Yoga and Acne
The moment you think of yoga, images of people in stretch pants who flex their limbs, twist their bodies, and hold convoluted looking poses comes to mind. However, yoga is not just about stretching your muscles and making the body more flexible. It is also about breath control and awareness of the unity of the mind and body. That is what makes yoga an excellent stress buster. As we all know, stress is one of the main causes of acne vulgaris, common among teens, or an eruption of acne resulting from hormonal imbalances in men and women. Yoga and acne are closely related because yoga helps to improve blood circulation in the body, aids digestion, regulates hormone levels, and eliminates toxins from the body, and all of these contribute towards a healthy acne-free skin.
Acne is also caused by overactive oil glands, blocked pores, and bacterial infections, thriving on the debris of dead cells around hair follicles. Apart from following a scrupulous routine of cleaning the face several times a day to keep it oil-free and consuming a diet for acne that is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, it is also helpful to practice yoga as an acne cure. Performing various yoga poses (asanas) like Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) and Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) improves circulation of blood to the head, calms the brain, and helps relieve stress. With more blood moving towards the head, the body is better equipped to fight bacterial infection and is more energized.
Yoga for acne has been recommended by many practitioners who suggest the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), which is a series of eight different poses, including the Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) and the Padangustasana (Hand to Foot Pose), to improve circulation and provide an overall workout for the muscles of the body. Better circulation flushes away toxins. The balance and focus acquired by practicing this Sun Salutation twice a day soothes away anxiety and stress, paving the way for a clear skin. The Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) is particularly used for restoring hormonal balance as it stimulates the glands in the body. The slow compression and release of the glands of the endocrine system helps to regulate the secretion of various hormones, especially in women around the period of menstruation. This reduces stress and anxiety, which are the leading causes behind a breakout of acne.
Bikram Yoga and Acne
Bikram yoga and acne seem to be closely linked as this type of yoga is done in a very warm environment and acne thrives in humid surroundings. Also known by the name hot yoga, Bikram yoga classes usually last an hour and half and the venue is heated to a sultry 40 degrees with humidity maintained at 40%. As a result practitioners do sweat a lot, and this may result in plugged pores, that when left unattended, become home to bacteria. Ideally, one should go for a session after a shower and wait for the skin to cool and dry off naturally after the session before taking a shower to cleanse the skin. Even in Bikram yoga, asanas like the Seated Forward Bend and the breathing exercises like Kapalbhati are practiced to improve blood circulation and facilitate the elimination of toxins. The twists and turns performed during yoga allow for the internal organs to be massaged and help to remove accumulated waste products from them. Once the body returns to its normal state after a twisting pose, the organs get flooded with oxygen rich blood to nourish them.
Home remedies and exercises that improve blood circulation and personal hygiene that allows the pores of the skin to breathe are the best cures for acne on face, rosacea, and redness, while the cure of acne scars may take a little longer. There are some specific poses like the Ardhakurmasana (Half Tortoise Pose) that provides the best relaxation for the body while encouraging more circulation of blood to the head. Whether you use yoga for clear skin or to get rid of acne scars, yoga poses for acne all focus on relaxing the body to reduce stress, releasing toxins through sweat, facilitating hormonal balance, and revitalizing the body with fresh oxygen supply through free circulation of blood in the body. Hot yoga clears acne by enabling practitioners to sweat more and faster and inducing them to hydrate their body with more water, which is eventually used to flush out more of the harmful waste products from the body.
Remedies for acne include home remedies that call for the application of a mixture of yoghurt and oatmeal on the acne. Ways to clear acne suggested by skin care professionals focusing on natural cures include the use of aloe vera gel, fresh lime juice, and fresh mint juice. A paste of nutmeg powder and milk applied on zits gets rid of them in a day. Drink a glass of wheat grass juice regularly to prevent acne. Zinc and vitamins A and E supplements are said to help in keeping the skin healthy and reduce the incidence of acne.
