My mom passed me on the secrets of maintaining a healthy complexion and radiant skin early on. I was only five when she would slice a watermelon and rub it into my face. Then we would grate cucumber and mix it with yogurt until it formed a thick paste. We would let it sit or a while adding a drop of olive oil and lemon and then applied it on the forehead, check and chin, carefully avoiding the area of the eyes. We would recline for a good 20 minutes, resting and affirming positively for the day. Each week we changed the facial mask – always made with fresh ingredients from fruits, vegetables, milk and egg yoke. I kind of liked the ritual and when for some reason we skipped it, I really missed it.

Mom was an intuitive “facialist.” She was never trained in cosmetic arts, but had a knack how to mix different concoctions of natural products for external and oral care. Every morning she woke up at dawn to do a thirty-minute yoga practice. Then she would drink her fresh squeezed lemon juice with lukewarm water and get ready for the day. Twice a month we would fast for a day at full and new moon to flush toxins away and cleanse. We tried to eat seasonally, mostly local produce and we never missed to thank for the food. All these healthy habits only amplified our natural beauty, which was an extension of our soul.

I was fortunate to have been initiated in this healthy routine that I kept to this very day. Since then I always use natural products on my skin, I stick to a vegetarian diet, and have made my morning yoga ritual an integral part of my spiritual hygiene.

The truth is that the body and skin ages due to a host of factors. It could be caused by insufficient nutrition owing to unhealthy eating habits or consuming foods, which are harmful like white flour, sugar, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Yet another culprit could be the sedentary lifestyle, which impedes blood circulation and actually leads to accumulation of toxins due to stress or lack of proper exercise. Another cause is the dirt and dust particles that pile in our skin and clog sweat glands as a result of improper cleansing. And of course, indigestion, frequent constipation or over-exposure to sun surely also banish the glow from our skin.

But fear not! Regular yoga practice can save us the extra wrinkles and puffy eyes. Because our face is an index of our mind and the radiant texture of our skin and hair is an indication of our physical and mental health. You will know a devoted yogi from the glow on his or her face. But it is not obtained by doing only doing selective asanas once in a while. You need to be disciplined in your diet, commit to regular yoga practice, follow “yama” and “niyama” yoga ethics and keep balance between your outward personality and your true self. You have to avoid excesses of all kinds. A person with disciplined life and regular yoga practice will look beautiful form outside as well outside and treat you with a refreshing smile always.

In fact, Yoga helps you to attain your ideal body weight and gives you a proportionate body by removing excess weight from all body organs. It helps to improve flexibility and maintain correct posture for young looks. Detoxifying your body is most essential for beauty. As you stay slim and active you improve your blood circulation and help to remove toxins from the body. Detoxification of alimentary canal through yogic kriyas helps optimum absorption of nutrients in your food. The practice helps provide nutrition at the cellular level. All the internal organs and particularly the endocrine glands get activated and their functioning is optimized.

Not to underestimate, Yoga practice helps us reduce stress levels considerably and provides complete relaxation. Yoga asanas and pranayama keeps you free from disease by strengthening the immune system. Healthy body means healthy skin.

Most women can benefit from a regular yoga practice to retain their natural beauty while coping up with menstrual problems, childbirth, work or home stress.

According to the ancient Vedic Art of longevity Ayurveda we need to stick to a sattvik diet. Satva or organic substance is the most refined building block of matter and as we focus on satva generating foods like fresh leafy greens, fruits, milk, sprouts, nuts and whole grains we will radiate health and beauty all year around. Avoiding processed or junk food is essential. Also, drinking plenty of water to hydrate the skin, remove toxins and promote smooth bowel movements is key. Along with that, being cheerful at all times and laughing is the best tonic.

I personally find that practicing detachment and avoiding excess of food, drink or emotions really adds to the healthy luster. I eat for nutrition and not for taste buds. I keep active and never forget to exfoliate my skin regularly and then nourish it with some natural oils over night. I also do a dry brush massage every morning before applying body butter and I repeat the same massage with sesame or almond oil at night. Most importantly, I try to get my 8 hours of sound sleep that helps me replenish, regenerate and rejuvenate the cells. I never skip the evening meditation as it allows me to revisit the day in gratitude and fascination. I am always fascinated at how things work themselves out and I am just a silent observer of the beauty that is part of everyone and everything. As I am about to roll in bed I invoke Sundari –the Hindu Goddess of divine beauty that reminds me that a glowing allure is a product of the youthfulness of spirit!

Yogea Beautifying Routine: Glowing Allure (open level)

Designed and performed by our inspiring Yogea teacher Marina Grubic.

This Yogea routine combines tapping, facial stretching and breath work with poses that rejuvenate the cells and reverse the aging process. Special massage through the crown of the head stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, strengthens the hair follicles and promotes circulation through the face and neck. Warm-up lunges couple with throat openers to stimulate the skin of the neck and chest. Meridian crossing while opening the heart keeps optimal brain fitness and maintains both sides of the body in perfect balance. Strengthening standing poses pair with healthy pulling of the eyelids. Lunging and forward bends stretch the back and tone the thighs. Reclining backbends and hip openers nurture the shoulder and pelvic girdles and energize the face. Semi-reclining kneeling forward bends alternate with twists to release toxins and stimulate all glands to secrete age-defying hormones. A gentle reclining tapping, as well as active fluttering of the lips helps speed up circulation and massages all organs internally and externally. An uplifting meditation closes the practice in appreciation of inner and outer beauty.