Practice Yoga for Healthier Skin

The practice of yoga has been scientifically proven to ease tension and reduce stress in the body. The release of stress often leads to less tension being held in the body (and in the face), which helps prevent wrinkles. So as a natural alternative to buying expensive creams or pills for your skin, you may want to try practicing yoga more regularly as part of your anti-aging routine.

Another reason that yoga makes your skin beautiful is the consistent breathing used during an asana (movement) practice. When you breathe deeply and continuously during your yoga session, you are increasing the oxygenation of your skin’s cells, keeping them healthy and ridding them of toxins.

Certain yoga postures are particularly good for improving your skin. Try incorporating these poses into your everyday practice, and you should see a difference in your skin’s health in about a month.

Downward Facing Dog – Adho Mukha Svanasana

Poses in which your heart is inverted over your head can be extremely beneficial for the skin because the blood drains down the body to the face and neck, stimulating cells and creating a healthy glow. To come into Downward Facing Dog, an easy inverted pose, spread the fingers wide and press them into the mat. Keep a slight bend in your elbows as you press your tailbone back towards the back of the room and straighten your legs, lengthening the hamstrings. There are a wealth of other inversions for you to pick from, including crane, headstand, handstand, shoulder stand and bridge or wheel (upward facing bow).

Chair Pose (Or Fierce Pose) – Utkatasana

More advanced poses that utilize strength and balance, like Chair pose or any of the Warrior poses, cause your blood to pump and circulate through the body. This increased circulation effectively activates your skin cells and promotes naturally healthy skin. To practice Chair pose, start in Mountain pose, standing tall at the top of your mat with your big toes touching and heels slightly separated. Sit the hips back, as if into an imaginary chair, and draw the arms up alongside the head. Hold for at least three breaths and work on continuously sitting further back, while turning the tailbone slightly down. This pose should feel intense.

Sage Pose/Seated Twist – Marichyasana C

Twists are highly detoxifying and amazing for improving the internal workings of the body. Try incorporating more twists into your practice, such as Marichyasana C, to help detoxify the skin. This seated twist aids the digestive system, which in turn feeds the largest organ of the body, which is – you guessed it – the skin! To come into the twist, begin in a seated position and draw the right leg into the chest, setting it down near the groin. Place the left arm or elbow on the outside of the right knee as you twist to the right. The right arm can act as a kickstand behind you to help keep you upright. Hold for at least four full breaths. Repeat on the other side.

Seems simple enough, right? On top of practicing these yoga poses, drink lots of water and eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Continue this routine daily for at least a month and say hello to healthier, more radiant skin – just in time for summer.