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Your ultimate guide to Ayurvedic skincare during the winter season

Is your skin feeling dry and flaky due to the harsh cold? If yes, this guide will help you tweak your skincare routine during this season.
Ayurveda recommends the use of ghee in food. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Smita Naram Published: 30 Nov 2021, 11:30 am IST
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As we enter the winter season and gear up to get cosy in our woollens, let’s not forget that winter also brings with it dry and itchy skin. This climate absorbs our natural moisture from the skin, leaving us all dry. Dipping and covering yourself in varieties of cream can only help to a certain extent, after which it disappoints us, as the skin continues to be flaky. Follow Ayurvedic tips for skincare.

This concern should be addressed from the root, in order to provide a long-term solution. According to Ayurveda, the vata dosha oversees the overall well-being of the human body and natural skin problems. Therefore, if there’s an imbalance here, it can be seen directly on the skin’s surface and result in early signs of ageing, and dehydration. Internal imbalances in combination with external factors like climate and season can visibly impact the skin. During the winter season, the skin tends to get drier and appears dull, due to the lack of moisture.

However, you can maintain the glow with these three simple home Ayurveda skincare routines:

  1. Ghee and coconut oil:

    Ghee, as we know, is known to hydrate all skin types. Both ghee and coconut oil have natural fats that get absorbed by the skin. Ghee is also considered as one of the best natural anti-ageing solutions, and a great ingredient for skincare.

  2. Castor oil:

    A 30-minute warm castor oil massage before bathing daily, will keep your skin healthy and your natural oil intact. It acts as a natural moisturizer and helps in balancing your vata dosha
    .

  3. Aloe vera:

    Aloe vera has healing and hydrating properties, and hence, works as an excellent choice for dry skin. You can consider swapping out your regular moisturiser for aloe vera after bathing, to help seal moisture into your skin.

Trust aloe vera gel to nourish your skin like no other. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

These can be carried out in a step-by-step method, as mentioned below:

  • Cleansing:

    It is necessary to wash your face twice a day to keep it clean and feel fresh. However, this can also cause the skin to dry out during winter or feel too harsh if a strong chemical-rich cleanser is used. Hence, using a mild or natural cleanser is a must. Using a hydrating Ayurvedic cleanser ensures that you don’t strip your skin of essential natural oils, and your face feels clean without any dryness.

  • Toning:

After cleansing your skin, the next step is to add a hydration pack to your face. Using pure rose water is great, as it is hydrating and provides anti-ageing benefits as well. Rose water has been used to nourish skin and hair for many centuries, because of its various benefits. It is very calming, pleasant and relaxing. You can spray rose water on your face throughout the day to feel hydrated.

  • Moisturising:

    After cleansing and toning, the next step is to moisturise and lock all the hydration in with a moisturiser. Use a chemical-free Ayurvedic moisturizer to ensure that your skin stays hydrated for a longer period of time, while minimising the chances of side effects. Using aloe vera gel for moisturising is great, as it can keep the moisture sealed, while also healing the skin. It is very effective in treating acne, scars, and spots.

  • Facial oils:

    Facial oils are great as an extra step to ensure your skin is well-hydrated, supple, and firm. Ayurvedic facial oils can be used as the very last step of the skincare routine. Adding 1-2 drops in your moisturiser or simply taking some on your palms and massaging your face to improve blood circulation keeps dry skin healthy and glowing. This can be used for hair and body too, as there are various oils available with different benefits.

Facial oils can do wonders for your skin, but you should know the right way to use them. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The last word

Ayurveda believes in understanding the root cause of the problem and treating it with proven and effective solutions. The three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha help to constitute the structural and functional units of all living cells, tissues, organs, and the body as a whole.

Now that the surface of the skin is taken care of, it is also important to focus on what goes inside the body. Diet plays a very important role, so make sure to consume a protein and fibre-rich diet during winter. Also, incorporate some seasonal fruits and green vegetables for a healthy and youthful appearance. Lastly, with all these tips and remedies, it is important to keep your body and mind at peace and well-hydrated as well. No matter what the season may be, drinking enough water is always essential for good skin!

Dr Smita Naram

Dr Smita Naram is an Ayurvedic physician, pharmaceutical herbalist and nutritionist. She is the co-founder of Ayushakti, which is an Ayurvedic health centre. Dr Naram started this journey of bringing in Ancient Health Solution, with a vision to transform the health of billions of people in 1987. Since then Ayushakti has helped more 1.5 million clients across the world and transformed their lives with vibrant health and long lasting relief from chronic health challenges. ...Read More

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