There are so many reasons to practice hot yoga, from the physical benefits (muscle toning, increased fitness, flexibility) to the mental benefits (clear mind, calm attitude, relief from anxiety and depression) – it seems there is something for everyone! You may have heard about the benefits of hot yoga for your skin, and this is a very popular benefits amongst some students.
During hot yoga, your skin is detoxing, and to achieve the ‘hot yoga glow’ it is important to keep this process going – even before and after class! Here are some tips to help you do so:
BEFORE CLASS
Ladies, make-up free is a MUST. Before class, cleanse your face free of any makeup or moisturisers. This will prevent any nastiest getting into your open pores… plus you wont have any chemicals dripping into your eyes during forward folds!
DURING CLASS
When you’re working hard and concentrating, it is temping to wipe away sweat from your eyes or face. This can cause the spread of bacteria (from your hands, mat or towel) onto your face, which can cause breakouts and reactions. Allow the sweat to run freely – like it is supposed to! If you MUST wipe, have a clean, dry hand towel nearby and ‘dab’ rather than wipe!
AFTER CLASS
Your body has lost a LOT of water, but your skin will be feeling pretty moist and soft. Don’t let that fool you – your skins needs rehydrating! A face-spritzer can help to cool the skin down and make you feel refreshed. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate from the inside, but also moisturize your whole body with a natural moisturizer – coconut oil and olive oil work well! You may even want to add some essential oils, as your body will be in maximum absorbtion mode at this time! Oh, and the sooner you can shower after class, the better!
Remember, everyone’s skin is different and it is about what works best for you. Experiment a little, find a routine that works and make it a part of your practice!
Namaste!