Cosmetic Sense of Ayurveda: A Review

Abstract

The word Cosmetics is defined as" the Substances of diverse origin, scientifically compounded and used to cleanse, allay skin troubles, cover up imperfections and to beautify". Ayurveda emphasizes on both external and internal beauty and external beauty is complimented by internal beauty. It is said that Kaanti, Chaaya, Varna ,Prabha of an individual is determined at the time of "Shukra-Shonitha Samyoga" itself. The factors contributing to these are Matruja, Pitruja, Rasaja and Sathmyaja Bhavas and also Mahabhuta predominance. These factors determine the Prakrithi, Sara, Samhanana, Pramana and Twak of the individuals. Following are the suggestions of Ayurveda towards beauty and health. For Physical beauty, Dinacharya. For Internal beauty, Achara Rasayana, Sadvritta and control over Dharaneeya Vegas. Dinacharya includes Mugha Sodhana, Abhyanga, Udvarthana, Anjana, Keshaprasadhana, Vyayama, Nasya. Diet also plays an important role. Charakacharya explains that by Rasayana, a person with dark complexion can have fair complexion. He also explains about various Yogas and single drugs in Rasayana which has cosmetic effect. By Sadvritta, by Samyak Yoga of Indriya and performing of different actions after proper thoughtful analysis of his intelligence has all role in maintaining internal beauty. By control of Dharaneeya Vega proper care of Physical beauty is possible because any of the mental disturbances can have negative impact over the skin which further hampers the physical beauty.