Understanding Aging in Ayurveda

Benefits of age-specific Rasayana: 

• Helps in proper development of tissues and improves certain factors in childhood. 

• Helps maintain health of tissues in middle age.  

• Slows down the speed of aging and helps prevent loss of some age-related qualities in old age.  

Ayurveda has further divided these 3 stages of life to understand the specific needs at different decades of life and has suggested suitable Rasayana at these stages which are listed below.  

The dryness property of Vata and the heat of Pitta make their skin prone to early ageing problems and the development of wrinkles are faster. The oiliness and thickness property of Kapha makes wrinkles develop much later. However, they are more prone to accumulate toxins under the skin. External factors such as exposure to UV rays of the sun (heat and dryness) and internal factors such as ageing, changes in endocrine & hereditary factors lead to appearance of wrinkles.  

Causes of premature aging 

A combination of factors such as genetic, environmental and lifestyle influences the aging process. In this fast-paced world, most of us often suffer from sleep deprivation, increased stress and poor diet. Also smoking, too much of sun exposure, pollution and inadequate skin care are major concerns that contribute to premature aging.  

• Poor diet - High consumption of processed food which is high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats and lacks essential nutrients and antioxidants cause inflammation and oxidative stress thus accelerating aging process.  

So, we should eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as seasonal fruits and vegetables.  

• Increased stress - Elevated cortisol caused by increased stress breaks down collagen and elastin leading to premature wrinkles.  

Practice stress reducing techniques like meditation and Yoga.  

• Sleep deprivation - Body’s ability to repair and regenerate is impaired due to sleep deprivation leading to lethargy, dark under eye circles and dull skin.  

Try to go to ed early and sleep for 7 - 8 hours per night.  

• Smoking - It increases toxin accumulation and dryness in the body thereby reducing blood flow to the different body parts including skin leading to damage of collagen and elastin. Smoking dehydrates and damages the skin making it look lifeless.  

Chew licorice sticks or fennel seeds to reduce the desire to smoking. This will help to quit smoking along with strong will power.  

• UV radiation - Too much sun exposure causes photoaging leading to loss of skin elasticity, premature wrinkles and age spots.  

Limit exposure to UV light or use herbal sunscreens, wear sunglasses and protective clothing. Take rose water or cold infusion of sandalwood in a spray bottle and spray on your face whenever your skin feels irritated due to sun’s rays.  

• Environmental pollution - Dust, storm, other gaseous pollutants, etc. damage the cells and cause sagging skin by increasing oxidative stress. 

Cover yourself well when exposed to dust and wind. Use moisturizer daily as it acts as a barrier between skin and pollutants. 

• Too much of anger - In present day, people lack patience and get angry often. While this is a part of life, too much and too often getting angry affects our facial movements leading to the skin losing its elasticity causing wrinkles and fine lines over the period of time.  

Practice deep breathing techniques to manage anger.  

• Chronic diseases - Metabolic problems like diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases affect the Agni and nutrient supply to the skin thus accelerating aging by causing inflammation and oxidative damage.  

Consult an Ayurveda physician and get timely treatment.  

• Inadequate skin care - Most of us are often busy with our work and do not take necessary time to follow daily skin care procedures such as cleansing, moisturizing, toning, sun protection, etc. which accelerate the aging process. Also, the use of chemical cosmetics often driven by the desire to feel beautiful or appear more presentable in professional settings also affect skin health as it clogs the pores, does not allow the skin to breathe or repair and cause breakouts and skin irritation.  

Remove make up before going to bed and manage to maintain a consistent skin care routine. Facial steam once a week opens the skin pores helps to cleanse the skin deeply, hydrates the skin, and promotes collagen production. It will be good to add a pinch of turmeric to the water used for steam as it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.  

Most of these causes can be prevented except for the genetic causes which can only be prevented to a certain extent.