Here’s exactly how to eat your way to nourished looking, Ayurvedically-enhanced skin tone

Skin being the largest organ, plays a crucial role in our body. It not only protects from environmental pollutants, but helps in thermoregulation, storage of water and fat cells as well. So, our skin health matters more than we think it does. 

If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to improve your skin’s texture and health, Ayurveda offers a slew of remedies that improve not just the health of your skin but also make it appear even, glowing and revived.

Oh, and did we tell you these are not your everyday DIY tips and tricks that can be found on the Internet but are derived from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom!

But before that let's get to know our skin even better. 

The Anatomy Of Your Skin

The skin has three layers — epidermis, dermis, and fat. The epidermis is the outermost layer which consists of different cells like melanocytes. Melanocytes make melanin, which gives the skin its colour.¹

The next layer is called dermis, which consists of blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles. This middle layer gives strength and flexibility to skin.

The last layer, the subcutaneous fat layer helps to conserve the body’s heat and protects the body from getting injured.

Because of our busy lifestyles, it often becomes challenging to take care of the skin, and this lead can lead to faster skin aging.

In the world of cosmetology, there are various formulations available that claim to nourish your skin. And we all, indeed, make use of creams, ointments, and supplements in the hopes that it will enhance skin’s health. 

They may work to an extent, but what’s even more important is your diet. Your skin health is directly wired to your gut health, and it finally comes down to what you consume. 

Astangahridhya, an ancient Ayurvedic medical text, mentions various foods in a chapter which is entirely dedicated to listing all the different foods, that help us maintain not just healthy lifestyles but also nourished and healthier skin. 

When it comes to foods, Ayurveda recommends the use of fruits to consume and include in your daily diet and to be used externally to fortify your skin barrier and preserve the rigidity and elasticity of your skin. 

Fruits For Improving Skin Texture

Grapes or Draksa

• Rich content of Vitamin C and antioxidants help support the formation of collagen, a fiber-like protein that helps skin retain elasticity and enhance youthfulness.

• Also calms aggravated Pitta Doshas and cools fiery skin that’s prone to breakouts and acne 

• High levels of Vitamin E found in grapes also contribute to its powerful youth-boosting properties that makes it the best diet for aging skin 

Pomegranate or Dadima

• Contains useful antioxidants like flavonoids and proanthocyanins that help manage the appearance of wrinkles, lines and age spots 
• Natural conditioner for skin that softens and moisturizes it from the deeper layers 
• Its peel and rind contain phenolic compounds like ellagic acid and gallic acid that are known skin-brightening agents 

Try Shamava Anti-Fatigue Face Pack with the crown royal of all fruits – Pomegranate to give you an earthy evening glow!

Indian Gooseberry or Amalaki

• Hailed as an ‘Ayurvedic Superfood’, for its innate property to boost skin health, making your skin appear naturally glowy and full of life 

• Also rich in Vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, carotene and Vitamin B complex that helps keep the skin barrier healthy and firm 

• Amalaki is packed with antioxidants that help fight aging cells and leaves skin looking youthful and vibrant 

Let’s now look at the natural herbs which can help us improve our skin texture.  

Ayurvedic Herbs for Improving Skin Texture 

Cinnamon

• Boosts collagen production and helps maintain elasticity and firmness of skin 

• Known in Ayurveda for its ‘tiksha’ property that makes it act quickly when it comes to enhancing skin complexion 

• Contains a high amount of youth-boosting nutrients and is also soothing for sensitive skin

Fun Fact: Cinnamon is also highly revered for its wonderfully soothing aroma and flavour and has for centuries now been a staple in natural perfumes and scents.

Ginger

• Contains gingerol, a compound that helps to manage the look of blemishes, scars and spots 

• Known as a natural skin-stimulating herb that clarifies skin congestion and moisturises it thoroughly 

• Its light absorbent nature makes it highly effective in skin-firming and youth enhancing too 

Turmeric

• Specialises in toning, brightening and cleansing the skin to help it achieve an illuminating glow 

• Possesses the unique ability to naturally enhance your complexion along with clarifying the look of your skin to a radiant glow while also firming the appearance of your skin 

• Widely known to impart energy to mature skin types and keep aging skin looking youthful 

Cumin

• A natural exfoliator that helps clear skin of ‘ama’ or toxins and cleanses skin for a smooth appearance 

• Calms and soothes skin and keeps it free from the appearance of blemishes and spots 

• Also contains youth-boosting compounds that help repair damaged and aging skin and keep skin looking youthful 

Other Herbs For Healthy Skin

The Ayurvedic scholar Charaka in Charak Samhita, mentions medicinal herbs which are Varnya, meaning those that promote complexion and enhance skin texture. Here are some of the herbs mentioned in Charak Samhita:

• Chandana (Santalum album L.) (Indian Sandalwood) 
• Tunga (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) (Alexandrian laurel balltree) 
• Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides D. Don) (Wild Himalayan Cherry) 
• Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) (Vetiver) 
• Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) (Licorice) 
• Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia L.) (Indian Madder) 
• Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus [L.] (Indian Sarsaparilla) 
• Payasya (Pueraria tuberosa [Willd.] DC) (Indian Kudzu) 
• Sita Lata (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers) (Bermuda Grass) 

These herbs can be used alone or in polyherbal formulations externally to improve your skin tone. 

If you’d like to try a combination of these herbs in an oil form, use Varaasa Safranyam Saffron-Light Facial Halo, a luxurious indulgence with uber-nourishing properties containing Padmaka or Wild Himalayan Cherry, Usheera or Vetiver and Manjishtha or Indian Madder in a revitalizing potion enriched with Kesar or Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, known for its unique healing and complexion-boosting properties! 

Safranyam's signature blend has all the important redeeming qualities from brightening your skin tone to improving your skin texture and clarifying your skin for a revitalised look and soft, velvety feel. 

Learn More about Safranyam Oil, here!