Skin care is an essential part of your overall health and is closely tied to your physical and mental well-being. While practicing yoga, it’s important to remember that your skin needs to be taken care of too. Luckily, there are some simple skin care tips every yogi should know to keep your skin looking and feeling its best during and after your yoga practice.
How is yoga good for your skin?
Many yogis can attest that they glow, radiate beautifully, and look younger with a consistent yoga practice. Yoga can help to reduce stress and improve overall health, which in turn can help to improve the appearance of the skin. There are five main ways how yoga can improve your skin health.
1. Improved Circulation
One of the primary benefits of yoga for skin health is improved circulation. Poses like Forward Fold, Dolphin, Downward-Facing Dog and Fish pose all help boost the skin’s appearance as they encourage the flow of blood in the head and face. When you practice yoga asanas, you increase your heart rate and blood circulation, which in turn helps to transport essential nutrients and oxygen to your cells, including skin cells. This helps to keep the skin clear of toxins and keeps it looking healthy and radiant. Additionally, increased circulation can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
2. Stress Reduction
Stress has a major impact on your skin health, and yoga can help reduce the effects of stress on your skin. Yoga and breathing exercises help to reduce stress hormones that can lead to skin problems, such as acne and wrinkles. It also helps to improve circulation, which helps to nourish skin cells and promote a healthy glow. Additionally, yoga can help to improve your mood and create a sense of well-being, which may help to reduce stress-related skin issues.
3. Detoxification
Yoga is also beneficial for detoxification of the body, including the skin. Through cleansing breathing techniques, twisting poses and inversions, the body’s lymphatic system is activated, which helps to remove toxins from the body. This process is beneficial for skin health as it helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healthy cell production.
4. Improved Sleep Quality
The practice of yoga is not only good for your skin, but it can also help improve the quality of your sleep. Many studies have shown that yoga can help to relax the body and mind in order to reduce stress, which can lead to better sleep. Improved sleep can help reduce signs of aging on the skin due to increased rest and relaxation. Sleep helps recover and repair skin cells, giving you a more youthful glow every time you wake up from a good, restful sleep. Additionally, improved sleep can help to regulate hormones, which can lead to clearer, healthier skin.
5. Boosts Immunity
One of the many benefits of yoga is improved immunity. Practicing yoga regularly can help boost your body’s natural defenses and protect you from illnesses and diseases. Studies have found that regularly practicing yoga not only increases immunity to infections but also improves the body’s ability to heal faster. This is due in part to the improved circulation and blood oxygenation which yoga provides.
Skin Care Tips for Yogis
Being a physical activity, yoga can make you sweat, and this may affect your skin negatively. Therefore, it is important for yogis to pay close attention to their skin care routine to make sure they are getting the most out of their practice. This will be especially important if you practice hot yoga. If you’re yoga-active, here are some essential skincare tips that you need to know to make your skin look fresh, invigorated, and young.
1. Cleanse and Exfoliate Regularly
Yoga encourages your body to release toxins, and this will manifest through your sweat. And when you have makeup on, this can quickly turn into grime, which will encourage the formation of bacteria that can form into zits. Remember that your hands touch your mat during poses and that yoga mats are breeding grounds for bacteria.
One of the most important skin care tips for every yogi is to cleanse and exfoliate regularly. Not only does this help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, but it also helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This helps to create a more even skin tone, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and increase blood circulation. Exfoliating can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, and it can also help to reduce the appearance of acne. Make sure to use a gentle exfoliating product, as aggressive exfoliating can cause further skin damage.
It would be best if you cleaned post-workout to remove sweat, grime and any bacteria that may be on your skin. Use cool water to reduce redness in your face when you wash and use a mild cleanser. Consider packing a clean face towel to wipe your face post practice.
2. Moisturize with gentle, natural products
After washing your face, moisturize to prevent the skin from drying out and aging. Moisturizing is an essential part of any skin care routine, especially for yogis. The combination of sweat, environmental factors like pollution, and constant movement can make skin dry and itchy. Applying a moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and protected from the elements. Pick a moisturizer designed for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or combination, and apply it twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Make sure to choose a moisturizer with natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or jojoba oil.
While there are plenty of commercial skincare products out there, many of them contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation, dryness, and other negative reactions. Natural products, on the other hand, are gentle on the skin and often more effective due to the lack of harsh chemicals. Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil that are known to be soothing and nourishing for the skin.
Look for natural products that are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. Consider using natural oils, such as jojoba and almond, as moisturizers. These oils are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that can help hydrate and nourish your skin. The best coconut oil for skin will keep the skin hydrated. It has many other great benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and smoothing. It also has anti-oxidants to fight the free radicals that invade the body regularly.
3. Stay Hydrated
The importance of staying hydrated can not be overstated, and this is especially true when it comes to skin care. Water helps to flush out toxins, keeps skin moisturized and supple, and aids in overall skin health. It’s always best to bring a water jug to rehydrate before, during, and after each session. Taking in the necessary fluids will replenish the electrolytes and encourage blood flow. Water intake will help the skin maintain its suppleness and prevent the formation of wrinkles. Aim for eight to 10 glasses of water each day and your skin will thank you!
4. Let Your Skin Breathe
Wearing appropriate clothing during yoga is essential for your skin. Moisture-wicking yoga clothes are designed to pull sweat away from the skin and keep you from feeling hot, sweaty, and sticky during an intense yoga session. Not only does this help prevent skin rashes and other skin issues, but it also increases your comfort level while you practice. Breathable and moisture-wicking yoga attire can also help prevent breakouts and rashes. If your skin can breathe properly, the pores won’t be blocked, and bacteria from sweat will not form.
5. Keep your yoga mat clean
To keep your skin healthy and glowing, it’s important to keep your yoga mat clean. Sweat, dirt, and oils can accumulate on the surface of the mat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Your hands will pick up the grime and bacteria on your mat, and as soon as you touch your face, the bacteria will transfer there and possibly multiply. To keep your mat clean, use an antibacterial yoga mat cleaner every few weeks and give it a thorough wipe down with a damp cloth and antibacterial spritz after each practice. For extra deep cleaning, you can also throw your mat in the washing machine, but be sure to air dry it afterwards. Not only will this keep your skin healthier, but it will also make your practice more enjoyable.
6. Keep Your Hair Pulled Back
Another way to spread bacteria to your face is not to keep your hair restrained. Your hair can pick up grime and bacteria, and when it is not pulled back, it can spread to your face and body every time your hair moves. Keeping your hair pulled back will prevent the bacteria from spreading, and it will also prevent you from frequently touching your face.
7. Use A Sunscreen
If you practice yoga outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Even if the yoga session is indoors, sunlight can penetrate through the glass panels and damage your skin. Sun damage can make your skin look old and parched, and dark spots may also appear, affecting your skin’s luminosity.
Conclusion
Overall, taking care of your skin is essential for any yogi, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned veteran. Incorporating these essential skin care tips into your routine will help you maintain healthy and glowing skin, so you can focus on your practice without worrying about breakouts, wrinkles, or other skin concerns. Taking care of your skin should be a priority for any yogi and following these tips can help you keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.