Winters can be especially harsh to sensitive skins. But even the normal skin types may not have a good run with dryness and sudden eruptions, which happen especially during the winters. This period between the ends of December to March is the dry Shishir Ritu, inundated with cold biting winds in the major part of the quarter leads to many complaints of the skin. This is also a period when the Vata dosha in the body is aggravated leading to many health issues that could be of concern and therefore it is the time when one needs to take good care of oneself. Resorting to the age-old & potent science of Ayurveda is a good option, where some of the remedies could be even found in your kitchen. So, let’s take a look at the below-given tips for your skincare in this tough season.
Ayurvedic Diet
It is very important that you follow the correct diet. This winter include milk products, pulses, nuts, SEEDS, AVACADO, olive to your diet. Foods that are rich sources of good fats are the right diet. These fats get digested and dispersed well across the body, thereby keeping your skin firm and devoid of dryness.
Ayurvedic Face Masks
There are many options that are available and the beauty of Ayurvedic herbs is such that you can get one made at home from the ingredients that you have in your kitchen. You can quickly whip up a banana face mask with an added bit of honey for extra nourishment. A coffee bean mask (made by mixing granulated coffee beans, milk and honey) combats dryness, reduces puffiness and brightens the skin.
For a medicinal one, you will have to look beyond but herbs like Anantamool, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Amla, Yashtimadhu, Rose petals and Nagarmotha are available in any of the Ayurvedic shops/centers. These are all medicated herbs and they help replenish your skin’s lost moisture.
Ayurvedic Massages
From head to toe, the Ayurvedic massages help immensely during the winters and to calm the Vata dosha of the body. Sesame oil would be the best for massaging. Every single massage rejuvenates your skin and helps your joints and muscles. When the natural oils and essential herbs are massaged in your body a lot of healing takes place. Experts recommend an Ayurvedic massage in regular intervals to see the benefits. Topical application of coconut oil and Ghee will do wonders for your skin.
Ayurvedic Body Butters
Ingredients such as Shea, kokum, coconut and almond butter are extra nourishing for the skin. These are rich in moisturizing benefits and are recommended to be used as a body butter. Other ingredients like honey, rose and natural cold-pressed oils of coconut, almond, apricot, jojoba and sesame are both beneficial to the skin & hair.
Ayurvedic Lip Balms
Protect your lips from dryness and flaking with non-glossy, highly moisturizing lip balms. There are many available in the market made out of Kokum butter & honey or Almond & coconut and rose lip balms. You can any of these, which actually can be used all through the year.
Additional Tips For Winter Skin
Listed below are points to keep in mind for healthy and nourished skin during winters:
Do’s:
- Nourish and moisturise your skin daily with oils appropriate for your skin type
- Wash your face twice with room temperature water
- Facial exercise daily
- Stay hydrated and eat warm cooked foods
Don’ts:
- Use heavy creams, they clog pores and cause puffiness.
- Use chemical free-make up removers. Instead use cotton dipped in vegetable oil to remove makeup.
- Use very hot or cold water on the face, as either will break capillaries.
- Wear makeup and go to sleep no matter how exhausted you might be.
Conclusion
At the end of it all, you cannot have good skin and health if you are sleep deprived, having junk food and a sedentary lifestyle. Make sure you are eating healthy and doing your regular exercises and/or yoga & meditation, which helps in bringing the doshas under control to a large extent, thereby giving you the calmness of spirit that radiates through glowing skin.