Preeja Preman et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 7(Suppl 3), Jul - Aug 2016 9 Review Article www.ijrap.net COSMETIC SENSE OF AYURVEDA: A REVIEW Preeja Preman 1 , Prathibha C. K 2 , K. Parameswaran Namboothiri 2 , Ananth Ram Sharma 2 * 1 PG Scholar, Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kollam, Kerala, India 2 Associate Professor, Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kollam, Kerala, India Received on: 07/06/16 Revised on: 12/07/16 Accepted on: 22/07/16 *Corresponding author E-mail: dr.ananthramsharma@gmail.com DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.074147 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. Key Words: Beauty, Cosmetology, Internal Beauty, External Beauty INTRODUCTION Beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place or object that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction. Concept of beauty may vary from individual to individual. It is truly said that “Beauty is bought by the judgment of the eyes”. Beauty is not always related to woman rather men are more beauty conscious. Cosmetology is the science of alteration of appearance and modification of beauty 1 . The cosmetic preparations are used for worship and for sensual enjoyment in India since Vedic period. According to Drugs and Cosmetics Act (India) 1940 Cosmetology is defined as that “Intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body’s structure or function”. Ayurveda emphasizes on both Physical (external) and Mental (internal) beauty. In Ayurveda, terms like Kanthi, Prabha, Varna, Chaaya etc. are used regarding the subject. Varna term is used in a broader aspect which includes most of the parameters which are necessary for healthy skin. Vagbhatacharya has stated Varna (complexion) as one of the Atmaja and Satmyaja Bhavas 2 . Charakacharya clearly mentions that, a wise person should perform such actions which are good for his body as the office in charge of the city and charioteer in charge of the chariot protect the city and chariot respectively 3. Why Beauty Care? Skin is the organ which separates an individual fro m external environment. It’s where our inside meets the outside. So it is easily prone for infections or injury. The beauty of skin basically depends on individual’s health, age, diet, habits, and job routine, climatic conditions and so on. Physical beauty is extremely important and studies have shown that people judge each other based on their physical looks at least until they start to know each other well. There are references in our Samhitas which mentions that the beauty of a person is determined at the time of Shukra-Shonita Samyoga itself and the formation of Soft parts like skin is the Maternal contribution (Matruja Bhavas), hard parts like hair, nails, teeth are Paternal contributions (Pitruja Bhavas) and the Complexion is determined by the Rasaja and Satmyaja Bhavas 4 . Even though our science explains about external and internal beauty, people always look for external beauty because external beauty enhances our self-confidence. The Physical beauty depends on Skin complexion, quality of hair, nails and teeth. But for the maintenance of this external beauty, internal beauty is also very much essential because any derangement of the mind like stress, strain, negative thought can all hamper the luster and complexion. True remedies for good health To keep oneself fit and healthy, at all ages, Ayurveda has proposed numerous suggestions that if followed with dedication maintains good health and skin. There are certain “true remedies” for maintaining good health which are fresh air, pure water, rest, proper diet, good sleep, exercise etc Factors determining the Beauty There are various references regarding the concept of Varna in our Samhithas. It is said that Varna of an individual is determined in the Garbhavastha itself. The concept of Garbha Varna is explained by Vagbhatacharya. It is stated that the Varna of an individual varies in accordance with race and religion 5 .Vagbhatacharya states that colour of the individual are