(HealthDay News) -- People who keep up active social lives as they age may be doing their brain a favor, a new study finds.
Being socially active may increase feelings of self-worth and emotional validation that could end up helping maintain memory, researchers say. Social interaction may also present older minds with new challenges, keeping the brain more agile.
"We assessed social integration by marital status, volunteer activities and frequency of contact with children and neighbors," explained lead researcher Karen Ertel, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Society, Human Development and Health at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston.
Her team found that "people who were most socially integrated had memory decline of less than half the rate compared with those who were the least socially integrated," Ertel said.
The report is published in the May 29 online edition of the American Journal of Public Health.
In the study, Ertel's team collected data on almost 17,000 Americans, 50 and older, who participated in the Health and Retirement Study. To test memory, the researchers had participants memorize a list of 10 words. Over six years, researchers tested recall of the word list to assess any decline in immediate and delayed recall.
Average memory scores declined from 11 in 1998 to 10 in 2004, the researchers reported. People who were more socially engaged at the start of the study had a slower decline in memory, compared with people who were more socially isolated, the researchers found.
According to Ertel, the findings indicate that "social activity may help preserve cognitive functioning in the elderly. In addition, people who are socially active may also have other healthful behaviors, which may be related to cognition and better physical health."
In another study in the same issue of the journal, Finnish researchers reported that elderly people are more likely to be institutionalized following the death of a spouse.
"We found that the risk of entering long-term institutional care was higher among older adults who had lost their spouse than among those living with their spouse," said lead researcher Elina Nihtila, from the department of sociology at the University of Helsinki.
Moreover, the excess risk of institutionalization was highest during the first month after the spouse's death, Nihtila said. "The risk was more than three times among both men and women, and decreased with time from bereavement, stabilizing at approximately 20 percent to 50 percent higher over one to five years," she said.
Fortunately, a large proportion of surviving spouses are likely to recover from partner loss, and feelings of despair and anxiety typically do diminish over time, Nihtila said. This "emotional recovery could explain why the very large excess risk of entering institutional care among those recently bereaved dropped with time from the spouse's death," she said.
The study involved data on almost 141,000 people 65 and older living with a spouse. During five years of follow-up, the risk of being institutionalized rose immediately after the death of a spouse, the researchers found.
There could be various explanations for these findings, Nihtila said, including a "loss of social and instrumental support, in the form of care and help with daily activities such as help in cooking, cleaning, and shopping formerly shared with the deceased spouse."
In addition, grief and spousal loss may cause various symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue and loss of concentration, Nihtila noted. "Furthermore, grief may cause increased susceptibility to physical diseases that could also increase the need for institutional care," she said.
Home help services targeted to the bereaved immediately after a spouse's death might help ease the strain, Nihtila said.
One expert said the studies highlight the problem of growing social isolation among the elderly.
"There is nothing like being face-to-face with someone," said Colin Milner, CEO of the Vancouver-based International Council on Active Aging. "But I think we are manufacturing that [contact] out of our lifestyle and that will have a long term detrimental effect on the mental health of the population," he said.
More outreach to older people, especially when a spouse dies, will be key, Milner said. "There should be programs when a spouse dies to help them get back into the swing of life," he said.
More information
For more on healthy aging, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Showing posts with label anti aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti aging. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, August 06, 2007
Protecting your Skin from the Sun
In our world of ozone holes and SPF-30 sunscreens, most people have come to think of the sun as a formidable enemy of the skin. Many doctors consider visible signs of aging of skin on fair-skinned people -- leathery texture, wrinkles and age-spots, for example -- mainly the result of ultraviolet radiation. Yet the sun, besides being the source of energy for mind and body, also nourishes the skin. It's the best natural source of Vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption and healthy bones. Many doctors today recommend 15 minutes of direct exposure to gentle sun on the hands and face to absorb the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin D.
Over-protecting from sun is not a good idea. The challenge is to maximize the benefit from sun and at the same time protect it from damage.
People with Caucasian skin definitely should avoid direct exposure to strong sun, because their skin makes less melanin, the pigment that acts as a barrier to UV rays. However, short periods of exposure to very early morning sun are soothing and mild on the skin, and allow even very sensitive skin to absorb necessary Vitamin D.
The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians recommends avoiding long exposure to the sun whenever you are angry, hungry or emotionally upset, as these factors increase Pitta -- the fire element -- in the body and make the skin even more sensitive to sun damage. At these times, it's important to protect yourself by wearing a hat, protective clothing (full-sleeved shirts and pants, for example) and sunglasses. People with naturally more Pitta in their bodies should always take care to protect themselves from the midday sun.
Dietary TipsIt's also a good idea to cool the body from the inside if your skin is very photosensitive. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits such as raisins, sweet juicy pears, sweet apples, and pomegranates, for instance, will help nourish and restore balance to the skin. Amla Berry, available as a supplement and also contained in Amrit, is also an excellent anti-oxidant and rasayana for the skin. Rose Petal Preserve, blended with boiled and cooled milk, is an excellent cooling beverage.
Cooking your food with a skin-protecting spice mixture to stimulate digestion but not overheat your skin helps. Sauté equal parts turmeric, coriander, fennel and cumin in ghee and add it to your vegetables and grains.
Even in winter, people with photosensitive skin should avoid eating too much ginger, garlic, aesofetida (hing), red chillies or any types of hot peppers as hot foods can increase sensitivity to the sun.
Herbs for the SkinWatermelon puree is an excellent mask to cool down facial skin. Apply it evenly, except in the eye area, and rinse off with room temperature or lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes. Cotton pads soaked in rose water can be placed over closed eyes.
Another good way to cool the skin is with a milk bath. Add a couple of drops of rose water to room temperature milk and either rinse your face with it, followed by room temperature water, or apply generously with cotton pads and rinse off after ten minutes with room temperature water.
The Youthful Skin Cream contains Butea monosperma (Flame of Forest), which is renowned in ayurveda for helping to boost the skin's natural long-term resistance to sun damage as well as antioxidants to fight free radical damage. This cream is not a sunscreen or sunblock, but it can help keep skin cells healthy and well-nourished.
Winter Tips -- Beyond SunscreenDrink plenty of water, and avoid very hot water for baths and showers if your skin is photosensitive to keep your skin properly moisturized and to protect it from the sun.
Take a warm bath before and after skiing or exposing your skin to freezing temperatures for a long period of time. Any time it's freezing outside, the pores of the skin freeze shut and heat is retained in the deeper layers. This heat dries out the skin and lowers its resistance to the sun. That is why many people get worse sunburns after skiing than at the beach, and it's also why some people's skin breaks out after a skiing trip. A warm bath before and after tackling the slopes helps dilate frozen channels and supports the skin in its effort to release heat trapped in the deeper layers.
Over-protecting from sun is not a good idea. The challenge is to maximize the benefit from sun and at the same time protect it from damage.
People with Caucasian skin definitely should avoid direct exposure to strong sun, because their skin makes less melanin, the pigment that acts as a barrier to UV rays. However, short periods of exposure to very early morning sun are soothing and mild on the skin, and allow even very sensitive skin to absorb necessary Vitamin D.
The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians recommends avoiding long exposure to the sun whenever you are angry, hungry or emotionally upset, as these factors increase Pitta -- the fire element -- in the body and make the skin even more sensitive to sun damage. At these times, it's important to protect yourself by wearing a hat, protective clothing (full-sleeved shirts and pants, for example) and sunglasses. People with naturally more Pitta in their bodies should always take care to protect themselves from the midday sun.
Dietary TipsIt's also a good idea to cool the body from the inside if your skin is very photosensitive. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits such as raisins, sweet juicy pears, sweet apples, and pomegranates, for instance, will help nourish and restore balance to the skin. Amla Berry, available as a supplement and also contained in Amrit, is also an excellent anti-oxidant and rasayana for the skin. Rose Petal Preserve, blended with boiled and cooled milk, is an excellent cooling beverage.
Cooking your food with a skin-protecting spice mixture to stimulate digestion but not overheat your skin helps. Sauté equal parts turmeric, coriander, fennel and cumin in ghee and add it to your vegetables and grains.
Even in winter, people with photosensitive skin should avoid eating too much ginger, garlic, aesofetida (hing), red chillies or any types of hot peppers as hot foods can increase sensitivity to the sun.
Herbs for the SkinWatermelon puree is an excellent mask to cool down facial skin. Apply it evenly, except in the eye area, and rinse off with room temperature or lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes. Cotton pads soaked in rose water can be placed over closed eyes.
Another good way to cool the skin is with a milk bath. Add a couple of drops of rose water to room temperature milk and either rinse your face with it, followed by room temperature water, or apply generously with cotton pads and rinse off after ten minutes with room temperature water.
The Youthful Skin Cream contains Butea monosperma (Flame of Forest), which is renowned in ayurveda for helping to boost the skin's natural long-term resistance to sun damage as well as antioxidants to fight free radical damage. This cream is not a sunscreen or sunblock, but it can help keep skin cells healthy and well-nourished.
Winter Tips -- Beyond SunscreenDrink plenty of water, and avoid very hot water for baths and showers if your skin is photosensitive to keep your skin properly moisturized and to protect it from the sun.
Take a warm bath before and after skiing or exposing your skin to freezing temperatures for a long period of time. Any time it's freezing outside, the pores of the skin freeze shut and heat is retained in the deeper layers. This heat dries out the skin and lowers its resistance to the sun. That is why many people get worse sunburns after skiing than at the beach, and it's also why some people's skin breaks out after a skiing trip. A warm bath before and after tackling the slopes helps dilate frozen channels and supports the skin in its effort to release heat trapped in the deeper layers.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Massage Eases Pain of Knee Arthritis
(HealthDay News) -- A regular massage may do more than just relax your body: It also appears to reduce pain and improve function in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, a new study suggests.
The authors of the study, the first of its kind, are now embarking on larger studies to confirm the findings and see if massage is a viable alternative or adjunct to drugs and other existing treatments.
"This is a very happy outcome, but it's a pilot study in that the duration is short and the population is small," said senior author Dr. David Katz, associate adjunct professor of public health and director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine.
"We think that the primary role for massage therapy will be to reduce dependence on pharmacotherapy, rather than replace it outright, and to delay any functional decline rather than reverse the disease. So, the question then becomes, what is the bang for the buck?"
Katz and his colleagues are now researching the cost of massage, in the hopes of convincing insurance companies that it can take its place as a legitimate therapy for this disease.
Osteoarthritis is caused by a progressive degeneration of bone cartilage and is the most common type of arthritis in the United States. The condition affects some 21 million people and is associated with aging.
Conventional treatments include pain medication, exercise, hot and cold therapy, corticosteroid injections and, possibly, surgery.
The medications used for osteoarthritis, however, are problematic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects. The cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx that were developed to bypass those side effects are now known to cause cardiovascular problems, and some, including Vioxx, have been taken off the market.
"Primarily therapy is NSAIDs, but the target population is the very group that is least tolerant of those drugs," Katz said. "The cox-2s were developed as alternatives to NSAIDs to offer less toxicity, and look at how that turned out. We've kind of left folks high and dry."
While massage has been shown to relieve chronic lower back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, there has been no research on massage to help osteoarthritis sufferers. At least until now.
For this study, appearing in the Dec. 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, 68 adults with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned to receive either standard Swedish massage therapy or to a wait-list control group that started massage eight weeks after the first group. All participants were encouraged to continue with their previous treatments and medications.
Individuals in the massage group received a one-hour Swedish massage twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for the following four weeks.
After the first eight weeks, participants receiving massage had improved flexibility and range of motion and reduced pain.
Those in the control group showed no changes in symptoms until they, too, started receiving massage. Then, during weeks nine through 16, they experienced benefits similar to the first group.
Interestingly, the benefits did not go away even when the massages were stopped.
"The very significant therapeutic response over eight weeks of therapy persisted eight weeks later," Katz said. "Two months after the last massage, they were still significantly better than baseline and significantly better than the control group. That exceeded our expectations."
There are two possible explanations for the improvements.
In the immediate time frame, Katz explained, "sensory input [the massage] competes with pain input in the spinal cord, travels faster and blocks pain symptoms."
Massage may also enhance blood flow to the region affected by osteoarthritis. "Since the acute pain of osteoarthritis is related to inflammation, increased perfusion brings an influx of cells to clean out the debris and facilitates, to whatever extent possible, bone and cartilage remodeling," Katz explained.
More studies are needed before doctors, patients and insurance companies can be persuaded to accept this as common practice, he said.
"The end game would be that this would be something people with osteoarthritis would be able to access routinely," Katz said. "We ultimately want to change the standard of practice, but we don't do that with one study."
More information
Find out more about osteoarthritis at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
The authors of the study, the first of its kind, are now embarking on larger studies to confirm the findings and see if massage is a viable alternative or adjunct to drugs and other existing treatments.
"This is a very happy outcome, but it's a pilot study in that the duration is short and the population is small," said senior author Dr. David Katz, associate adjunct professor of public health and director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine.
"We think that the primary role for massage therapy will be to reduce dependence on pharmacotherapy, rather than replace it outright, and to delay any functional decline rather than reverse the disease. So, the question then becomes, what is the bang for the buck?"
Katz and his colleagues are now researching the cost of massage, in the hopes of convincing insurance companies that it can take its place as a legitimate therapy for this disease.
Osteoarthritis is caused by a progressive degeneration of bone cartilage and is the most common type of arthritis in the United States. The condition affects some 21 million people and is associated with aging.
Conventional treatments include pain medication, exercise, hot and cold therapy, corticosteroid injections and, possibly, surgery.
The medications used for osteoarthritis, however, are problematic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects. The cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx that were developed to bypass those side effects are now known to cause cardiovascular problems, and some, including Vioxx, have been taken off the market.
"Primarily therapy is NSAIDs, but the target population is the very group that is least tolerant of those drugs," Katz said. "The cox-2s were developed as alternatives to NSAIDs to offer less toxicity, and look at how that turned out. We've kind of left folks high and dry."
While massage has been shown to relieve chronic lower back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, there has been no research on massage to help osteoarthritis sufferers. At least until now.
For this study, appearing in the Dec. 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, 68 adults with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned to receive either standard Swedish massage therapy or to a wait-list control group that started massage eight weeks after the first group. All participants were encouraged to continue with their previous treatments and medications.
Individuals in the massage group received a one-hour Swedish massage twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for the following four weeks.
After the first eight weeks, participants receiving massage had improved flexibility and range of motion and reduced pain.
Those in the control group showed no changes in symptoms until they, too, started receiving massage. Then, during weeks nine through 16, they experienced benefits similar to the first group.
Interestingly, the benefits did not go away even when the massages were stopped.
"The very significant therapeutic response over eight weeks of therapy persisted eight weeks later," Katz said. "Two months after the last massage, they were still significantly better than baseline and significantly better than the control group. That exceeded our expectations."
There are two possible explanations for the improvements.
In the immediate time frame, Katz explained, "sensory input [the massage] competes with pain input in the spinal cord, travels faster and blocks pain symptoms."
Massage may also enhance blood flow to the region affected by osteoarthritis. "Since the acute pain of osteoarthritis is related to inflammation, increased perfusion brings an influx of cells to clean out the debris and facilitates, to whatever extent possible, bone and cartilage remodeling," Katz explained.
More studies are needed before doctors, patients and insurance companies can be persuaded to accept this as common practice, he said.
"The end game would be that this would be something people with osteoarthritis would be able to access routinely," Katz said. "We ultimately want to change the standard of practice, but we don't do that with one study."
More information
Find out more about osteoarthritis at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Skin care, the Ayurveda way
Malaysia Star, Malaysia
THE skin is essentially the largest organ in the body and performs many vital roles as both a barrier and a regulating influence between the outside world and the controlled environment within the body. The physical toughness of the skin prevents the easy entry of harmful chemicals and invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses into the body. It also provides resistance to shocks for the more sensitive tissues underneath.
Skin type differs between individuals; sensitive skin is skin that stings easily, especially during or just after cleansing. Sensitive skin is more likely to be dry and is hyper-reactive – it is prone to develop dermatitis (itchy bumpy skin). Oily skin attracts dirt and bacteria and may lead to acne and pimples. Normal skin also needs regular regime for health.
An unhygienic, poorly protected and undernourished skin is susceptible to various disease conditions such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritis (itchy skin) and others.
Problems of the skin involve both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The presence of inflammation-causing substances and toxins in the blood and the damage brought by external factors such as pollution and free radicals work together to cause various skin conditions.
Hence, good skincare calls for a mix of internal and external cleansing. Internal cleansing refers to removal of toxins in the blood and other inflammatory mediators that can give rise to various skin problems.
Regular external skin regimens include the use of the right cleansers, toners, lotions and moisturizers for a healthy and clean skin.
A number of herbs are used in Ayurveda for skin cleansing, toning, moisturising and protection purposes.
External skin care with Ayurveda
Water alone as a cleanser is not quite enough: removing dirt and grease that sticks to the skin forms a major aspect of cleansing. Use of soaps in skincare will dry the skin and lead to itchiness. Lemon (Citrus limon) and honey (Meldespumatum) are alternatives to soap as lemon removes grime and oil while honey has antibacterial, antiseptic properties and prevents scar formation. Honey is increasingly being used to treat infected wounds and has been found to be effective in common wound infections1.
Toning follows cleansing and helps open clogged pores, thus reducing pore size and restoring the skin’s pH. The juice of lemon has been used for ages as a cleansing agent. It acts as a good skin-toning agent. Its powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties help keep skin healthy and clean.
Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) provides a cooling effect through its good smelling volatile oils and has healing properties, especially for oily or sensitive skin.
Soothing agents and nourishers applied to the skin regularly maintain health and integrity of the skin. A natural soothing and moisturising agent is cucumber (Cucumis sativus). It helps keep the facial skin soft, heals and soothes damaged skin and works like a natural sunscreen.
Aloe (Aloe vera), a common herb in skin preparations, is also an excellent soothing agent. It possesses nutrients and enzymes responsible for moisturising the skin. It also softens and protects the skin. The anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of aloe are well known.
Sunflower (Heydichium spicatum) has soothing properties and is regularly used as a massaging agent. In one study conducted by Darmstedt et al., the topical application of emollients to enhance skin barrier function would prevent nosocomial infections in newborn infants was assessed. Oil from the seeds of sunflower was found to be a low cost, easily available and effective treatment option3.
Sandal tree (Santalum album) is useful for alleviating itchy and inflammatory conditions of the skin. It is commonly used as a household remedy by applying a paste of sandalwood on skin rashes and itchy skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs that are seen in most nourishing creams and lotions are natural fruit acids that rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old, sun-damaged surface skin cells. Glycolic acid is the alpha hydroxy acid most frequently used for facial treatments, but lactic and citric acid is also useful. Apple is a rich natural source of AHAs and also contains ß-glycol and octane-1, 3-diol, which is an antifungal constituent. It reduces skin inflammation and helps remove dead skin fragments.
To stay young is everyone’s desire. However, one has to fight wrinkles, freckles and fine lines to defy age. Apart from AHAs, which increase the collagen content of the skin and provide stiffness, proper moisturising and use of antioxidants prevent ageing of the skin.
Various studies have shown that antioxidants like vitamins C, A and E slow down the ageing process by their neutralising actions on free radicals. For the skin, supplemental use of antioxidants may not be enough, and may require direct nourishment through local application on the skin.
Draksha, also known as grape (Vitis vinifera), is a good source of bioflavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Grapes are also considered as coolants and astringents. Various studies have documented the powerful antioxidant ability of grape skin extract4.
Godhuma or wheat germ (Triticum sativum) provides a natural source of vitamin E, while Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) provides natural vitamin C and also possesses cooling and cleansing properties on skin.
Rose (Rosa centifolia) is used for a fair complexion and orange is traditionally recommended for removing blemishes on the skin.
Since herbs have a host of healing properties, using herbs and herbal products that are well-researched and tested for mildness, efficacy, biodegradability, low toxicity, cleansing ability, emulsification, moisturisation, skin appearance and feel, smell (fragrance) and lubrication is a wiser choice.
Consistent skin care is important in maintaining younger-looking skin. Modifying your daily routine, such as eating a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, drinking adequate amounts of water to keep the body and skin well hydrated, upholding disciplined cleansing habits, and regular exercising can help to add flawless skin to the list of your best qualities.
References:
1. French VM, Cooper RA, Molan PC. The antibacterial activity of honey against coagulase-negative staphylococci. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2005 Jul;56(1):228-31.
2. Ito C, Itoigawa M, Ju-ichi M, Sakamoto N, Tokuda H, Nishino H, Furukawa H. Antitumor-promoting activity of coumarins from citrus plants. Planta Med. 2005 Jan;71(1):84-7.
3. Darmstadt GL, Saha SK, Ahmed AS, Chowdhury MA, Law PA, Ahmed S, Alam MA, Black RE, Santosham M.Effect of topical treatment with skin barrier-enhancing emollients on nosocomial infections in preterm infants in Bangladesh: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2005 Mar 19-25;365(9464):1039-45.
4. Soares De Moura R, Costa Viana FS, Souza MA, Kovary K, Guedes DC, Oliveira EP, Rubenich LM, Carvalho LC, Oliveira RM, Tano T, Gusmao Correia ML.Antihypertensive, vasodilator and antioxidant effects of a vinifera grape skin extract. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 Nov;54(11):1515-20.
This article is courtesy of Himalaya Herbal Healthcare. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
More informations here:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/ayurvedic/ayurvedic.htm
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/education/education.htm
THE skin is essentially the largest organ in the body and performs many vital roles as both a barrier and a regulating influence between the outside world and the controlled environment within the body. The physical toughness of the skin prevents the easy entry of harmful chemicals and invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses into the body. It also provides resistance to shocks for the more sensitive tissues underneath.
Skin type differs between individuals; sensitive skin is skin that stings easily, especially during or just after cleansing. Sensitive skin is more likely to be dry and is hyper-reactive – it is prone to develop dermatitis (itchy bumpy skin). Oily skin attracts dirt and bacteria and may lead to acne and pimples. Normal skin also needs regular regime for health.
An unhygienic, poorly protected and undernourished skin is susceptible to various disease conditions such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritis (itchy skin) and others.
Problems of the skin involve both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The presence of inflammation-causing substances and toxins in the blood and the damage brought by external factors such as pollution and free radicals work together to cause various skin conditions.
Hence, good skincare calls for a mix of internal and external cleansing. Internal cleansing refers to removal of toxins in the blood and other inflammatory mediators that can give rise to various skin problems.
Regular external skin regimens include the use of the right cleansers, toners, lotions and moisturizers for a healthy and clean skin.
A number of herbs are used in Ayurveda for skin cleansing, toning, moisturising and protection purposes.
External skin care with Ayurveda
Water alone as a cleanser is not quite enough: removing dirt and grease that sticks to the skin forms a major aspect of cleansing. Use of soaps in skincare will dry the skin and lead to itchiness. Lemon (Citrus limon) and honey (Meldespumatum) are alternatives to soap as lemon removes grime and oil while honey has antibacterial, antiseptic properties and prevents scar formation. Honey is increasingly being used to treat infected wounds and has been found to be effective in common wound infections1.
Toning follows cleansing and helps open clogged pores, thus reducing pore size and restoring the skin’s pH. The juice of lemon has been used for ages as a cleansing agent. It acts as a good skin-toning agent. Its powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties help keep skin healthy and clean.
Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) provides a cooling effect through its good smelling volatile oils and has healing properties, especially for oily or sensitive skin.
Soothing agents and nourishers applied to the skin regularly maintain health and integrity of the skin. A natural soothing and moisturising agent is cucumber (Cucumis sativus). It helps keep the facial skin soft, heals and soothes damaged skin and works like a natural sunscreen.
Aloe (Aloe vera), a common herb in skin preparations, is also an excellent soothing agent. It possesses nutrients and enzymes responsible for moisturising the skin. It also softens and protects the skin. The anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of aloe are well known.
Sunflower (Heydichium spicatum) has soothing properties and is regularly used as a massaging agent. In one study conducted by Darmstedt et al., the topical application of emollients to enhance skin barrier function would prevent nosocomial infections in newborn infants was assessed. Oil from the seeds of sunflower was found to be a low cost, easily available and effective treatment option3.
Sandal tree (Santalum album) is useful for alleviating itchy and inflammatory conditions of the skin. It is commonly used as a household remedy by applying a paste of sandalwood on skin rashes and itchy skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs that are seen in most nourishing creams and lotions are natural fruit acids that rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old, sun-damaged surface skin cells. Glycolic acid is the alpha hydroxy acid most frequently used for facial treatments, but lactic and citric acid is also useful. Apple is a rich natural source of AHAs and also contains ß-glycol and octane-1, 3-diol, which is an antifungal constituent. It reduces skin inflammation and helps remove dead skin fragments.
To stay young is everyone’s desire. However, one has to fight wrinkles, freckles and fine lines to defy age. Apart from AHAs, which increase the collagen content of the skin and provide stiffness, proper moisturising and use of antioxidants prevent ageing of the skin.
Various studies have shown that antioxidants like vitamins C, A and E slow down the ageing process by their neutralising actions on free radicals. For the skin, supplemental use of antioxidants may not be enough, and may require direct nourishment through local application on the skin.
Draksha, also known as grape (Vitis vinifera), is a good source of bioflavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Grapes are also considered as coolants and astringents. Various studies have documented the powerful antioxidant ability of grape skin extract4.
Godhuma or wheat germ (Triticum sativum) provides a natural source of vitamin E, while Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) provides natural vitamin C and also possesses cooling and cleansing properties on skin.
Rose (Rosa centifolia) is used for a fair complexion and orange is traditionally recommended for removing blemishes on the skin.
Since herbs have a host of healing properties, using herbs and herbal products that are well-researched and tested for mildness, efficacy, biodegradability, low toxicity, cleansing ability, emulsification, moisturisation, skin appearance and feel, smell (fragrance) and lubrication is a wiser choice.
Consistent skin care is important in maintaining younger-looking skin. Modifying your daily routine, such as eating a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, drinking adequate amounts of water to keep the body and skin well hydrated, upholding disciplined cleansing habits, and regular exercising can help to add flawless skin to the list of your best qualities.
References:
1. French VM, Cooper RA, Molan PC. The antibacterial activity of honey against coagulase-negative staphylococci. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2005 Jul;56(1):228-31.
2. Ito C, Itoigawa M, Ju-ichi M, Sakamoto N, Tokuda H, Nishino H, Furukawa H. Antitumor-promoting activity of coumarins from citrus plants. Planta Med. 2005 Jan;71(1):84-7.
3. Darmstadt GL, Saha SK, Ahmed AS, Chowdhury MA, Law PA, Ahmed S, Alam MA, Black RE, Santosham M.Effect of topical treatment with skin barrier-enhancing emollients on nosocomial infections in preterm infants in Bangladesh: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2005 Mar 19-25;365(9464):1039-45.
4. Soares De Moura R, Costa Viana FS, Souza MA, Kovary K, Guedes DC, Oliveira EP, Rubenich LM, Carvalho LC, Oliveira RM, Tano T, Gusmao Correia ML.Antihypertensive, vasodilator and antioxidant effects of a vinifera grape skin extract. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 Nov;54(11):1515-20.
This article is courtesy of Himalaya Herbal Healthcare. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
More informations here:
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/ayurvedic/ayurvedic.htm
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/education/education.htm
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