Nothing signals youthfulness, restfulness, and health like a radiant complexion. A subtle glow instantly brightens the skin and elevates the appearance. It comes as no surprise that people are always looking for ways to achieve a “naturally glowing skin” —and new products are always being released to meet this demand, leaving many to wonder what actually works.
In order to attain that long-lasting radiance, it’s important to tackle the problems underlying skin dullness. The Ayurvedic focus on approaching wellness and beauty concerns holistically, treating their root causes rather than merely their symptoms, offers a number of solutions to skin dullness that are natural, organic, and beneficial for both mind and body. Here, we’ll break down the causes of skin dullness and how Ayurveda can help us regain a youthful, luminous complexion with natural skincare.
What Causes Skin Dullness?
As we age, our skin tends to become less radiant for a number of reasons. Our skin cells regenerate at a slower rate, making them more susceptible to developing wrinkles, age spots, and a generally dull complexion. In addition, our collagen production slows, causing our skin to become looser and less bright. As dermatologist Gary Goldenberg tells mindbodygreen, “When we are young, our bodies produce more collagen than we break down. That balance tips the wrong way with age since tissue regeneration decreases.” Our skin also becomes dryer and rougher, losing that hydration that imbues skin with a healthy glow.
In addition to the natural aging process, there are a number of other factors that speed up the appearance of dullness, including:
- Oxidative Stress: When our bodies don’t possess enough antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, or when we’re exposed to an excess of free radicals, oxidative stress results. Research shows that oxidative stress is linked to visible signs of aging—like wrinkles, dullness, and age spots—and age-related diseases. Unfortunately, we encounter an excess of free radicals at many points in our modern lives through factors like sun exposure, pollution, and stress, which speeds up the process of aging.
- Pollution & Other Environmental Factors: In addition to creating free radicals, pollution also negatively affects our skin by blocking our pores and infiltrating our skin, causing inflammation. Research also points out a link between pollution and skin dryness, which causes a further loss of radiance.
- Stress: When we’re stressed, our blood pressure levels rise, which in turn strains our vein walls and makes it more difficult for blood to circulate. This decrease in circulation leads to a loss of luminosity. Furthermore, chronic stress leads to long-term inflammation, which further exacerbates dullness.
- Diet: In order to effectively fight off free radical damage and oxidative stress, our diet needs to be rich with antioxidants that come from natural ingredients like fruits and vegetables. In addition to other health problems, studies show that a high intake of sugar, including processed sugars and starches, is tied to visible signs of aging in the skin.
- Dead Skin Cells: Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, which helps the skin look renewed and brightened. When an excess of dead skin cells accumulates on the skin, pores can become clogged and the complexion can look dry and dull.
What Can We Do To Regain Radiance And Glow?
Given the many factors that contribute to skin dullness, it can feel daunting to try to find effective methods to increase luminosity. Fortunately, Ayurveda offers a number of all-natural approaches that will not only increase skin radiance, but improve your holistic wellness and overall health.
1
OIL PULLING
This restorative, all-natural Ayurvedic ritual is a self-care practice that can make a major difference if added to your daily routine. Beneficial for the skin, teeth, and overall health, oil pulling involves swishing 1-2 teaspoons of oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. As studies show, this process extracts toxins, bacteria, and other impurities that lead to conditions like inflammation, indigestion, disease, and acne. As a result, the body becomes increasingly detoxified and balanced, and reduced inflammation allows the skin to become radiant. Furthermore, oil pulling whitens the teeth and promotes fresher breath, leaving the teeth radiant as well. You’ll be glowing both inside and out with this transformative and natural self-care ritual.
If you’ve decided you want to try oil pulling for yourself, check out our Pure Detox Oil Pulling Treatment—made with a carefully-crafted blend of refreshing and purifying peppermint, sesame, and coconut oils, it offers a potent entry point into the numerous benefits of oil pulling.
2
SELF-MASSAGE AND KANSA WAND
In addition to providing instant relaxation and tranquility, the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage offers major benefits for glowing skin and hair. Massaging essential oils into the hair stimulates growth and dilutes blood vessels, promoting the growth of fuller, more luminous and radiant hair. When applied to the skin, self-massage imbues it with deep moisture and circulation, promoting natural radiance and glow.
One valuable tool that promotes radiance through the process of self-massage is the Kansa wand. A handheld wooden tool whose rounded tip is made of copper and tin—ingredients known for their purifying and detoxifying properties—the Kansa wand is massaged into the marma points of the face and body to improve circulation, flush out impurities, boost radiance, and more. Studies also support the notion that facial massages improve circulation and promote a healthy, youthful complexion.
Here is a guide on how to use the Kansa wand. We recommend trying out our UMA Kansa Wand for the ultimate experience of rejuvenation.
3
DIET
A diet rich in antioxidants is crucial for achieving and maintaining youthful, glowing skin. Through these antioxidants, the body can neutralize oxidative stress, which in turn counters the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and dullness. Cutting down on sugar intake and eating antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and nuts are fantastic and all-natural ways to boost a taut and radiant complexion. Especially potent are ingredients like carrots, tomatoes, apples, Indian gooseberries, and spinach.
4
EXFOLIATION AND HYDRATION
While the skin works on its own to remove dead skin cells, sometimes a buildup of these cells can lead to a dull, ashen complexion. A healthy amount of exfoliation can help to remove these built-up cells, leaving the skin looking immediately more radiant and revitalized. When applied once or twice a week, masks like our Deeply Clarifying Face Mask provide long-lasting circulation and glow; however, it’s important not to over-exfoliate the skin, as the skin barrier can become damaged that way.
Furthermore, it’s important to find a moisturizer that provides deep hydration without irritating the skin or leaving it feeling oily and heavy. Our Ultimate Brightening Face Oil strikes a balance between indulgence and lightness—formulated with antioxidant-rich orange and neroli and luxurious, brightening frankincense and rose, it delivers rich hydration for a luminous, youthful complexion.
5
INGREDIENT SUPERSTARS FOR LUMINOUS SKIN
In Ayurveda, there is a group of herbs called Varnya that is known to promote radiance and brightness, which are key qualities for the appearance of youthfulness. These herbs provide nutrients that improve skin health and balance the Pitta dosha, which provides color to the upper layer of our skin. Here are a few Varnya herbs that tone, brighten, and nourish the skin:
- Sandalwood
- Vetiver
- Indian madder
- Indian sarsaparilla
- Licorice
- Tung
Whether it be through changing your diet, trying out oil pulling and self-massage, or seeking products that contain Varnya herbs, there are a number of ways to combat skin dullness and to achieve youthful, glowing skin. Try out one (or all) of these techniques to make both your complexion and your spirits radiant.
