10 Yoga Asanas For Beautiful And Glowing Skin

We all want beautiful, radiant, supple and glowing skin but not all of us are blessed with it. There are many face creams, masks, and treatments available in the market which claims to give you that glow you always desired. Some products work and some don't. So how about going the natural way? We present to you 10 yoga asanas which not only contribute towards mental peace and good health but also result in healthy looking skin. Here we go!

1. Ustrasana – Camel Pose

Ustrasana called as camel pose helps to strengthen the spine. It will enhance the blood flow in the head and the skin will glow from within. It also encourages the hair growth. It further improves hormone function which in turn benefits your skin. It is also known to prevent menstrual cramps.

Method:

• Kneel down on the floor with your legs parallel to ground and back straight.
• Move you thigh inwards and rest your hands on your hip with fingers pointing downwards.
• Now bend your body to touch your heels lifting your chest upwards.
• Stay in this position for a few seconds, don't forget to inhale and exhale
• Repeat the course for 3–4 times.

Caution:

If you have lower back pain, knee pain or any kind of surgery, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before performing this.

2. Padmasana – Lotus Pose

Popularly known as Lotus Pose, Padmasana helps in deep meditation by calming the mind. It is a great pose for glowing skin, reduction of eye bags, dark circles, and muscular tension.

Method:

• Sit on the floor and stretch your legs, your legs should be straight in front.
• Hold the right leg in both the hands, fold the leg slowly and place it on your left thigh. Do the same for the left leg and place it on right thigh.
• Ensure that your feet should touch your navel.
• Keep your back straight.
• Take deep breathe in and breathe out.

Caution:

If you have knee pain, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before performing this.

3. Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

This is called the bow pose where the body is so bent like the shape of a bow. Firstly, it helps to detoxify the body and brings back the natural even tone to the skin. Secondly, it is a great stress buster and relaxes the body, mind, and soul with regular practice.

Method:

• Lie on your stomach with your chin on the mat.
• Then, bend your right knee and extend your right arm behind you, taking hold of your right ankle. Do the same with left knee as well.
• Gaze forward and breathe softly. Your breath will become shallow, but do not hold your breath.
• Hold for a few breaths, then release and relax.
• Slowly release your legs and feet to the floor. Place your right ear on the mat and relax your arms at your sides for a few breaths. Repeat the pose for the same amount of time, then rest with your left ear on the mat.

Caution:

If you suffer from high or low blood pressure, have a past record of a hernia, neck injuries, or any kind of back or head pain, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before performing this.

4. Sarvangasana – Shoulder Stand

Sarvangāsana is nicknamed "queen" or "mother" of all the asanas. As the name indicates sarv-ang which means all body parts, this pose benefits the entire body and relieves us of skin problems such as acne, wrinkles, and dullness. It promotes blood circulation towards the face and thus improves the facial skin.

Method:

• Lie on the carpet with legs together.
• Raise the legs to an angle of 90 degrees. Now press the floor with your palms, lift the waist and bring the legs forward. Then keep them vertical to the ground.
• Bend the hands, hold the waist with the palms, balancing and raise the legs to an angle of 90 degrees to the floor. The body and legs should be straight and vertical to the floor.
• The whole weight of the body is resting on the shoulder blade and adjust if it is not straight. Rest the elbow on the floor with palms supporting the body.
• Maintain the pose for some time. Eyes should see the toenail. Legs should not move.
• Lower the legs toe and back. Take the hands from the back and place it on the floor. Briskly bring the back and legs to the floor, and lie down.
• Take rest and do it again.

Caution:

If you have neck and back issues or high blood pressure problem, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before performing this.

5. Matsyasana – Fish Pose

This fish pose helps you to tone the muscles of the face and throat by decreasing the double chin problem. It is also known to firm and smoothen your skin and normalizes the hormones, thereby diminishing the breakouts.

Method:

• Lie on your back. Your feet are together and hands relaxed alongside the body.
• Place the hands underneath the hips, palms facing down. Bring the elbows closer toward each other.
• Breathing in, lift the head and chest up.
• Keeping the chest raised, lower the head backward and touch the top of the head to the floor.
• With the head lightly touching the floor, press the elbows firmly into the ground, placing the weight on the elbow and not on the head. Lift your chest up from in-between the shoulder blades. Press the thighs and legs to the floor.
• Hold the pose for as long as you comfortably can, taking gentle long breaths in and out. Relax in the posture with every exhalation.
• Now lift the head up, lowering the chest and head to the floor. Bring the hands back along the sides of the body. Relax.

Caution:

People with blood pressure or a migraine should not perform this without proper medical supervision.

6. Tadasana - Mountain Pose

This helps you to relax and stretch the muscles easily. The deep and rhythmic breathing is an essential element of healthy skin.

Method:

• First, stand straight on the ground. Place your feet flat and keep your heels at a little distance. Big toes bases must be touching. Fully balance your weight on both feet.
• The hands stay on your thigh muscles compact.
• Raise your both hands and join your two hands fingers.
• Extend the shoulders blades and do a little bend towards the back.
• At that time, your head is in a straight line with the middle of your pelvis, and also keep your chin floors parallel. Soften your eyes and throat.
• Stay in this pose for minimum 30 seconds. Maintain to breathe easily.

Caution:

Please avoid doing this if you have slipped disc.

7. Pranayam

Pranayam is an ancient Indian practice concerned with breath control. The word is composed of two Sanskrit words: 'prana' meaning life force, and either 'yama' or the negative form 'ayāma' meaning to extend or draw out. This can be done by anyone irrespective of any medical conditions. This relaxes and calms the mind and gives a well-rested and relaxed outlook.

Method:

• Breathe in deeply through your nostrils.
• Breathe out quickly through your nostrils.
• Keep repeating.

Caution:

This yoga asana should not be practiced immediately after meals. Give at least three hours time after meals to do pranayam.

8. Shirshasana - Headstand

This yoga asana gives your face a radiant and illuminating glow by reversing the blood circulation from toe to head. Doing this regularly helps keep your skin wrinkle-free and delays other signs of aging.

Method:

• Set up your arms for the perfect foundation
• Place your head into the clasped hands.
• Straighten your legs just as you would do in downward dog or dolphin pose and start to walk the feet in towards the head with small steps.
• Once the upper body is able to balance like this, use your core to slowly bend your knees and bring them into the chest, slowly lifting the feet off the floor.
• Slowly start to stretch the legs upwards till you are in an upright position.
• Coming out of headstand safely is just as important as getting into it. You want to make sure you don't crash down.

Caution:

This is not an easy one and make sure you have someone to look over you. If you have neck and back issues or high blood pressure problem, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before performing this.

9. Halasana - Plough Pose

If you suffer from insomnia and are deprived of your beauty sleep, this is the perfect yoga asana for you. It improves the blood circulation and gives you a calm and relaxed body which will reflect on your face and skin. Thus, every time you wake from sleep, you will have a happy glowing skin.

Method:

• Lie flat on your back, with your arms placed beside your body and your palms facing downwards.
• Inhale, and lift your feet off the ground using your abdominal muscles. Your legs should be at a 90-degree angle.
• Use your hands to support your hips and lift them off the floor.
• Bring your feet in an 180-degree angle, such that your toes are placed over and beyond your head.
• Make sure your back is perpendicular to the ground.
• Hold the position for a minute while focusing on your breathing. Exhale, and gently bring down your legs. Avoid jerking your legs while releasing the pose.

Caution:

Avoid practicing this asana if you have menstruation, neck injury or pregnancy.

10. Paschimottanasana – Seated Forward Bend Pose

This yoga asana involves intense stretching of the body muscles. It purifies the blood, improves the elasticity of the skin and lessens the wrinkles along with improving the skin complexion. Paschimottanasana can regulate your digestive system giving you healthy looking beautiful skin.

Method:

• Sit down straight with your legs stretched out.
• Place your right palm on the right knee and the left palm on the left knee.
• Inhale, now bend forward and try to catch your toes.
• Bend the arm to touch the floor.
• Exhale and stay in there for few seconds.
• Return the previous position.
• Repeat this 3–4 times.

Caution:

Do not pull your legs or bend your knees while doing this pose.

Now that you know the yoga asanas that will improve your skin from within, get going!

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