Mukh Lape (मुख लेप)
MukhaLepa is the application of an herbal paste (suitable for all skin types) to the face. In common terms, we can call it a deep cleansing and skin skin-refiningrvedic facial. The herbal paste which is applied on the face to treat acne, pimple, scars, marks, and pigments is known as ‘MukhaLepa (face pack)’ in Ayurveda.
How it is done?
First, a gentle face massage is done with herbal oil or herbal cream for 10-15 minutes. Then an herbal paste is applied over the massaged area of the face. The paste is removed after it becomes dry. The procedure takes 30-45 minutes.
What diseases MukhaLepa help to cure?
Removes impurities, unclogs pores, and helps in reducing acne, blemishes, pimples, and dark circles around the eye.
What are the benefits of MukhaLepa besides direct treatment?
It clears hyper-pigmentation, provides the luster, and helps to improve the complexion of the face.
Time for Mukhalepa-
As stated earlier Mukhalepa should not be applied at night nor should it be allowed to stay on after it dries up.
Acharya Sharangadhara has mentioned the following drugs for Mukhalepa
Raktachandan (Pterocarpussantalinus)
Manjishtha (Rubiacordifolia)
Lodhra (Symplocusracemosus)
Kushtha (Saussurealappa)
Priyangu (Callicarpamacrophylla)
Vatankura (Ficusbengalensis)
Masura (Lentils)
Matulungajata (Citrus medica)
VarnyaMahakashaya (ten complexion promoter drugs)
Chandana (Santalum album L.)
Tunga (Calophylluminophyllum L.)
Padmaja (Prunuscerasoides) Ushiro (Chrysopogonzizanioides L.)
Madhuka (Glycyrrhizaglabra L.)
Sariva (Hemidesmusindicus L.)
Paysya (Jacquemontiapaniculata)
Sita (white variety of Cynodondactylon L.)
Lata (black variety of Cynodondactylon L.)
KushthaghnaMahakashaya (ten drugs for curing skin ailments)
Khadira (Acacia catechu)
Abhaya (Terminaliachebula)
Amalaki (Phyllanthusemblica)
Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Arushkara (Semicarpusanacardium)
Saptaparna (Alstoniascholaris)
Aragwadha (Cassia fistula)
Karvira (Nerium oleander)
Lepa Absorption Mechanism
Lepa is usually applied against the hair follicular direction (Pratilomagati) this facilitates the quicker absorption of the drug potency through Romakupa(hair roots), Swedavahini (sweat glands), and Siramukha (blood capillaries). Even the books of contemporary medical science put forward the same theory of drug absorption in case of external applications. The function of BhrajakaPitta is said to metabolize the substance of drugs applied to the skin whereas one of its main functions is to manifest the color and complexion of the Tweak. (skin) In function of metabolism, the activities of SamanVayu supported by Vyan Vayu is of great importance. Ayurveda also propagates the theory of ‘StrotomayaPurush’ indicating that the whole human body is porous. When the medication is applied in the form of Lepa or Pradeha, the minute particles of the substance penetrate into the Tweak owing to the gravitational pull and the weight of the drug. The Upashoshana property of Vayu (Vyanaand Samana especially) would play a major role in penetration, and absorption of the medicaments applied over the Tweak. After being absorbed in the Tweak, the drugs would act upon the body, pertaining to its Virya (active principle) and in some cases according to its Prabhava.
Transdermal drug administration
Transdermal drug absorption can significantly alter drug kinetics. Transdermal drug absorption depends on a variety of factors as follows:
- Site of application
- Thickness and integrity of the stratum corneumepidermidis
- Size of the molecule
- Permeability of the membrane of the transdermal
- drug delivery system
- State of skin hydration
- pH of the drug
- Drug metabolism by skin flora
- Lipid solubility
- Depot of the drug in the skin
- Alteration of blood flow in the skin by additives and body temperature
- Skin thickness and amount of blood flow in the skin vary considerably with age.
