Pranayama: The Yogic Secret to Radiant Skin
What if I told you that Pranayama could give you radiant skin? Yes, that post-yoga radiance is real, and the good news is, you don't need to master fancy handstands or backbends to achieve it.
For centuries, yogis have relied on the ancient art of Pranayama to enhance their overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. But since western yoga studios tend to focus on asana postures, I might never have understood the power of Pranayama if it hadn't been for my yoga teacher training.
So while hours of self-inquiry and mindfulness were transforming my inner landscape, I found a practice that could improve the look of my skin too.
What is Pranayama?
Mentioned in early texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Pranayama is the union of the Sanskrit words Prana, universal life force, and Yama, which means to control or to use with awareness.
According to the yogic tradition, a system of energy channels is responsible for moving Prana through the body while removing blockages, letting the life force flow more easily, fostering vitality, and improving health. Two of these energy pathways, Ida and Pingala, focus on moving the energy of breath via the left and right nostrils.
What has Pranayama got to do with your skin?
I'm not going to lie; I love a lush, topical skincare routine. Whether it's rosehip cleanser in the morning or retinoid-rich serum before bed, I believe in the power of slow, grounding rituals that rely on the sense of touch and smell as an antidote to the pressures of our often fast-paced lives.
So when I discovered that 5-10 minutes of Pranayama daily could improve circulation (hello collagen boost), down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system (bye mood swings), and reduce inflammation, I was happy to carve some time for some simple exercises.
Meaning of Radiant Skin
Throughout this article, I've written about how to use Pranayama to get radiant skin. But what even is radiant skin? What does radiant skin mean? Well, there's no one way to define what radiant skin means. To me, it's that lit-from-within glow you get after working out or sunbathing at the beach (one that can't be faked by a glittery highlighter or bronzer).
Radiance is defined by the ability to reflect light, so when it comes to your skin, consider its luminosity, smoothness, and evenness to understand if it could be regarded as "radiant." For this article, I'll define radiant skin as smooth, elastic skin with an even tone and texture.
How to Practice Pranayama For Radiant Skin
Ujjayi breathing, OR Ocean Breath
For beginners, I recommend familiarising yourself with Ujjayi breathing, also known as Ocean Breath, because of the gentle sound made by creating a slight constriction at the back of the throat.
Ujjayi breathing allows one to control the breath thanks to long and smooth inhalations and exhalations through the nostrils that help relieve tension, calming both body and mind while reducing stress. And we all know how stressful thoughts wreak havoc on our skin.
Anulom Vilom, OR Alternate Nostril Breathing
Anulom Vilom, or Alternate Nostril Breathing, induces tranquility. I often practice this calming technique after my evening skincare routine when I need to unwind from a busy day.
For me, the sense of nourishment provided by a handful of minutes of this very harmonizing technique is synonymous with self-care. Beauty is more than skin deep; when we feel good inside, it shows on the outside too.
Kapalabthi, or Breath of Fire
For those with more experience, I recommend exploring Kapalabthi or Breath of Fire.
One of the most vigorous breathing techniques and ideal for the morning because of its energizing nature, Kapalbhati has the power to arouse Kundalini, a concentrated expression of life force, while helping detoxification by stimulating the metabolism. This is great, especially if you want to bring back that healthy holiday glow.
A few last thoughts
These are just a handful of examples. Pranayama is a powerful practice and, at least at the beginning, should be approached gently, starting with a few minutes daily and under the guidance of a trusted teacher.
Please be mindful that some pranayama techniques are not recommended during pregnancy or in case of high blood pressure, agitated thoughts, or disturbing emotions. Before starting a Pranayama journey, check with your physician to ensure this is the proper practice.
