Our skin is the interface between our bodies’ interior and exterior. It communicates to others our state of inner health, both physical and mental. All forms of physical movement will improve the quality of your skin by increasing circulation to your face, but yoga practice in particular helps to keep skin hydrated and glowing, with the focus on relaxation, deep, full breathing and specific postures to cleanse and tone.

Thankfully, that lovely post-exercise glow need not be hard work. In fact, one of the main reasons a yoga practitioner’s skin often looks so good is that during the practice they consciously relax their whole body, including the skin on their face. Unlike other forms of physical exercise, such as weight-lifting, rowing or cycling, where the facial muscles often strain under the pressure, in yoga practice the focus is on keeping the breath flowing smoothly and fully in the poses, meaning the body stays relaxed and the mind calm. When we’re relaxed, our skin remains hydrated and looks rejuvenated rather than wrinkled and worn out.

For youthful skin, it’s important to avoid stress, drink plenty of water, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, sleep well at night, avoid direct sunlight, cleanse the skin and refrain from smoking. Stress in the muscles and skin on the face can be caused by clenching the jaw, frowning, squinting and being overtired and dehydrated.

Yoga practice soothes the body and mind and lowers stress levels, most yoga classes ending with lying flat in savasana, or Corpse Pose. In savasana, the body is taught to completely relax while the mind observes just the soft flow of the natural breath. With the focus on the breath, the mind has a holiday from thinking and after the practice you feel physically and mentally relaxed and rested. As you cultivate the art of relaxation, you find it easier to get that all-important beauty sleep.

There are many yoga poses that greatly improve the appearance and health of the skin, especially the inverted poses. Healthy, toned, relaxed skin is well oxygenated and well fed. Inverted postures such as downward dog, shoulder stand and headstand increase circulation of rich oxygenated blood to the head, brain and face, helping to remove wrinkles caused by toxins. The upside-down postures help to balance the body’s hormonal system, which improves skin health and enhances mental calm. Varicose veins are prevented as blood moves more freely back to the heart.