There are a host of beauty products that can give you the much-coveted sheen, making you look oh-so-glamorous. Makeup shakeup toh thik hai. But there is definitely something about naturally radiant skin. That inner glow is different because the shine comes from within and is an apparent sign of good health. But, how can you achieve that? By leading an active life and eating well. Aur kya?! So, here are 8 yoga asanas for you to #BeALittleMore for your skin and flaunt that gorgeous glow!
1. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose)
This yoga asana helps in purifying blood, reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and also enhancing the skin’s complexion. It relieves the skin of acne and dull appearance, which can be the result of poor digestive health.
Steps:
- Sit down straight and stretch out your legs
- Keep your left arm on the left knee and the right arm on the right knee
- Take a deep breath and then bend forward to catch your toes
- Next, try touching the floor by bending your arm
- Exhale and maintain the position for a few seconds
- Return to the starting position to complete one step
- Repeat this step three to four times
Note: This asana should ideally not be practised if you have sinusitis unless recommended by a yoga expert.
2. Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
Armed with the power to calm down your brain, it relieves stress, thus, promoting a healthy glow to your skin. It also helps improve blood circulation, leading to healthy skin yet again.
Steps:
- Sit down on a yoga mat with a straight back and legs straight in front of you
- Lift your right knee and ensure that it touches your left hip
- Similarly, make your left knee touch the right hip
- Hold both your hands on your knees in the dhyana mudra position
Note: Don’t perform this asana, if you have knee pain unless advised by your yoga practitioner.
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3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
The pressure that this exercise exerts on your abdomen results in the detoxification of your body, which in turn, leads to healthy, glowing skin.
Steps:
- Lie down on the yoga mat with your head facing downwards, but palms facing the ceiling
- Lift your leg without lifting the hips
- Next, lift your torso and touch the ankle with your hands
- Stretch your body, ensuring that your abdomen touches the floor
- Return to the starting position to complete one step
- Repeat this step two to three times
Note: Don’t perform this exercise if you have high or low blood pressure, or if you’re pregnant unless advised by your yoga instructor
4. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
This yoga asana improves blood circulation in the head, which in turn, enhances the skin of your face, imparting a natural glow to it. What’s more, it also aids in controlling dullness, wrinkles, and pimples on your face.
Steps:
- Lie down flat on your back, facing the ceiling
- Lift your leg slowly and then gradually lift your hips as much as you can
- Return to the starting position to complete one step
Note: This asana is generally not recommended if you have blood pressure, neck pain, or are on your period unless advised differently by your yoga instructor.
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5. Halasana (Plough Pose)
This yoga asana is also known for improving blood circulation, which naturally shows on your skin. Not just that, it also helps with relaxed sleep that keeps away stress, which in turn reflects on your skin.
Steps:
- Lie down on your back with your face facing the ceiling and palms touching the ground
- Breathe in and then lift your legs at 90 degrees to the floor
- Then, gradually lift it down over your head to the other side of the floor
- Hold on to this position for about a minute before returning to the original position
Note: This asana is a strict no-no if you have a spinal disorder, are pregnant, or on the first two days of your menstrual cycle unless advised differently by your yoga instructor
6. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
Apart from improving blood circulation, relieving you of stress and fatigue. This, in turn, leads to healthy-looking skin.
Steps:
- Sit down on a yoga mat with a straight back and legs straight in front of you
- Bend back slowly till your head reaches the floor, maintaining an arched back
- Hold on to this position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position
Note: It’s best to avoid practising this asana if you suffer from migraine or have blood pressure unless advised otherwise by your healthcare expert and yoga practitioner
7. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
This exercise improves blood flow in the head and removes toxins from the bloodstream. This automatically imparts radiance to your face. To top that, it enhances hormone functioning and opens up the chest, which again contributes to the good health of your skin.
Steps:
- Kneel down on the floor, so that your back is straight and legs are parallel to the ground
- Rest your hands on your hip while your fingers point downwards
- Backwards to touch your heels, while maintaining an arched back
- Hold this position for a few seconds, while breathing in and out
- Repeat this three to four times
Note: If you have knee ailments or experience insomnia, you should ideally avoid this exercise, unless recommended by your healthcare expert and yoga instructor.
8. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana opens up the chest to improve the intake of oxygen, adding a natural glow to your face. It also detoxifies your body, ridding you of pimples.
Steps:
- Lie down on your yoga mat with your face downwards and hands by your head, with palms facing downwards
- Breathe in and breathe out, and then lift your head up while stretching your arms
- Bend backwards slightly and hold the position for 2 seconds
- Return to the starting position to complete one step
- Repeat this step ten times and increase the number gradually
Note: You should avoid this exercise if you have spinal ailments or are pregnant unless advised differently by a medical expert and yoga instructorÂ
The above yoga asanas will surely activate the blood flow and relieve stress, imparting a natural sheen to your face. But, remember that you need to follow a regular routine for these exercises. Otherwise, the mehnat will not show on your face. Are there any other yoga exercises you know of that are known for resulting in healthy skin? Do share in the comment section below.
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