Ayurveda has a comprehensive teaching that renders perfection in beauty by various means. Broadly speaking the factors which are responsible for the beauty of a person are:

• The Diet and Life Style 
• The Effect of Geographical and Climatic Condition 
• The Social Atmosphere

Diet And Life Style

The perfect digestion and assimilation of our food together with proper and regular evacuation of wastes is essential for being healthy. This is responsible for the strength, stamina and beauty of an individual which is reflected by clear skin, bright eyes, radiant hair, strong nails and moist lips.

A major role in achieving beauty is played by the food which is eaten as it is the ahara which is going to give the nourishment to all the seven dhatus (tissues) of the body. The skin is an upadhatu (sub-tissue) of mamsa dhatu (muscle-tissue). The scalp hairs are updhatu of majja dhatu (bone-marrow tissue). The Nails, body hair, hair of beard and moustache are the mala (wastes) of the asthi dhatu (skeletal-tissue).

This way we can co-relate and find out the imperfection and quality of our Skin, Hair, Nails etc. with the concerned dhatus and take the measures to correct it, if required.

Good digestion is enhanced by:

a) Perfect selection of your food.
b) Skillful preparation of foods &
c) Eating in a quiet, clean, and friendly atmosphere

In addition, the other measures on Dietetics that must be followed according to Ayurvedic principles.

Apart from these factors, life style also plays an important role. For example: getting up before sunrise (6:00 am); a brisk walk or doing yogasanas; meditation; proper external and internal cleansing of the body.

External bathing requires proper selection of the Soap, Shampoo or the herbs to be added in the water. Internal cleansing involves the yogic procedures of 'Hatha Yoga' i.e. the shatkarmas Neti, Nauli, Basti, Dhauti, Tratak and Kapalbhati.

Then there must be a balance between the sitting, standing and lying hours in a day. In addition, one must be aware of the general rules of non-suppression of 13 natural urges as the suppression of vomiting can lead to various skin diseases.

A Vegetarian diet helps in delaying the onset of aging. Let's have a glimpse into certain foods for their anti-aging effect:

Soya Bean: There are numerous advantages this food offers. It boosts the good cholesterol and improves the ratio of HDL ( high density lipoproteins) to LDL (low density lipoproteins). It provides the fighting oxidants (e.g. Genistain) that helps with clogged arteries and the formation of cancer cells.

The Antioxidants and Phytochemicals present in Soya bean are especially useful in obstructing the formation of hormone related cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer. Being a rich source of calcium and iron , Soya food , proves beneficial in the treatment of 'Anemia' and osteoporosis. Japanese the largest consumer of Soya products, have the largest life expectancy in the world .
Tofu: A food with cheese like consistency made from Soya milk can increase your life span. Some animal studies have suggested a 12-15% longer life span in animals that were given these foods as opposed to animals fed on casein (the milk protein in paneer).

Olive Oil /Almond Oil: The problems of cholesterol can be easily solved by switching over to almond or olive oil. Because, while other refined vegetable oils lower the LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) simultaneously . These keeps up the HDL while lowering the total blood cholesterol & HDL .
These retard the destructive effects of free radicals to a greater extent, which means that your body has fewer free radicals, hence delaying aging. These oils contain antioxidants which protect your body cells from the effect of carcinogens.
Like wise there can be hundreds of dietary types to keep your self fit and young which your Ayurvedic Physician can tell you.

The Effect of Geographical and Climatic Condition

The genetic factors in terms of different races in the world decide the complexion of an offspring right from birth, but there are some other factors which also play an important role. For instance, in cold countries we find fairer complexions and in hot climates like in tropical countries there is more probability of dark complexions. Some factors play a role by the diet of the mother during pregnancy. However, after birth, it matters how we take care of our skin and body.

Exposure to the sun, dietary habits, sound sleep, sound mind, pollution, level of humidity over the hilly areas or near the coast, level of salts in the atmosphere; every single factor is important. Ayurveda provides a few creams with some precious herbs to protect the skin in unnatural circumstances.

The Social Atmosphere

The atmosphere at home or at the work place or in the public places also has a great role in the beauty of an individual which is never thought grossly.

A saint indulged in holy rituals living in a calm and quite atmosphere in a jungle and who has attained a good level in meditation; could be seen with a remarkable beauty on his face; which is unmatchable and can never be attained with artificial cosmetics. So peace at the mental level is necessary for perfect beauty. The tense atmosphere of the work place, negative thoughts, jealousy, hatred, anger etc. Vitiate vata according to Ayurveda and thereby can lead to blackishness or hyperpigmentation over a face or on a particular part of the body.

Judicious application of herbal gels; or cream with Yoga and meditation can certainly replenish your external and internal look.

Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.