If you look in the mirror and bemoan the latest wrinkle while your 13-year-old daughter battles with acne, you may be surprised to find that your skin and your daughter's can be helped by the same boon: a boost in antioxidants.
From wrinkles to acne to sun damage to skin cancer, modern research is pointing to antioxidants as the way to combat a wide range of skin problems. Found in Vitamins A, B, C, and E, and in minerals such as zinc and selenium, antioxidants help stop the ravaging effects of free radicals. These are the unstable molecules your body produces when it does not fully metabolize food or is exposed to ultraviolet sun rays, environmental toxins, pollutants or stress. Free radicals attack the healthy cells and can lead to acne, premature aging, dull, lackluster skin, and even skin cancer.
Okay, you say, I'm all for damage control. But where do I start? It turns out that the age-old system of Ayurvedic health care, practiced for thousands of years before antioxidants were discovered by modern science, is uncannily suited to reducing free radicals and increasing antioxidants. Here's what the Ayurvedic experts recommend to improve your health and your skin.
Beauty Begins at Breakfast
The Ayurvedic diet includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Antioxidants are especially abundant in grapes, blueberries, and pomegranates, but the key is to eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables—selected according to your individual body type. Did you know, for instance, that Vitamin C is found not only in freshly squeezed orange juice, but also in vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts?
If you're on the go and can't balance your meals properly, Organic Premium Amla Berry is rich in Vitamin C. It is said to rejuvenate the body's digestive, detoxification and organ systems, resulting in soft, radiant skin.
Eat Organic and Shun Toxins
Because free radicals feed on toxins, choose organic foods whenever possible. And stay away from packaged or processed foods, as these contain chemical additives that damage your cells and your skin. Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from the skin—but make sure it's pure and chemical-free.
For teenagers and anyone with especially reactive skin, eating toxin-free foods and limiting fatty, sugary, hard-to-digest junk foods prevents breakouts. Radiant Skin is an herbal formula that purifies and strengthens the liver, cleanses the blood tissue of toxins, reduces excessive heat and oiliness, and enhances digestion. Its beneficial effects can have a dramatic effect in fighting acne, redness and other skin sensitivities, leaving your skin radiant and blemish-free.
Try Healthier Fats
Not all fats are bad for you. According to Maharishi Ayurveda, people with drier constitutions (Vata dosha) need more fat in their diets. And many people need more fat as they reach age 55 and older. But choose your fats wisely. Recent research shows that hydrogenated oils—heavy in trans-fats and found in most processed foods—cause inflammation throughout the body, damaging skin cells and accelerating aging.
Extra-virgin olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that has healthy effects on the heart and skin—but it shouldn't be heated to high temperatures, since that will destroy its nutritive qualities and create free radicals. Olive oil can be used in salads, to drizzle on vegetables or to sauté vegetables and spices at low heat. For baking or cooking at higher temperatures, use organic ghee (clarified butter), which has a purifying and nourishing effect on the cellular level of the skin.
Reduce Stress Every Day
Free radicals also increase in your body when you skip sleep, are under stress, or "self-medicate" with cigarettes, alcohol or processed sugar. Ayurveda recommends a daily routine that balances your activity with yoga, meditation, and exercise to keep stress in check.
Harness the Power of Antioxidants
One great source of antioxidants is Maharishi Amrit Kalash. Research shows that a single teaspoon of Amrit Nectar contains an astonishing 1000 times more antioxidant power than a Vitamin C tablet. Yet it's safer for you than vitamins. Due to the synergy of herbs included in this ancient ayurvedic formula, the antioxidants in Amrit are carried straight to the nucleus of the cell, beyond the lipid barrier.
Maharishi Amrit Kalash is the most powerful rasayana (healing elixir) for rejuvenating your mind and body and creating beautiful, youthful skin. This age-old formula combats the stress of our modern lifestyle; nourishes, rehydrates and detoxifies the skin; and boosts your immunity.
Make Your Own Ayurvedic Facial Cleanser
Choose the recipe that matches your skin type. Stir together all the ingredients and apply very gently on your face with your fingertips. Let the scrub set on the skin, then using very slight pressure, flake the mask off into the basin. If the mask feels too sticky, use warm water to rinse. Dab face with a soft towel, and follow with a good moisturizer.
For Oily (Kapha) Skin:
- 1 teaspoon toasted wheat bran
- ¼ teaspoon almond powder
- ½ teaspoon orange-peel powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Dry (Vata) Skin:
- 2 teaspoons quick-cooking oats
- ¼ teaspoon almond powder
- ¼ teaspoon orange peel powder
- ¼ teaspoon lavender flower powder
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
For Sensitive (Pitta) Skin
- 2 teaspoons quick-cooking oats
- ¼ teaspoon almond powder
- ¼ teaspoon rose petal powder
- ¼ teaspoon lavender flower powder
- 2 tablespoons whole raw milk
© 1999, 2021 Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, Inc. (MAPI). All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See additional information.
