The Surprising Skin Benefits of Yoga

It’s a common misconception that yoga is an exercise only for flexible, hipster people. Some even believe that yoga involves tiny people twisting themselves up into a knot like a pretzel.

The reality, however, is far from this perception. Believe it or not, anyone who has the ability to breathe on their own can practice yoga.

Practicing yoga can also help your skin tone and complexion. It helps in the elimination of toxins and in the management of stress and anxiety that can set off unwanted acne and breakouts.

Generally speaking, the skin on someone’s face is one of the first things we notice, so it’s only natural that we would desire healthy, glowing skin. Sadly, our skin is also one of the first things to be affected by poor dieting and stress. Beyond just covering with makeup, or religiously applying face creams before going bed, there are other things that you can do to help improve the look and feel of your skin.

Yoga is one of the most effective things we can do on the day-to-day basis to keep our skin healthy and glowing. There are a variety of different poses that will work to your advantage, each containing a different benefit, but first: what really causes bad skin?

Skin Problems and their Causes

Acne is a burden for many individuals – always appearing at the wrong time. Fortunately, it tends to heal itself and, if treated properly, will not leave scars.

Oftentimes, an individual’s health history has a lot to do with the way his or her skin looks now. If they’ve spent a lot of time outdoors without proper protection, for example, or smoke frequently, these things will have a negative impact on the skin. A poor diet can also cause poor skin, leading to more frequent breakouts and clogged pores.

Yoga Healthy Skin Benefits

 What is yoga actually doing to help improve my skin? Yoga works by improving your digestive and circulation system. When your body has better blood flow, it naturally produces glowing skin.

So practice different poses like wind-relieving postures and bow pose, and try alternating your breathing. All of these practices will aid in digestion. Glowing skin comes with a digestion system that is working properly.

Other poses, such as child’s pose, fish pose, and shoulder stand, are also effective ways to increase blood circulation throughout your body — especially when it comes to the face and brain.

Skin loses its elasticity easily, so it is also helpful to do facial exercises that will strengthen and tone the muscles in your face. Practice massaging your jaw and brows to relieve stress. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, yoga not only helps you work out those kinks, it can improve extension, flexibility, and circulation. This will also help you gain flexibility in your face.

What else can I do to get beautiful skin?

Of course, yoga isn’t the only way to improve the look of your skin. In addition to making yoga a regular part of your day-to-day life, there are other habits you can implement into your daily routine so that you can enjoy radiant skin:

1. Drink more water and stay hydrated. Water flushes out toxins and gives your skin a healthy, lustrous glow.
2. Plan on getting eight hours of sleep. Although this is easier said than done – due to school, career changes, or anything else that will open more doors and raise salary potential. By being sufficiently rested, you will also be more alert. Over time, this will help improve your skin in a positive way.
3. Consider getting facials at a spa (or doing your own at home) as a part of your regular routine. Facials work to rid your skin of impurities and help to produce a youthful, healthy glow.

By incorporating yoga into your everyday life, you will begin to notice a big difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Your skin will look younger, more vibrant and have a beautiful glow to it that others will soon notice.

Thanks for the read! Did I miss anything important? What are some other ways yoga can help your skin over time? Feel free to leave a comment below.

 

Herman Davis loves exploring the outdoors and being active. If you can’t catch him online reading, you might be able to catch him out playing football with friends or cheering on the Boise State Broncos. Follow him on Twitter at @Davis241. Thanks!