Skincare has been a secret obsession of mine for many years now. Having a holistic approach to health with most of my work being in wellness, the care and keeping of my skin came naturally with the territory for me. I’m often asked about my own personal skincare routine, and perhaps the biggest lesson for my skin, and my life, has been simplicity. Yoga teaches us to be in the now, and that we really don’t need much to be content. Your skin is often the same way. Use good quality products with conscious ingredients, and don’t fuss with it too much. Like I always say, be good to your body, and it will be good to you; inside and out. 

The power of the present and simplicity is but one part of how practicing yoga can be good for your skin. Many yogis take on a more youthful appearance that comes from a combination of mindful living. Here are 5 reasons to get on the mat for your skin:

1 // Yoga Reduces Stress 

Stress reeks havoc on skin by causing breakouts and increasing the rate at which skin ages. The skin can also express emotional upheavals and imbalance. Yoga is known for its calming effects, as it is a moving meditation with a heavy focus on breathing. The yogic breathing technique slows the heart rates, stills the mind, and creates a sense of calm. Less stress = better skin. 

2 // Yoga Increases Circulation

Flowing through the poses in yoga gets the blood and oxygen moving in the body. Circulation might not be the sexiest topic, but increased blood flow and oxygenation of the cells will get the skin glowing. With our often sedentary lifestyles, better circulation is a necessity for our bodies and skin. Yoga is a great way to achieve this. Poses like down dog, legs up the wall, and any inversions are particularly helpful for this. Circulation up = natural glow up.

3 // Yoga Is Naturally Detoxifying 

Living in our current world, we are overloaded with things from the environment, foods, products, and even internal stresses; all things that can clog our bodies and skin. Yoga can help eliminate wastes in the cells and delivery renewing oxygen to all body systems. 

Don’t confuse detoxing with sweating though. You’re better off caring for your kidneys and liver than sweating. Too much sweating can lead to dehydration which can throw off the kidneys, and leave the body and skin literally parched. Yoga helps to promote healthy digestion and acts a massage for the internal organs, which are the keys to a natural healthy detox. Focus on twisting postures and if you’re doing extra sweaty yoga, drink plenty of water before and after your session. Healthy inside = healthy outside. 

4 // Promotes Well Being 

Studies have found that happy people look younger. Even slightly smiling instead of a blank face or frown can take time off your face. Not to mention, smiling just makes you feel better. Yoga makes people feel good by releasing endorphins and relaxing the body. I encourage my students to smile during their practice, even in the most challenging of poses or moments. After all, it’s just yoga. Don’t take it or yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process of the practice and smile more. Happy you = happy skin. 

5 // Yoga Gets Your Mind and Mindfulness Right 

Mindfulness in yoga is a two-fold win for the skin. Being mindful during our practice keeps us in the present moment. We learn to meditate and consciously relax the muscles of the face, including the forehead, jaw, and eyes. We notice where and how we are holding tension in the face. A tense face is not a happy or youthful looking face. These cues from yoga can help us as we navigate our daily lives, making sure we keep tension out of the facial muscles and body as a whole. 

Mindfulness off the mat can also help our skin stay calm and regulated by the choices we make in what we eat and how we treat our bodies. The mindfulness and decreased stress from a solid yoga practice can increase your likelihood of making sound dietary choices. Diet is a major component to supple, glowing skin. You will also be more likely to honor your need for adequate sleep, and select proper products to cleanse and support the skin. Pure mindset =  better holistic living.