your face in general, but Grieve suggests these six poses in specific for a more radiant complexion.
1. Doing a 30-Second Forward Fold Increases Blood Flow to Your Face
According to Grieve, this easy pose can relieve bodily tension and improve the passage of blood and oxygen to your skin. Exhale as you lean forward and hinge at your hips while standing with your feet hip-width apart. Keep your legs soft and let your head and limbs dangle. You can support each arm with the hand on the other side while bending your elbows. After holding the position for about a minute, gently rise up. If you’re short on time, Grieve advises making this stance your go-to position. Simply perform a forward bend for about thirty seconds, she advises. “It will instantly boost your face’s blood flow, giving you a fast but potent glow.” Remember to check your skin’s condition first if you have rosacea before attempting this move.
2. Completing a Seated Twist May Help Rev Your Body’s Natural Detox System
Stretch your legs out in front of you as you sit. Place your right foot next to your left hip while bending your right knee over your left leg. To position your left ankle close to your right glute, bend your left knee and slipped your foot under your right thigh. Bring your left arm around the outside of your right leg as you extend your right fingers onto the mat behind you. Holding the pirouette while exhaling, switch to the opposite side. According to Grieve, twists are known to increase blood flow to the liver and kidneys, which helps the body more effectively remove toxins that have accumulated in the body. Inflammation, which is frequently caused by toxins, can be seen in the skin.
3. Performing an Inversion, Such as Dolphin Pose, Is Like Getting a ‘Mini Facial’
Stretch your legs out in front of you as you sit. Place your right foot next to your left hip while bending your right knee over your left leg. To position your left ankle close to your right glute, bend your left knee and slipped your foot under your right thigh. Bring your left arm around the outside of your right leg as you extend your right fingers onto the mat behind you. Holding the pirouette while exhaling, switch to the opposite side. According to Grieve, twists are known to increase blood flow to the liver and kidneys, which helps the body more effectively remove toxins that have accumulated in the body. Inflammation, which is frequently caused by toxins, can be seen in the skin.
4. Carrying Out a Simple Cat-Cow Offers Critical Digestive Support
Grieve advises eating a few cat-cows in the morning to stimulate your intestinal system. On all fours, begin. Take a deep breath and lower your abdomen toward the ground while gazing up at the heavens. Then perform the motion backwards: arch your back as you breathe out while tucking your head into your bosom and looking to your abdominal button.
5. Easing Your Way Into a Restorative Pose, Like Goddess, Helps Fight Inflammation
According to Grieve, this and other healing postures can lessen some of the unpleasant inflammation that stress causes. Stand facing the edges of the room with your feet spaced 3 feet apart and at a 45-degree inclination. Squat down to the ground. Bend your elbows and raise your arms so that they are horizontal to the ground and in line with your shoulders. Your hands should be palms facing each other. Keep your torso pushed forward and shoulders back. As you breath and release, maintain the posture.
6. Flowing Through Sun Salutations Energizes the Whole Body — Including Your Face
Every vinyasa sequence includes a sun greeting, and for good reason: According to Grieve, the exercise can help awaken the body and mind, bringing new vitality to the face and soul. Salutations link together several yoga postures, including the upward-facing dog, downward-facing dog, chaturanga, cobra, forward bend, and, ultimately, a standing pose.
