THE CONCEPT OF VARNA IN AYURVEDA: CORRELATION OF BHRAJAK PITTA, SKIN PHYSIOLOGY AND MELANIN

Healthy and radiant skin is often associated with good health and overall well-being. Modern science explains that a person's skin complexion is largely inherited through genetic factors. At the same time, environmental influences such as sunlight exposure, nutrition, lifestyle, and psychological stress can also affect skin colour and overall appearance. Similarly, Ayurveda describes several factors that contribute to the maintenance of healthy complexion and skin radiance. In Ayurveda, this concept is described as Varna, which includes not only skin colour but also the natural glow, brightness, and vitality of an individual. Ayurveda explains that Bhrajak Pitta, located in the skin (Twak), plays a key role in maintaining healthy complexion and normal skin functions. As Bhrajak Pitta is considered an important factor responsible for maintaining Varna, this review mainly explores its role and its possible correlation with modern concepts of skin pigmentation and melanin. In modern science, skin colour is mainly influenced by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes that helps protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This review explores the Ayurvedic concept of Varna and examines its relationship with Bhrajak Pitta, skin physiology, and melanin. A review of classical Ayurvedic texts and modern scientific literature suggests that Bhrajak Pitta and melanin perform similar functions in maintaining skin appearance and supporting skin health. However, Varna is a broader concept that represents not only pigmentation but also the radiance and well-being of an individual. By bringing together Ayurvedic principles and modern scientific knowledge, this review aims to provide a better understanding of skin complexion and its underlying factors, while highlighting the need for further research in this area.