Yoga Poses for Clear, Healthy Skin

When a yoga instructor asks you to set an intention for your practice, do you ever think: “To get rid of this huge pimple on my face”?

I’m not going to lie—I’ve jokingly wished for that (along with more serious things, of course). But little did I realize that it’s not such a crazy idea. According to the ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda, certain yoga poses actually are believed to fight acne.

There are several reasons why yoga is so closely linked with the skin in Ayurvedic custom, says Shrankhla Holecek, founder of Ayurvedic beauty brand Uma. For one thing, breathing techniques, like the ones you do in yoga class, are major stress busters—and we all know how stress impacts the complexion.

“Pranayama—a breathing meditation within yoga—can be deeply balancing to the mind and body, alleviating the stressors that cause acne,” says Holecek. (In fact, she adds, breath work is often the first thing an Ayurvedic doctor will recommend if you’re struggling with acne.)

The movement side of yoga also affects skin. Take sun salutations, for example: Though we often think of them as energy-boosters, in Ayurveda they’re so much more than that. “Sun and moon salutations can expedite the body’s detox processes, helping rid you of acne-causing toxins,” says Holecek.

It stands to reason, then, that other poses could also play a role in fighting pimples. After all, Holecek says, “Acne is considered to be an imbalance, and generally, yoga practices are all about bringing you back to balance.”

As is always the case within Ayurveda, the right yoga prescription for you varies depending on your predominant dosha, or mind-body constitution. (If you don’t already know yours, take this quiz.) I know it sounds a little out-there, but even if you’re skeptical, know this: Getting more yoga in your life is never a bad thing.

Keep reading for the yoga poses you should practice to get rid of your acne, according to an Ayurvedic expert.

Pitta: Red, angry pimples

“Pitta-type acne is often triggered by emotional imbalances such as stress or anger,” says Holecek. This dosha is especially prone to “fiery” emotions, which lead to imbalance overall.

To soothe your emotions: “Poses like hidden lotus (above) and fish (top) have a deeply calming effect on [emotions], alleviating acne triggers,” says Holecek.

To relax the mind and body: There’s a reason why your yoga instructor saves shoulder stand (above) and half-wheel (also known as bridge pose) for the end of class—they put you in a totally Zen state. “These are excellent circulation boosting poses, but double in their efficacy for pitta types because of their deeply relaxing nature on the mind and body,” explains Holecek.

Vata: Whiteheads, blackheads, and milia

When airy vata types experience an imbalance, it can often result in digestive issues—and, according to Holecek, this can lead to fermentation in the gut and toxin buildup.

To amp up your digestion: “Poses like lotus (above) are excellent in aiding digestion,” says Holecek, who claims that this will lead to better toxin elimination and nutrient absorption.

To reduce constipation: “Headstand, backward bends (above), and plough (top) further alleviate constipation—a common problem with vata types—and boost circulation to the face, delivering vital nutrients for resolving acne,” Holecek says.

To bring circulation to your face: “Cobra (above) and locust poses deliver the unexpected benefit of stimulating facial and neck muscle, which aids in detox and cellular turnover,” explains Holecek. (A welcome bonus, if your gut issues are showing up on your skin.)

Kapha: Deep-rooted acne

Many skin-care experts will tell you that cystic acne is related to off-kilter hormones, and Holecek is one of them. She adds that this kind of imbalance is connected to the kapha dosha, which tends towards stagnation.

To help regulate hormones: “Poses like lion (above) and boat (top) can have a stimulating effect on glands, which is especially beneficial for kapha acne,” says Holecek.

To detox: “Kapha-type acne finds great relief with a good detox, and spinal twists (above) are excellent for that,” Holecek notes.

To improve circulation: “Half wheel [or bridge pose] (above) helps boost circulation and furthers detox, which is good for healing acne,” says Holecek.

Article first published on WellandGood.com

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How to Help Your Skin Age Beautifully, the Natural Way

“There are two types of women: Those who take care of their skin from very early on, and those who wait until they see things they don’t like,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, with skin-care spas in New York City and Los Angeles (Michelle Williams, Naomi Watts, and Julianne Moore are clients).

Guess which skin-care tactic is easier—and way more logical?

Vargas says it’s important to start thinking about your skin’s tomorrow way before you notice your first sun spot. She adds that these hard-to-fade splotches, along with enlarged pores, tired-looking eyes, and skin that’s lost its elasticity (and droops along the jawline) are common complaints among clients who haven’t taken preventative measures.

So when should you be thinking about protecting your skin—and not just cleansing and moisturizing it?

“Your early 20s is the time to start taking skin care more seriously and realizing it’s a lifestyle you will be rewarded for,” she says. It’s about doing things that nurture your skin’s health, she emphasizes, not obsessing about getting wrinkles someday (which are so not the enemy btw).

If you’re in the 20-something (or so) camp, think of these tips to follow as a trust fund for your skin—all ways of ensuring it’s set up for a bright future. (Glowy, even!)

1. Seriously, wear sunscreen.

I know it sounds very familiar, but it bears repeating. “The best anti-aging tip is to wear sunscreen at all times—even if you’re just walking to work,” stresses Vargas. “I try and remind people that although everyone feels good in the sun, you wind up complaining about everything it does to your skin later in life.”  

2. Seek out strengthening and nourishing ingredients

Vargas approaches skin care in the same way a nutritionist looks at food. “Skin tends to have basic nutritional needs [as we age], and ingredients are a big part of making that happen,” she says. Vargas says that if you’re currently dealing with acne, you should address that before aging—but otherwise, all of the following ingredients work for any age.

• Antioxidants: “Açai, argan [oil], vitamins A, C, and E—all of these are antioxidants,” says Vargas. “They basically prevent the skin from mutating when sun or pollution hits it, which can result in loss of elasticity and collagen and uneven pigment.” Vargas’ own Vitamin C Face Wash, Daily Serum, and Rejuvenating Serum all contain loads of these natural complexion bodyguards.
• Olive oil: Facial oils like jojoba and rosehip may be hot right now, but Vargas is a fan of good ol’ olive oil for skin softening and reducing inflammation. “It’s handy for anyone who lives in the toxic environment of the city or is exposed to the sun regularly,” she says. “Olive oil can keep the skin from being so reactive to environmental stressors.”  
• Peptides: Think of these guys as the personal trainers that help strengthen collagen and elastin, the proteins that give our skin its structure and stretch. “We need these building blocks to help reinforce our collagen, because collagen synthesis [production] wanes with age,” explains Vargas. “Daily use in a cream and weekly in a mask is advisable.”  
• (Plant) stem cells: “Stem cells are clinically proven in certain forms to help stimulate the body’s ability to produce collagen,” Vargas says. “This function lessens with age, so we need stem cells to be a part of our daily routine.”   

3. Embrace skin-care technology

Just because you’re not into needles and chemicals doesn’t mean you should avoid medi-spa style machines. “I’m known for being a big fan of technology in treatments,” says Vargas. “We have so many non-invasive options I don’t see any reason to resort to [things like] fillers.”

Vargas recommends a combination of collagen-stimulating micro-current, radio frequency, and LED light treatments for skin, starting around the age of 30. (Some skin pros, Vargas included, even have full-body LED light beds that help build collagen and soften wrinkles from head to toe.)  4. Create at-home spa rituals

As your skin ages, quarterly massages and facials don’t really cut it anymore. Vargas recommends maintaining your skin health in between visits by creating a few rituals in your very own bathroom.

Where to start? “For the body, start dry brushing before your shower every morning,” she says. “It’s a great way to exfoliate the body while stimulating collagen production and maintaining elasticity all over. A bonus is that it’s also great for cellulite.”

And when it comes to the face, monthly peels are crucial, especially if you’re not getting regular facials. “Peels help restore your glow and resurface the skin,” Vargas explains.

Making Your Beauty Sleep Count

November is National Sleep Comfort Month. At Rodan + Fields, we’re all about getting our beauty rest—and for good reason.

Sleep is when your body recovers from a busy day, and your skin cells undergo repair and turn over slightly faster to help your complexion appear bright and healthy-looking when you wake up. “Well-rested” skin also has a chance to really soak up the benefits of your daily skincare routine.

Ready for a radiant, fresh-faced morning selfie? Follow these nighttime rituals and you’ll be beaming with #Iwokeuplikethis beauty all day.

• Embrace your dark side: Our bodies are tuned to sleep when it’s dark. If your shades don’t block the streetlights or early morning sunbeams, invest in blackout shades.
• Get back to your best: Want fewer wrinkles? Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields tell us that sleeping on our backs is key. Regularly sleeping on our stomachs or on one side tends to smush the face and create “sleep creases,” those unwanted wrinkles that can deepen over time. For even smoother results, choose a pillow case in satin or silk.
• Clean up your act: Make sure your face is completely clear of makeup, sunscreen and environmental pollutants before bedtime. Try a cleanser that is formulated for your skin’s particular needs, such as REDEFINE Daily Cleansing Mask for gentle exfoliation without stripping moisture, REVERSE Deep Exfoliating Wash for dull, blotchy skin, UNBLEMISH Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash to reduce visible redness, or SOOTHE Gentle Cream Wash for sensitive skin.
• Go easy on the eyes: Always remove eyeliner and mascara before bed, but careful not to scrub or tug at the delicate eye area, which can cause sagging or wrinkles. Try REDEFINE Eye Cloths, which gently remove eye makeup while depositing powerful peptides to reduce the look of fine lines and puffiness.
• Power down: Discipline yourself to turn off all your electronic devices two hours before bedtime. The blue light they emit cues our brains to energize, not wind down.
• Nighttime is the prime time for products: Skin “rests” during sleep, giving skincare a chance to do its best work. Make your 8 hours (ideally) count more with products like REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream to visibly firm skin and REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum with Retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Lash out: Use new R+F Lash Boost every night, and in four weeks you’ll wake up to fuller-looking, darker-looking, longer-looking lashes. (While you’re at it, skip the sleep mask, which can apply pressure to eyes and lashes or even create new lines around the eyes, cheeks or forehead.)

Inflammation-Fighting Seasonal Drinks

It used to be that the first sight of amber leaves meant one thing: pumpkin spice latte season. And when the first flurry of snowflakes arrived, creamy hot chocolate became the piping hot beverage of choice.

But lately, these sugary seasonal staples have been replaced by inflammation-fighting and good-for-you drinks like golden milk made with turmeric, white chocolate matcha (antioxidants galore!), and bone broth lattes sipped for better gut health.

Now, there’s no shortage of healthy, warming to options to fill your mug with during hat and scarf weather. (Heck, even the green juice crowd is getting into it, with Pressed Juicery debuting superfood hot tonics, made with apple, lemon, ginger, and cayenne, plus immunity or energy boosters.)

Leading the trend are savvy cafe owners on both coasts. They’ve made it their business—literally—of having one hand in the wellness world, while keeping customers caffeinated with the other. Alfred Coffee and Kitchen founder Joshua Zad reveals that Alfred Tea Room has a few drink items coming out November 1 that are specifically crafted to keep you healthy all through winter.

“We developed a golden milk herbal tea blend of turmeric, ginger, black pepper, lemongrass, virgin coconut oil, a little bit of honey and sea salt, and topped off with cardamom” shares Jordan G. Hardin, Alfred’s tea director. Fighting inflammation probably doesn’t get more delicious than that.

 

Also on the menu, a honey rose latte—Zad’s personal favorite—made with Chinese rose black tea, almond milk, honey, and beautifying Persian rose water. Not the delicate flower type? Hardin is prone to drinking butter tea regularly, for a boost of good fats and caffeine. (He believes Bulletproof Coffee totally stole the idea from the tea industry, as Himalayan butter teas have been around for centuries.) For that reason, butter tea is on the menu at Alfred’s, but he says you can make it at home—as long as you have high-quality tea and butter.

Photo: Vanessa Granda

On the East Coast in New York City, French bakery-cafe Maman is debuting a limited edition fall-winter beverage menu that includes the return of their popular seasonal lavender hot chocolate and introduces  Panatea matcha, lightly whisked with white chocolate.

And Cafe Integral, in Manhattan’s NoLita neighborhood, is changing up the nut milk game, serving innovative housemade milks like tigernut milk and cashew-pepita milk that almost make your almond milk game look super passe.

Bone broth served to go in a coffee cup started in the East Village at Brodo a couple years back. And now bone broth lattes are popping up in more places as a way boost your immune system, gut health, and collagen. If you don’t live near a place dolling them out like Brodo or Springbone Kitchen, you can make them at home—without waiting 12 hours—by adding some frothed coconut milk to one of Epic‘s ready-to-serve broths or even just popping a k-cup in your Keurig. If golden milk is more your style, try blending one of Bonafide‘s signature broths with turmeric, rosemary, salt, pepper, and ghee.

But you don’t actually need to make a cafe pit stop on your way to work, since plenty of healthy beverage companies are now making just-as-Instagrammable healthy hot drinks that you can whip up in a few minutes.

Dona Chai, which comes refrigerated in chic glass bottles, brews cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black peppercorn, and cold-pressed ginger as whole herbs and spices to maximize the health effects, blending them with organic loose leaf black tea. And Gaia Herbs, known for their herbal supplements, and has made whipping up a hot mug of golden milk nearly foolproof with its popular powder mix.

“We created our Golden Milk to be a modern spin on this revered ancient drink and as simple to use as possible,” says Ric Scalzo, Gaia’s CEO and founder. “You stir a spoonful of the mix into a warm plant-based milk of your choice….and I love to add a bit of ghee, or even a pinch of saffron for even more flavor.”

So whether you want to cozy up at your favorite cafe or stay cuddled up on the couch curled up with your favorite wool blanket, there are plenty of healthy hot beverages to trade your SwissMiss for. This winter, you’ll be passing the golden milk—not the eggnog.

Article first posted on Well&Good.com

Ask the Doctors: What Can I Use for a Dull, Uneven Complexion?

Dr. Kathy Fields: When it comes to dull skin, it’s generally not what you see that’s the problem—it’s what you don’t see. From sun damage and hormones to the aging process, there are changes that occur beneath the surface that rob skin of its vibrancy. So while you may observe freckles, sun spots or age spots on the outside, excessive pigmentation below the surface actually absorbs light and reflects dullness.

Even if you’ve zeroed in on a couple of trouble areas, your best bet is to treat the whole face daily with products that exfoliate, brighten and protect your skin. Exfoliating is key as it removes dead skin cells, clears the way for products that follow, and helps refine the skin’s surface for more even light reflection and luminosity.

REVERSE Brightening Regimen improves the appearance of uneven skin tone with Vitamin C and Retinol, while diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. A crucial step of this skincare solution is REVERSE Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen to decrease early skin aging and defend skin against further UV damage from the sun. Ingredients like licorice and mulberry also help brighten skin.

On your journey to a smoother, more radiant and younger-looking complexion, you will want to avoid the sun, seek shade and wear SPF every day. Even incidental UV exposure without sunscreen can undo all of your good work. So be vigilant when it comes to protecting your skin, and be patient. Acquiring age spots and dull skin took a lifetime, so it may take two to three months to restore your skin’s clarity and brightness.