1. Defenition of healthy skin. Reference :- RACHANA SHARIR. Definition of Twak (Skin), its swaroop (structure), types and prayojana.

Description regarding layers of skin in Brihatrayi and Laghutrayi .Acharya Sushruta has mentioned in the shareera sthana about the formation of twak at the level of embryogenesis . Agnipurana: Described that in the 5th month of embryonic life there will be formation of skin and blood. Charaka samhita: In the 7th chapter of shareera sthana acharya charaka has explained about the layers of the skin and the diseases which occur in each layers. Sushruta samhita: Susrutachrya has explained about skin very minutely, he has described embryological development of skin and its layers .He has described the pramana & characters of each layer of twak. Astanga sangraha: Vrudha Vagbhata has compiled the description of susruta and charaka about formation of skin and layers of the skin in shareera sthana 5th chapter. Also we get references about formation of skin in the same chapter17. Astanga hrudaya: Acharya vagbhata in astanga hrudya he mentioned the embryological development of twak in 3rd chapter 4. Sharangadhara samhita : He has followed susrutas view sharangadhra given detailed description about seven layers of skin in the 5th chapter of poorva khanda also he explained about the diseases related to the different layers of the skin. Slokas :-

According to Ayurveda, skin has seven layers, corresponding to the seven dhatus. 1.(Ava)Bhasini, 2. Lohini, 3. Swetha, 4. Thamra, 5. Vedini, 6. Rohini and 7. Mamsadhara. Avabhasini: This is the outermost layer. It reflects the complexion and the quality of the Rasa Dhatu (nutrient fluid, the first of the seven tissues of the body). It also acts as a mirror: it indicates whether the physiology as a whole is balanced or imbalanced, and whether there is inner health or disorder. The avabhasini layer also reflects the aura of the individual-if there is inner bliss, it shows on this layer. It does not have its own color: it reflects the colors of the inner layers. Internal and external re-hydration and regular massage supports the health and appearance of the avabhasini layer of the skin. Lohita: This layer supports the outermost layer. It indicates the quality of Rakta Dhatu (blood). If there is ama (impurities) in the blood, it impacts the aura of the outer layer and accentuates sensitivity to the sun. The color of this layer resembles molten iron. Shweta: This is a white layer, and it provides balance to skin color, lightening the darker colors of the inner layers. Tamra: This layer nurtures the upper layers of the skin. It supports the immune system. This is the layer that helps the skin perform its function of being a "barrier. Skin infections reflect an imbalance in this layer. It is copper-colored. Vedini: This fifth layer sensually links the skin to the rest of the body. It is the center for transformation of sensation-feeling of pain, for example. Rohini: This layer supports healing and regeneration. Imbalance in this layer retards healing and the disappearance of scars over time. A balanced diet, rich in nutritional value, supports the rohini layer. Mamsadhara: This innermost layer is the platform for the skin's stability and firmness. When this layer is in balance, the skin looks young and supple. A skin product that has a vayasthapana effect nourishes this layer to help retard the aging process. Modern physiology, skin has been found to have seven layers, stratum corneum, on the surface, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale, the basement membrane and the dermis.

Image Courtesy :- http://dermatology.about.com/od/anatomy/ss/epidermis.htm Classifcation on based on the Doshas ( Vata/Pita/Kabha).

1. Vatha type will have cold, thin and cracked skin. This is sensitive and susceptible to dullness and wrinkles. 2. Pitha type will have warm, moist and sensitive and more prone to acne They are easily affected by the food one eats, heat and sun. and breakouts.

3. Kapha type will have cold, thick and oily skin. They tend to be lustrous and are prone to clogged pores and toxic build-ups.