Yoga with Diana

We all want beautiful unblemished, glowing skin.  It is clear by the amount of money spent on facial products and sometimes other more extreme measures to have younger looking skin.  Our skin is the first point of contact with people and so much of our self-image, emotions, and physical status revolves are around our skin.  Although a healthy diet, staying out of the sun and products that work for our skin are necessary.  Through yoga and Ayurveda you can enjoy the benefits of healthy skin in a more holistic approach.  We practice Sun Salutations for our body and now we can practice Sun Salutations for our facial muscles.  When you cleanse your face “Gently pat facial cleanser onto your skin, and with your fingers, make small, slow, circular motions on your face to relax the muscles.” Below are two uncomplicated facial masks that you can make at home,  and recommended by Ayurvedic aesthetician Evan Healy, founder of the eponymous all-natural skin care line.

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To keep facial skin glowing, Healy recommends giving yourself a wonderfully uncomplicated flaxseed facial. Grind flaxseeds in a coffee grinder, or buy a preground meal such as Bob’s Red Mill. It’s all good, according to Healy: “A flaxmeal facial paste is pure simplicity and great for every skin type.”

The concentrated essential fatty acids in flaxseed moisturize and protect the skin, she explains, and the texture of the hulls stimulates circulation; cleans away dirt, sweat, and excess oils; and sloughs away dead skin cells. Plus, the flaxseed—like all seeds—packs prana, or life energy. Releasing prana to your skin energizes and vivifies.

To increase the healing benefits, Healy recommends that you follow your facial with a nourishing turmeric-yogurt mask.

How . . . Prepare the nourishing mask by mixing 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with 1⁄3 teaspoon honey and a pinch of turmeric powder. Set aside.

Scrub gently. At the bathroom sink, splash water onto your face. Then mix a little warm water with 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed to form a light paste. Apply a thin layer to your skin and message in circles all over your face, spending some extra time gently scrubbing any oily or rough areas.

Rinse well with cool or warm water. (Never hot! Hot water stresses delicate facial skin and strips away protective oils.) Pat dry.

Relax into the mask. Next, spread the yogurt-turmeric mixture evenly over your entire face. Lie down and relax for 10 minutes, taking full, deep breaths and making a conscious effort to release any tension you may be holding in your jaw or forehead.

Seal in the goodness. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

“When we care for ourselves well, our authentic beauty reflects in our skin.”

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2609