Not just skin-deep

The protection of skin demands a lot of time and effort as it is the outermost covering of the body and is easily vulnerable to the attacks of pathogens from external environment. Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and almost all medical systems offer treatment for the diseases related to skin and among them skin ayurvedic treatment is very popular in Kerala.The efficacy of the treatment owes a lot to the natural herbal medicines being used. Various Ayurvedic therapies like oil massage will help retain the health and the lustre of the skin for a long time. You might have seen your grandparents oiling their body at least once in a weak. It is an important Ayurvedic method, which not only provides rejuvenation to the muscles, but also gives lustre to the skin.

Even the ancient sages of Ayurveda, who lived more than 2000 years back, had prescribed certain medicines for skin care and wrote in detail the factors involved in the treatment. Their experience and knowledge are relevant still in this 21st century.

Sushruta, one of the ancient scholars of Ayurveda speaks in detail on skin care in his works. He said that there are seven layers of the skin and the imbalance of doshas/humours in any of these layers leads to skin diseases. Avabhasini, the outermost skin can be affected by pimples and dandruff, while Lohita, the second layer is attacked by moles and dark circles and pigmentation. Shewta, Tamra, Vedini, Rohini, Mamsadhara etc are some other layers of the skin, according to Sushruta.