What is Ayurveda and how does it relate to skin care?

Ayurveda is an ancient complex healing system from India, which is thousands of years old. Its goal is to provide guidance regarding food and lifestyle to improve the health of people.

The skin is practically the mirror of one's health. One myth about acne is that it's a contagious, being an external problem. Indeed, it is shown externally in the skin, however acne is an internal problem. If the skin is not cared properly and neglected it suffers from premature aging, becomes dull and blemished. Ayurveda occupies itself quite a lot with skin types, skin problems and skin care, all through natural means. Acne in ayurveda is called Yauvan Pidika (the eruptions of youth).

As acne, or yauvan pidika is an internal disorder of your body, the cause is usually connected with the person's constitution.

Based on the Ayurveda teachings, the main acne cause is an increase in vata and kapa dosha, as well as an increase in the rakta and medha dhatu. Wjat this means, is that based on ayurveda, acne is caused by improper diet and other internal factors.

1. Improper diet
2. Increased sexual arousal, particularly in teens (which might explain the high rate of acne among teenagers)
3. Lack of Vitamin A (retinol)
4. Women with menstrual problems

Also there is a bacteria that normally lives on the skin called Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria lives on the sebum produced by the skin oil glands. At times, this bacteria multiplies and causes inflammation and acne.
Particular foods generally do not cause acne. However, in some people, certain foods will make acne worse. The most common ones are chocolate, nuts, carbonated beverages, and milk. Nevertheless most people's acne is not aggravated by these foods.

So what solutions does Ayurveda propose to cure acne naturally?

First of all, a change in diet. - do not confuse a change in diet with my comment above on foods that do not cause acne. It is not about a particular food, it is about changing your diet style, so your body can process the food in a more effective and efficient way.

1. Try to avoid eating cold food
2. Eat a lot of green vegetables, fresh fruits
3. Drink plenty of water - 7-8 glasses of water a day are optimal. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and is the first to lose moisture and become dehydrated.
4. Eat compatible food together
5. Use hot wet towel compresses are the best treatment for localized infections, as heat dilates blood vessels, followed by a cold compress, which has the opposite effect.

This is a basic overview of how Ayurveda can help with the acne problem. You can find more free information on my blog.