Glow like a goddess

We all chase the mirage that is glowing skin, so much so that skincare is a billion-dollar industry in India alone. However, physical activities like yoga can also have a lasting impact on your skin quality. The practice not only helps calm your nerves and regulate hormones but can also help to keep your skin glowing and healthy. If you want to test it out for yourself, try these four easy asanas by yoga expert Shraddha Iyer at Sarva/Diva yoga, and see the difference. “These asanas help in opening up lungs sending more quantities of oxygen straight to the skin on the face. Apart from increasing the blood flow to the face, these asanas also help tone thighs and legs,” says Iyer, adding that practising these asanas will also help blood circulation to the head and face area, which will aid in naturally beautiful skin tone. However, the expert advises pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, slip disc, cervical spondylitis and large thyroid to avoid pursuing these asanas.

“People with these issues should avoid or they should do it under expert’s guidance,” she suggests. Along with other physical benefits, these asanas work wonders on your skin and give it a glow like no cosmetic item can. You can see the improvement in your skin within a month of regular practice — one hour a day — combined with a satvik diet.

Sarvangasana
Helps in improving skin texture and quality by promoting blood circulation
Lie down on your back.
Lift your legs up and use your palms to support your back, resting your elbows down and close to each other.
Bring the buttocks, back, leg and chest in one line.
Tuck your chin to the chest.
Stay in this pose for a few seconds.
Returning back, place your hips down with the support of your hand. Placing your body down slowly.
You can repeat the same 2 more times

Halasan
This asana improves your digestive process, an essential for glowing and healthy skin
Lie down on your back.
Lift your legs up and use the palms to support the back, resting your elbows down and close to each other.
Take your legs backwards, over your head, toes rocking the floor.
Arms can be pressed down on the floor or interlocked behind the back, keep the elbows straight.
Stay in this pose for a few seconds.
Hold your lower back with your hands and bring your legs back to lie down straight. Exhale while you do this.

Trikonasana
This pose opens up the lungs, chest and heart and supplies more oxygen to the skin
Stand with your feet 3 to 3 ½ distance apart facing the longer edge of the mat.
Turn your right toe towards the shorter edge of the mat and left toe facing the the longer edge of the mat.
Lift your palms at shoulder level, ensure that your elbows, shoulders and palms are all in one line with your palms facing down.
Inhale and extend your upper body to the right side without moving your lower body.
As you exhale place your right palm on the shin or floor and your right palm extended towards the sky.
Hold this pose while you take a few breaths.
Repeat the same on the opposite side.

Ustrasana
Increases oxygen supply to the skin cells and also supplies helpful nutrients necessary for skin rejuvenation
Sit on your knees with your toes on the floor.
As you inhale lift your hips up pushing the pelvic forward and the sternum towards the sky.
Hold your right ankle with your palm and then the left ankle with your left palm, fingers facing out.
Stay in this position while to take a few deep breaths.
You can repeat the same 2 to 3 times.