The Importance of Skin in Ayurveda
Skin absorption is a crucial concept in Ayurveda, where the skin is regarded as a living organ capable of taking in vital energy and nutrients.
In fact, the contemporary notion of “transdermal delivery” is rooted from uses of salves, plants, minerals, or oil patches across numerous ancient civilizations .
Key Concepts of Skin Absorption in Ayurveda
Living Organ: The skin is not merely a barrier; it actively participates in the body's functions by absorbing substances from the surface and environment.
Nourishment and Detoxification: Through absorption, the skin can receive herbal substances that nourish deeper tissues and assist in detoxifying the body.
Ayurvedic Practices Enhancing Skin Health
Ayurveda uses various topical and internal methods to optimise skin health, including:
Oil Massages: Use of herbal oils to enhance absorption and balance doshas.
Herbal Pastes: Application of pastes made from natural ingredients to nourish the skin.
Gentle internal detoxification: Techniques for temporarily adjusting diet to cleanse the body and improve skin health.
Benefits of Effective Skin Absorption
Improved Skin Health: Enhanced absorption leads to better hydration, nourishment, and overall skin appearance.
Holistic Healing: By addressing skin health through absorption, Ayurveda promotes a holistic approach that considers both internal and external factors.
Balancing Doshas: Absorption of elements with good nutrients helps in balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), which is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing imbalances. However, as every person has a different dosha, there is no “one-size-fits-all” for nutrients delivered through the skin.
On the other hand, these same skin absorption principles also recognise that certain synthetic ingredients in skincare can be highly damaging for the body by introducing hormone disruption, toxicity and inflammation.
However, not all commercial skincare products have this risk, as the vast majority of “over -the-counter” cosmetic and topical products do not reach systemic circulation. Instead, they work at the surface and have local effects only.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667026723000516
