7 Fantastic Yoga Asanas That Will Help You Fight Skin Problems

Skin is the largest human organ, both in terms of surface area and weight. It shields your body against harmful organisms, so you must take care of it well. That said, have you ever heard of restorative yoga asanas for skin problems? Before we go ahead, let us first find out the common issues the skin faces.

1. Acne: It is caused when hair follicles get clogged with dirt and excess sebum. This skin condition is said to affect about 80% of the world’s population.
2. Eczema: It is a chronic condition that manifests itself in the form of dry and itchy skin with rashes on feet, hands, face, etc. Hives: It is characterized by itchy red bumps on the skin. It can be the result of a reaction to food or drugs.
3. Melanoma: It is a type of skin cancer that develops due to pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
4. Psoriasis: It is characterized by thick, itchy red patches with silver scales and swelling.
   
5. Rashes (basic dermatitis): They make the skin itchy and dry.
6. Rosacea: Sensitivity to the sun causes the skin to become red and inflamed. Other symptoms include thick skin and swollen nose.
   
7. Wrinkles: Lifestyle issues may cause premature aging signs like wrinkles, meaning the skin tends to sag and develop fine lines.

Hence, this article takes you through the six best power yoga asanas that keep these skin issues at bay. So, let us get started.

How Does Yoga Help You Fight Skin Problems?

Toxins, imbalanced hormones, free radicals, and sensitivity to the sun are all common causes of skin problems.

In a 2021 blind online survey carried out by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, with a total of 3,527 responses, the respondents revealed their primary concerns regarding their appearance. The survey found that 77% of respondents were most bothered by excess fat on any part of their body, 70% expressed concern about excessive fat under their chin or neck, and 66% reported being bothered by skin texture and/or discoloration. Another 62% identified lines and wrinkles around or under their eyes as a significant concern.

The solutions? Improving blood circulation and complexion, balancing hormones, scavenging free radicals, delivering more oxygen to cells, reducing stress, and making your immunity stronger may help combat skin issues. Many of these can be achieved with yoga. These simple asanas and breathing exercises can provide what your skin may need and more.

7 Amazing Asanas In Yoga For Skin Problems

1. Uttanasana

Also Known As – Padahastasana, Hasta Padasana, Standing Forward Bend

Benefits – This asana helps increase the circulation of blood in the face, neck, and head. It helps to relax the facial muscles and balance out the hormones, thereby promoting healthy skin.

How To Do It – Stand straight and place your hands on your hips. Inhale. Then, bend your hips as you exhale. Your hands can be placed on the floor beside your feet (you can bend your knees if needed, which will protect your back). The feet should be parallel to each other, hip distance apart. Push your torso forward as you extend the stretch and lift the tailbone. Relax your head and neck toward the floor. Hold for several breaths and release.

To know more about this asana, click here: Uttanasana

2. Trikonasana

Also Known As – Triangle Pose

Benefits – This asana helps to open your hips, torso, and heart, thereby increasing circulation, which helps to remove toxins, kill free radicals, and clear out blockages. The facial muscles lose tension and relax. Your skin may be left healthy and glowing!

How To Do It – Place your feet apart. Raise your arms such that they are parallel to the floor, with your palms facing downwards. Turn your left foot at a 45-degree angle, and the right one at a 90-degree angle. Your heels should be in line with one another. Extend your body to the right, reaching for the wall to your right as you drop your right hand down towards the floor. Touch the right foot or inner thigh (avoid leaning on the knee) with the right hand, and extend your left arm in the air, towards the ceiling. Look at your left hand. Hold for several breaths and release. Repeat on the other side.

Quick Tip

While rising from the trikonasana pose, take a deep breath in, and press your heel to the floor to maintain your center.

3. Bhujangasana

Also Known As – Cobra Pose

Benefits – When you stretch and open up your heart and lungs, your breathing improves. When you breathe in more oxygen your circulation improves. Improved circulation and better oxygen delivery can help to remove toxins and scavenge free radicals throughout your body, therefore improving skin conditions such as premature aging, acne and psoriasis. This asana may also help to regulate hormones.

How To Do It – Lie flat on your stomach, with your legs stretched out and tops of feet facing down. Place your elbows by your side hands on your mat beside your ribcage and lift your chest, placing the body weight on the elbows. Inhale deeply, and exhale strongly.

4. Janu Sirsasana

Also Known As – Head-to-Knee Pose, Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, Head-on-Knee Pose.

Benefit – This asana works on balancing the hormones and clearing toxins from the system. It also increases blood and oxygen supply to the facial muscles and promotes relaxation. Your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

How To Do It – Assume the Dandasana. Fold your left leg such that the left foot touches the right thigh. Gently bend forward from the hips, touching your head to your knee, and your hands to your feet. Bend the straight knee slightly, if needed, to protect your lower back. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply. Release and repeat with the left leg stretched out.

Quick Tip

It is not necessary to touch your head to your knee or your hands to your feet if your flexibility level does not allow it. Go as low as you can.

5. Viparita Karani

Also Known As – Legs Up The Wall

Benefit – Practicing this asana regularly may help to scavengefree radicals and increase the supply of oxygen to the face.

How To Do It – Sit across a wall and gently raise your legs up the wall. Lie down gently on your back and stretch out your arms to the sides, making sure your palms are facing upwards. Once you are comfortable, close your eyes and breathe. Release after a few minutes.

To know more about this asana, click here: Viparita Karani

6. Pawanmuktasana

Also Known As – Wind Relieving Pose

Benefits – This asana stimulates and regulates the digestive system. It helps to flush out the toxins in the system by facilitating proper digestion and improving circulation, which may help to clear the skin of acne and blemishes.

How To Do It – Lie flat on the floor with your back on the ground. Fold your knees and hug them. Lift your head off the floor, and bring your nose in between your knees. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply. Release.

To know more about this asana, click here: Pawanmuktasana

7. Halasana

Also Known As – Full Plough Pose

Benefits – The inversion in this asana stimulates the lymphatic system helps detoxify the body, boosts digestion, and improves blood circulation to the face, which promotes clearer and healthier skin. It promotes relaxation by reducing tension to potentially soothe stress breakouts and inflammation.

How To Do – Lie flat on your back with your hands resting on either side of your body and palms facing down. Lift your legs and torso off the floor, moving them over your head, and slowly touching your toes to the floor. If you can’t touch the floor, keep the toes as close to the floor as possible. Hold the pose for a few deep breaths and then release slowly.

Tony and Joy, two bloggers, celebrated their milestone of completing 100 yoga classes in a year. They had hoped to maintain their skin elasticity after losing weight. After the milestone, they shared their personal transformations, mainly focusing on weight loss. In addition to that, Joy noted his results, “1. Reduction in circumference of arms (arms used to be as big as Tony’s!), tummy and thighs, 2. weight loss, 3. good skin, 4. increased flexibility (i).”

Infographic: 3 Asanas To Fight Skin Problems

Millions of people deal with skin problems every day. Most of us resort to chemical products for quick solutions without realizing their long-term effects. In an era when one has to wear makeup all the time, it is important to take care of the skin even more. Yoga asanas are one of the best solutions for skin problems as they help provide stress relief and fight skin problems from the roots. Daily yoga promotes healthy skin and detoxification from within.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kapalbhati cure skin problems?

Anecdotal evidence claims that Kapalbhati may fight acne, eliminate toxins from your body and delay aging. However, enough empirical evidence is lacking to prove these claims.

Is anulom vilom good for skin problems?

Stress can lead to skin problems like acne and breakouts. Since pranayama or anulom vilom can help you reduce stress, it can indirectly help you fight skin issues.

Are there any specific yoga poses or breathing exercises that can help with rosacea or other inflammatory skin conditions?

Toxin buildup is the most common reason for inflammation. One of the benefits of yoga asanas is that they help increase blood circulation and aid in detoxification. The stress-relieving property of yoga also aids in inflammation control.

Can yoga help with eczema or psoriasis, and if so, which asanas are recommended?

Yoga asanas such as Adho Mukha Svanasana, Setubandhasana, Chakravakasana, and Balasana help relieve inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. They improve blood flow, detoxify, and reduce stress.

Are there any risks or side effects of practicing yoga for skin health, and how can they be minimized?

Beginners should start with simple stretch poses to prevent bone or muscle injury. Incorrect yoga poses can lead to injury, and hot yoga may flare up skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, and eczema.

Can yoga be used in conjunction with other skin treatments or skincare products, and how can I integrate them effectively?

Yoga is a physical activity that can make you sweat. Routine cleansing and exfoliation can keep the skin clean and free of bacteria and dirt. Never do yoga with makeup on the face. Maintain a clean yoga mat and wear moisture-wicking, comfortable clothing during yoga.

How does practicing yoga help reduce stress and anxiety and impact skin health? Which asanas are most effective for stress relief?

Anecdotal evidence suggests yoga can lower the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. Deep breathing and asanas such as Balasana, Savasana, Viparita Karani, and Uttanasana are great yoga poses for relaxation and stress relief.

Illustration: Fantastic Yoga Asanas That Will Help You Fight Skin Problems

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

So yes, you can reduce pigmentation and melasma with simple face yoga exercises. Click on the video below for simple and easy yoga exercises that will help you achieve glowing, youthful skin at home.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Nichole Dandrea-RussertMS, RDN

   

Nichole Dandrea-Russert is a dietitian nutritionist and yoga instructor with 4 years of experience. She specializes in plant-based diets, along with yoga and mindfulness, to help guide people to better health and wellness.

Read full bio of Nichole Dandrea-Russert

Shirin MehdiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecraze, she interned with an advertising firm as a copywriter and as an editorial intern for a luxury fashion magazine.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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