What is bidirectional beauty and how to get started on the journey

Nurturing the skin from inside-out? A novel concept has recently surfaced in the beauty landscape—bidirectional beauty melds the emollient benefits of creams and lotions, coupled with supplements, unveiling a harmonious synergy. Going beyond the traditional approach, here the ingestible and topical solutions work in tandem to give the best possible results. 

But what does bidirectional beauty mean?

An act of balance, this interplay between external and internal care is slowly becoming the Holy Grail that is said to offer long-term benefits. However, for those who do not know, bidirectional beauty has long existed in the Ayurvedic practices in many Asian countries. The acknowledgment that the radiance of the skin is not just a surface spectacle lies at the centre of this approach. Revealing that the pathway to timeless allure is in embracing a dual ritual of meticulous application of skincare science and the nourishment from ingestible widely discussed while talking bidirectional beauty. “Supplements take a different approach to hair and skin concerns. While topical solutions and medications target specific causes of hair loss and skin conditions, supplements provide essential nutrients to support the overall health. We recommend using the gummies regularly for at least three months to see best results.” implies Ananya Agarwal, CEO & founder, Nyumi.

Holistic approach: Supplements vs. topical solutions

 

 

Charting a distinctive course in the landscape of skin health, supplements unlike topical solutions or prescription medications are holistic in nature. They enrich the body with essential nutrients from within that support overall restoration. These supplements do not aim to replace applicators but fill a unique niche as nutrition boosters. They are useful in addressing the dietary deficiencies that may be the root cause of hair and skin issues, owing to our busy contemporary lifestyle. “Gummies as a format do not lie in comparison with medication, topical treatments or any other doctor-prescribed activities.

 

They are nutrition fillers in a tasty and fun format that aids in filling the dietary requirements of users who either due to hectic lifestyles or complacency miss out on them and start facing issues that are caused by the deficiency of that respective ingredient,” shares Sayantani Mandal, founder, What’s Up Wellness.

Traditional approaches to bidirectional beauty: A journey through history

Rooted in ancient wisdom, there is a deep connection between inner and outer glow. This embodies the concept of the bidirectional philosophy. Mindful food choices, herbal supplements, gummies, and taking care of the body from within is equally vital. As modern beauty trends continue to evolve, these age-old practices remain a testament to the enduring significance of a binate system.

Finding the balance within Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a healing system that is central to the idea of “doshas”, which represent individual constitutions—Vata ( air), Pitta ( fire and water), and Kapha ( earth and water). Having originated in India over 5,000 years ago, the bidirectional Ayurvedic belief focuses on nurturing the doshas. Herbs like turmeric, neem, and amla are prescribed in the diet to purify and rejuvenate the body. Massages using herbal oils—Abhyanga is also used to enhance circulation, detoxify the skin, and promote a healthy glow. “Like most traditional medicine systems, the benefits of ayurveda and herbalism have been studied, developed and refined over thousands of years. This holistic health approach focuses on the root cause of health concerns and not just symptoms, ensuring that these solutions are preventative as well as remediate.” says Vibha Harish, founder, Cosmix Wellness

Korean beauty: A time-honoured ritual 

K-beauty is renowned for its multi-step and highly efficient skincare routine. What makes this ritual meticulous is the emphasis placed on the consumption of a diet rich in antioxidants, fermented foods, and teas that promote gut health. Food items like kimchi and ginseng are at the forefront, leading the path towards a vibrant complexion, and a firm skin texture. Famed for its strict step-by-step technique of cleansing, toning, moisturising, and using masks infused with hydrating serums, it is a good way to get rid of a puffed-up morning face! 

The Mediterranean connection 

Prevalent in regions like Greece and Italy, the Mediterranean diet engages in Omega-3 fatty acids to contribute to skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Olive oil, a staple of this diet is not only used in cooking oil but also skincare.

Pros and cons of bidirectional beauty 

 

“It's important to note that the effectiveness of different treatments can vary depending on factors such as the underlying causes, individual response, and consistency of use. In some cases, a combination approach that includes both supplements and topical treatments may be beneficial, as they can complement each other in promoting hair and skin health,” highlights Avnish Chhabria, co-founder, Wellbeing Nutrition. Filling the potential dietary gaps and complementing it with an external skincare routine can pave a panoramic picture of healthy skin and hair. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential challenges it can pose. The complexity, time commitment, financial implications, individual variability might not be everyone’s cup of tea. There is also an added risk of misuse. As with any wellness approach, informed decisions, professional guidance, and consistency is the key to achieving the best possible outcomes from the bi-directional method.

 

 

How can one get started? 

A reminder to all: beauty is not a static tableau. As the world awakens to the elegance of this paradigm shift, it is your cue to prioritise self-care and love. Reverberating through layers of nourishment and science, this trend is sure to leave you with radiant skin and lustrous locks. Follow these accounts to start your bidirectional journey today.

Pages to follow to start the journey- 
https://instagram.com/glowwithava?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://instagram.com/traya.health?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://instagram.com/drjaishreesharad?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://instagram.com/dr.bhagyashreee?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://instagram.com/dranupriyagoel?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==