Introduction:

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine, which offers a holistic approach to health and well-being of a person. In Ayurveda, skin is called as twacha or charma. Skin is the largest organ of the human body and it plays an important role in keeping normal human physiological conditions. Ayurveda for skin care emphasizes balancing the body, mind, and lifestyle to maintain healthy and radiant skin naturally.

Synonyms of skin in Ayurveda: tvak, tvacha, charma, sparshana, chavi, etc.

Tvak Utpatti: In Ayurvedic text, it is stated that skin starts developing from the third month of intrauterine life. Anatomy of skin according to Ayurveda is well documented. Ayurveda has described in detail about tvacha, its layers, diseases which affect each layer, and its treatment modalities. These insights form the foundation of Ayurveda for skin care, focusing on prevention, healing, and maintaining skin health through natural methods.

There are seven layers of tvak namely:

Avabhasini (Stratum Corneum) – This is the first layer of skin and it provides colour to the skin. This layer measures about 1/18th part vrihi (rice grain). Diseases which affect this layer are Sidhma (small ulcers) and Padmakantaka (Pemphigus Mollaceous).

Lohita (Stratum Lucidum) – The second layer of Twacha which measures about 1/16 part of vrihi (rice grain). Diseases which affect this layer are tila kaalaka (Moles), nyachchha (Pimples) and vyanga (Melasma). Ayurveda for skin care emphasizes balancing doshas to prevent such conditions naturally.

Shwetha (Stratum Granulosum) – The third layer of Twacha which measures about 1/12th part of vrihi (Rice Grain). It is affected by diseases like Charamdala, Ajagalli and Mashaka (Taenia Infection of Skin and Candidiasis). In Ayurveda for skin care, maintaining harmony in these layers is essential for healthy and radiant skin.

Tamra (Stratum Malpighi) – The fourth layer of Twacha which measures about 1/8th part of vrihi (Rice Grain). It is manifested with diseases like Vividha Kilasa (Lepromatous) and Kustha (Tuberculoid Leprosy).

Vedini (Papillary Layer) – The fifth layer of Twacha which measures about 1/5th part of vrihi. This layer is affected with various kinds of Kushtha (Leprosy) and Visarpa (Erysipelas). Ayurveda for skin care highlights that imbalances in deeper layers can trigger chronic skin conditions.

Rohini (Reticular Layer) – The sixth layer of Twacha which measures about one vrihi (Rice Grain). It is manifested with Granthi (Varicose Veins), Arbuda (Tumors), Shlipada (Filariasis), and Galaganda (Goiter).

Mamsadhara (Hypodermis Layer) – The seventh layer of Twacha which measures about two vrihi (Rice Grain). Diseases like Bhagandara (Fistula-in-ano), Vidradhi (Abscess), Arshas (Piles) are manifested in this layer. In Ayurveda for skin care, protecting these foundational layers ensures long-term skin health and overall immunity.

Kriyatamaka aspect of Twacha (functions of skin): In Kriyatamaka aspect, to examine the role of skin, we will have to assess the effects of dosha, dhatus and malas. In Ayurveda, we use the concept of Dosha .they are the fundamental energy or bio energies that govern the body functions. There are 3dosha like Vata , pitta and Kapha. These doshas are present in body and also in skin.

Bhrajaka pitta present in twacha is responsible for lusture of the twacha. Increase of pittadosha in the body results in yellowish discoloration of the twacha whereas its kshaya (decrease) results in the loss of lusture of the twacha. Increase of Vatadosha in the body results in karshanyam
(hyperpigmentation / dull complexion) of twacha and increase of kapha
causes shaukalyam(whitish discolouration of skin) and shaityam(coldness of
twacha).

Kapha kshaya (Decrease) results in rukshata (Dryness). According to Acharya Charaka, twacha is the mula of mamsavahasrotas and updhatu of Mamsadhatu and Rakta dhatus are indirectly related to twacha. Vitiation of Rakta
Dhatu leads to skin diseases like Visapra, Kustha, Vyanga (melasma )etc. while in kshaya of Rakta dhatu in the body results in twakaparushyam (rough skin).

The presence of shudha Shukra in the body is also reflected by the lusture of the twacha itself. The skin retains water and keeps moist. Thus, the presence of sweda (sweat) indicates that it is mala (waste product) of twacha, which is essential for maintaining the moisture content, tonicity, and elasticity of the skin. Decrease of sweda (sweat) results in dryness and cracks in the skin, whereas increase of sweda results in pruritus.

Skin disorders: In Ayurvedic literature, skin diseases are described under kushta Roga. Ayurveda for skin care emphasizes balancing doshas to maintain healthy skin and prevent such disorders.

These are of two types—

Maha Kustha
Kshudra Kushta

Most common skin disorders which affect the face are Mukha dushika (Acne), Vyanga (Melasma), Nilika (Hyperpigmentation), Dadru (Fungal infection), Chaya (Dull complexion), and Rukshata of tvak (Dry Skin), etc. Treatment modalities like Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa are indicated in various skin disorders. Internally, various Kashaya and Vati preparations are given. Locally, Muktha Abhyanga (face massage) with various herbal oils, followed by Swedana (steam), is done. Mukha Lepa (herbal paste) is applied to the face, which is prepared out of various herbs. Shodhana Chikitsa like Vamana (emesis), Rakta Mokshana (bloodletting), and Nasya (nasal drops) are also practiced in Ayurveda for skin care.

Conclusion: To understand the various disorders of skin, knowledge about the different layers and their functions is important. Skin is also used as a diagnostic tool to assess conditions affecting the body, and Ayurveda for skin care provides holistic approaches to prevent and manage them.