Skin is the largest human organ, both in terms of surface area and weight. It shields your body against harmful organisms, so you must take care of it well. That said, have you ever heard of yoga asanas for skin problems? Before we go ahead, let us first find out the common issues the skin faces.
- Acne: It is caused when hair follicles get clogged with dirt and excess sebum. This skin condition is said to affect about 80% of the world’s population.
- Eczema: It is a chronic condition that manifests itself in the form of dry and itchy skin with rashes on feet, hands, face, etc. Hives: It is characterized by itchy red bumps on the skin. It can be the result of a reaction to food or drugs.
- Melanoma: It is a type of skin cancer that develops due to pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
- Psoriasis: It is characterized by thick, itchy red patches with silver scales and swelling.
Related: Tea Tree Oil For Psoriasis: Benefits, Uses, And More - Rashes (basic dermatitis): They make the skin itchy and dry.
- Rosacea: Sensitivity to the sun causes the skin to become red and inflamed. Other symptoms include thick skin and swollen nose.
Related: 10 Home Remedies For Rosacea That Prevent Redness On The Skin - Wrinkles: Lifestyle issues may cause premature aging signs like wrinkles, meaning the skin tends to sag and develop fine lines.
Hence, this article takes you through the six best yoga asanas that keep these skin issues at bay. So, let us get started.
In This Article
How Does Yoga Help You Fight Skin Problems?
Toxins, imbalanced hormones, free radicals, and sensitivity to the sun are all common causes of skin problems. The solutions? Improving blood circulation, balancing hormones, scavenging free radicals, delivering more oxygen to cells, reducing stress, and making your immunity stronger may help combat skin issues. Many of these can be achieved with yoga. These simple asanas can provide what your skin may need and more.
6 Amazing Asanas In Yoga For Skin Problems
1. Uttanasana
Image: iStock
Also Known As – Padahastasana, Hasta Padasana, Standing Forward Bend
Benefits – This asana helps increase the circulation of blood in the face, neck, and head. It helps to relax the facial muscles and balance out the hormones, thereby promoting healthy skin.
How To Do It – Stand straight and place your hands on your hips. Inhale. Then, bend your hips as you exhale. Your hands can be placed on the floor beside your feet (you can bend your knees if needed, which will protect your back). The feet should be parallel to each other, hip distance apart. Push your torso forward as you extend the stretch and lift the tailbone. Relax your head and neck toward the floor. Hold for several breaths and release.
To know more about this asana, click here: Uttanasana
2. Trikonasana
Image: iStock
Also Known As – Triangle Pose
Benefits – This asana helps to open your hips, torso, and heart, thereby increasing circulation, which helps to remove toxins, kill free radicals, and clear out blockages. The facial muscles lose tension and relax. Your skin may be left healthy and glowing!
How To Do It – Place your feet apart. Raise your arms such that they are parallel to the floor, with your palms facing downwards. Turn your left foot at a 45-degree angle, and the right one at a 90-degree angle. Your heels should be in line with one another. Extend your body to the right, reaching for the wall to your right as you drop your right hand down towards the floor. Touch the right foot or inner thigh (avoid leaning on the knee) with the right hand, and extend your left arm in the air, towards the ceiling. Look at your left hand. Hold for several breaths and release. Repeat on the other side.
StyleCraze SaysWhile rising from the trikonasana pose, take a deep breath in, and press your heel to the floor to maintain your center.
3. Bhujangasana
Image: iStock
Also Known As – Cobra Pose
Benefits – When you stretch and open up your heart and lungs, your breathing improves. When you breathe in more oxygen your circulation improves. Improved circulation and better oxygen delivery can help to remove toxins and scavenge free radicals throughout your body, therefore improving skin conditions such as premature aging, acne and psoriasis. This asana may also help to regulate hormones.
How To Do It – Lie flat on your stomach, with your legs stretched out and tops of feet facing down. Place your elbows by your side hands on your mat beside your ribcage and lift your chest, placing the body weight on the elbows. Inhale deeply, and exhale strongly.
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4. Janu Sirsasana
Image: Shutterstock
Also Known As – Head-to-Knee Pose, Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, Head-on-Knee Pose.
Benefit – This asana works on balancing the hormones and clearing toxins from the system. It also increases blood and oxygen supply to the facial muscles. Your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
How To Do It – Assume the Dandasana. Fold your left leg such that the left foot touches the right thigh. Gently bend forward from the hips, touching your head to your knee, and your hands to your feet. Bend the straight knee slightly, if needed, to protect your lower back. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply. Release and repeat with the left leg stretched out.
Related: How To Do The Viparita Karani And What Are Its BenefitsStyleCraze SaysIt is not necessary to touch your head to your knee or your hands to your feet if your flexibility level does not allow it. Go as low as you can.
5. Viparita Karani
Image: iStock
Also Known As – Legs Up The Wall
Benefit – Practicing this asana regularly may help to scavengefree radicals and increase the supply of oxygen to the face.
How To Do It – Sit across a wall and gently raise your legs up the wall. Lie down gently on your back and stretch out your arms to the sides, making sure your palms are facing upwards. Once you are comfortable, close your eyes and breathe. Release after a few minutes.
To know more about this asana, click here: Viparita Karani
Related: How To Do The Pawanmuktasana And What Are Its Benefits?
6. Pawanmuktasana
Image: Shutterstock
Also Known As – Wind Relieving Pose
Benefits – This asana stimulates and regulates the digestive system. It helps to flush out the toxins in the system by facilitating proper digestion and improving circulation, which may help to clear the skin of acne and blemishes.
How To Do It – Lie flat on the floor with your back on the ground. Fold your knees and hug them. Lift your head off the floor, and bring your nose in between your knees. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply. Release.
To know more about this asana, click here: Pawanmuktasana
Infographics: 3 Asanas To Fight Skin Problems
Millions of people deal with skin problems everyday. Most of us resort to chemical products for quick solutions without realizing their long-term effects. In an era when one has to wear makeup all the time, it is important to take care of the skin even more. Yoga asanas are one of the best solutions for skin problems as they help fight skin problems from the roots. Daily yoga promotes healthy skin from within.
Yoga for skin problems is certainly not a fad, given its proven benefits for the skin. Your skin faces a number of issues due to free radicals, lack of blood circulation, stress, poor immunity, and hormonal imbalances. For all these issues, yoga can be a one-stop solution. Practicing poses like uttanasana, trikonasana, and bhujangasana helps relax and nourish the facial muscles, remove toxins from the body, fight oxidative stress, and increase oxygen uptake and blood flow. All of these functions contribute to glowing and spotless skin. However, consult a doctor before you start doing yoga to resolve any skin problems, as they could indicate serious underlying health conditions.
