by Claire Grieve: Have you ever noticed yogis blissfully walking out off class beaming with self-confidence or as I like to call it “that radiant yoga glow”?
We all want beautiful, soft, youthful skin. Sure, potions and lotions help, but real beauty lies beyond man-made products. Gorgeous skin begins internally. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel beautiful from the inside out?
A daily yoga practice can drastically influence and rejuvenate your skin. The physical, mental and emotional balance from yoga works similarly to a regular skincare routine, but better. It will naturally enhance your skin, creating a radiant glow.
Yoga works in various ways to revamp the quality of your skin. It flushes out and eliminates toxins from the body, regulates the digestive system and maintains proper blood circulation through poses and breath work. Many yoga postures rejuvenate and revitalize the body which in turn firm and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Mindful movements and meditation help to relax the body and reduce stress. Not surprisingly, stress is a huge contributing factor in our skin’s tired and dull aesthetic. Relaxing yin yoga postures also promote restful sleep, lower cortisol levels and boosting collagen bringing back our natural shine and luster.
What’s not to love?
Include these 6 yoga poses to your daily beauty routine to transform your skin, detoxify, increase circulation and reduce stress.
1. Forward Fold – Uttanasana
Forward folds increase oxygen and blood flow to the face. This encourages skin cell renewal and fights free radicals. It keeps your skin looking youthful with a natural glow!
Stand in mountain pose with both feet planted firmly on the ground, hands on your hips. Exhale and slowly fold forward from your hip joints, lengthening the front of your torso. Bend your elbows and hold onto each elbow with opposite hand. Feel free to lightly sway from side-to-side. Hold for 1 minute.
2. Camel Pose – Ustrasana
This pose is a strong back bend that opens the rib cage to increase oxygen flow to the body. It is a key pose for reducing stress and balancing out hormones naturally. It helps to reduce acne and blemish outbreaks.
Begin with your knees on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Tuck your toes under and align your hips over your knees. Rest your hands on the back of your pelvis with your fingers facing down, lengthening the tailbone. Lean and reach back holding onto each heel. Lift through the pelvis, keeping your spine long and turn your arms outwards. Keep your head neutral so you don’t strain your neck. Hold for 30 seconds.
3. Twisted Seated Pose – Ardha Matsyendrasana
This twisted pose improves digestive health. However, the secret is not so twisted, it’s very straightforward. It aids the detoxification process by ensuring removal of toxins and waste from the body for healthy gleaming skin.
Start off in a seated pose; legs extended forward, torso tucked, spine long, and shoulder blades drawn towards each other. Then lift and bend the right leg over the left, right foot should be planted flat next to the left thigh. Turn your torso to the right; use your left arm to lightly grasp your right knee. Keep the left arm pressed down firmly behind you.
4. Supported Shoulder Stand – Salamba Sarvangasana
This pose enhances facial radiance by promoting blood circulation toward your face. This helps to reduce fine lines, acne, and blemishes for naturally clearer skin. Perfect for sporting the makeup-free look!
Lie down on your back, completely flat. Then bend your knees and lift your legs off the ground. Place your arms behind your torso, keep them bent and on the ground for support. Then elongate your legs, and let your toes reach for the stars. Make sure you do not overexert yourself and apply too much pressure on your neck, keep it comfortable.
5. Plow Pose – Halasana
This pose works seamlessly towards the end of your routine. It focuses on calming the brain, nerves, and heart while pressurizing the abdomen to relieve digestive organs. It results in maximized beauty rest, improved detoxification, and thankful skin.
Lay down flat on the ground with arms extended parallel to your sides. Keep palms pressed against ground. Then slowly lift your legs and torso upwards using the support of your shoulders, back, and arms. Your toes should ultimately lie just above your head.
6. Corpse Pose – Savasana
Don’t let the morbid name mislead you. This pose will give your skin nothing but life. It may be physically unchallenging but it challenges the mind to enter a state of complete relaxation while your skin reaps the benefits. It’s a huge stress reducer and a great method of meditation.
Lie down flat on your back with your feet spread. Place your arms by your side, palms facing upwards. Relax your shoulders away from your ears, creating space for your neck.
By incorporating these 6 yoga poses into your daily self-care, you’ll not only improve the look of your skin, you’ll also strengthen muscles and relax the mind. It’s a win-win-win!
About 
the Author
Claire Grieve is a highly sought after international Yoga specialist, Stretch therapist, Health Coach and Wellness Writer. Claire’s mission is to inspire individuals to reach beyond the ordinary and step outside the comfort zone. She is determined to empower her students from all walks of life to push past their boundaries, reach their goals and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Yoga serves as her medium to aid others in transcending those boundaries of the mind and body. Claire strongly believes yoga can be self-gratifying, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone. Connect with Claire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
