Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Skin care: Novel horizons from ayurveda

4^th International Conference and Expo on Cosmetology & Trichology

June 22-24, 2015 Philadelphia, USA

Pallavi Gupta

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Clin Exp Dermatol Res

Abstract :

Healthy skin is the most desirable and decisive component of beauty. The cosmetic demand of this aesthetic era necessitates every individual to resort to the daily routine practices required for healthy skin. Ayurveda, which is one of the most evolved branches of medical science, elaborates various routine practices for healthy skin. They are Abhyanga (oil massage), Udvartana (rubbing and anointing), Utsaadana (rubbing and kneading), Udgharshana (powder massage), Anulepana (facial anointments), Nasya (nasal instillations), Shiro abhyanga (head massage) etc. and finally Nidra (adequate sleep) also counts to a major extent in the maintenance of healthy skin. Skin type in Ayurveda is mainly determined by the Prakriti (constitution/ temperament) of the individual which are of 3 major types i.e., Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Whatever may be the skin type, dry/ oily, sensitive/resistant, pigmented/non pigmented, wrinkled/tight or non wrinkled, all of them are incorporated under the above 3 major types of temperaments. Both the routine practices as well as therapeutic modalities are planned according to the temperament which varies greatly for different constitutions. For example skin of an individual of Vata constitution would be lusterless, having rough texture and cracks due to dryness and thus should be given warm and unctuous therapies and oil massage for lubrication and natural moisturizers for hydration. Similarly individuals of different constitutions require different modalities. Hence the novel approach of Ayurveda regarding skin care is highly rational and scientific.