How does stress affect skin health?
Stress causes inflammation: Chronic stress can cause an overproduction of inflammatory compounds, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation. This inflammation can aggravate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
Stress causes dry skin: Stress can also disrupt the skin's barrier function, which is essential for maintaining proper moisture and protecting the skin from environmental stressors. When this barrier is compromised, the skin can become dry, flaky, and more sensitive to irritants.
Stress causes wrinkles and crow's feet: Stress can affect your skin's ability to repair itself and regenerate new cells. This can lead to dull, uneven skin tone and accelerate visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and crow's feet.
Benefits of yoga to improve skin
Physical posture
The physical postures in yoga help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can aid in the elimination of toxins and promote radiant skin. Additionally, certain yoga postures are known to stimulate the endocrine system, helping to regulate hormone levels and reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
Breathing and meditation
According to Himalayan yoga expert Siddha Akshar (India), breathing exercises and meditation practices in yoga can also play an important role in reducing stress, reducing inflammation, improving circulation and regulating hormone levels, all of which can contribute to brighter, more radiant skin.
Conclude
“Yoga practices can reduce stress levels, help restore balance, and promote overall skin health, giving you radiant, glowing skin,” says Himalayan yoga expert Siddha Akshar.