Shri

The Air-Skin Connection: Protecting Your Skin from Pollution

Importance of air, Vayu, is well captured in Vayu Gayatri mantra, ”Om Sarvapranaya Vidhmahe Yashtihastaya Dhimahi Thanno Vayuh Prachodayat”

Translation in English: ”Om, let me meditate on the life-giving air One who holds the scepter, give me higher intellect, And let the God of Winds illuminate my mind.”

The Vayu Gayatri Mantra invokes the importance of air and thus helps us in maintaining a clean environment and prevents air pollution and air-borne diseases. The best time to chant is in the evening.

Air is important to sustain life and growth. It maintains our body temperature and is a supplier of energy. Our skin is a reflection of our health. Even after following a healthy diet, if our skin all of a sudden loses its glow, we get worried. One of the reasons for skin getting dull is air pollution, which has a negative impact on our skin. The toxic pollutants are absorbed in our skin leading to many skin problems and hence it is essential to protect our skin or else it may lead to irritation, premature ageing, skin cancer, acne, large pores etc.

Various air pollutants can affect our skin. A few of them are described below.

1. Cigaratte smoking - It reduces the water in our skin, leading to dehydration and damaging the collagen and elastin, causing premature aging, deep wrinkles, etc.

2. Smog - Combination of low-level ozone, dust particles, and pollutants such as carbon monoxide lead to skin aging.

3. Ultra Violet rays – Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays can damage the skin, eyes, and our immune system, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, sun burns and skin cancer.

4. Automobile exhaust – Exposure to chemicals and fumes from automobile exhaust lead to pigmentation, premature greying, and skin cancer.

5. Nano particle pollutants – These particles block the pores and get trapped inside, leading to skin problems.

Protection of the Skin

It is not possible to avoid indoor and outdoor air pollution. However, we can protect our skin by

a. Eating healthy food
b. Exercising regularly
c. Drinking ample water
d. Avoiding smoking as it narrows the blood vessels, thereby affecting blood flow and oxygen supply to our skin, leading to collagen and elastin fiber damages.
e. Using a good moisturizer to hydrate the skin
f. Sun protection by using a sun screen
g. Having ample sleep to rejuvenate our skin
h. Washing our face regularly with a face wash to remove the dirt
i. Steaming our face once or twice in a week

By reducing air pollution and taking simple steps to protect our skin,we can keep our skin healthy and glowing.
After all, "Reducing air pollution can lead to healthier skin"

© Dr Sharda Shirke
Holistic Wellness
www.trikayacosmos.in
+91 77100 26999

Look forward to interacting with dynamic Entrepreneurs of Animal Science startups from all over India for the 6th cohort being organised on 13th July 2024, under the aegis of RKVY-RAFTAR by Indian Veterinary Research Institute Incubation Centre.
India's growth story is going to be multi-sectoral with deep Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts in which Agriculture and Animal Science will play a crucial role. Tech enabled AGRI-ENTREPRENEURS have potential and commensurate opportunities to play a significant role in this growth and in this process become a role model for Integrative Living, Health and Wellness too.
This will not be without challenges in equal proportions hence this enablement and support under RKVY-RAFTAR by Incubation Centre of Indian Veterinary Research Institute is the way to go forward and make an impact not realised before!
Trikaya Cosmos Indian Veterinary Research Institute