- 10 Winter Skin Savers
- By Shreelata Suresh
Winter brings with it drier,
rougher skin, flakiness and itchiness and chapped sore lips.
Combat winter skin woes with these tips from the ancient healing
tradition of ayurveda:
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Drink lots of water. Internal
hydration keeps skin cells plump and healthy. Water also helps
transport nutrients to skin cells, keeping them nourished. According
to ayurvedic healers, water should be at room temperature or
slightly warm to avoid hampering digestion. Water-rich vegetables
like leafy greens and green-skinned squashes are great for internal
hydration as well as skin nourishment. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated
drinks, which are dehydrating.
Cold weather can cause the body’s
systems to stagnate. Eating warm cooked foods, drinking warm
water or herb/spice teas and moderate daily exercise can help
improve circulation, digestion and elimination, keeping skin
healthy and clear. |
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Heated homes, workplaces and
automobiles can wreak havoc on skin. Turn heat down to the lowest
level that you are comfortable with. Supplement moisture balance
in your environment with the use of room humidifiers. Moisture
balance in the environment also helps prevent dry nasal passages
and eyes.
The rough, dry nature of Vata
dosha, winter’s dominant energy, can be pacified by including
some healthy fats in your daily diet. Ayurvedic healers recommend
ghee (clarified butter). Olive oil is another excellent choice.
Blanched, soaked almonds offer lipid support as well as nourishment.
The thought of a long, hot bath
on a cold winter day can be appealing, but over-exposure to hot
water can dry skin out even more. Keep baths or showers short,
limit them to one per day and use lukewarm, not hot, water. If
you have Vata skin, add a few drops of bath oil to your bath.
Put away that bar of soap or
shower gel, and switch to a milder, gentler cleanser for both
face and body. Soap can irritate and exacerbate dry skin conditions.
Ayurvedic healers recommend ground oatmeal or chickpea flour
mixed with a little milk. If your skin is naturally dry, add
some almond meal and a few drops of aloe vera or sesame oil.
Don’t scrub excessively, and dab skin with a soft towel
after the bath or shower--just enough to remove excess moisture.
A good moisturizer, suitable
for your skin type, is a must in winter, to keep skin lubricated.
For best results, apply the moisturizer to damp skin immediately
after cleansing, to help lock in surface moisture. Pay attention
to knees, elbows, hands and feet, which tend to be drier than
the rest of the body. If your skin is naturally oily, a light
application is best to avoid clogging pores. Dry Vata skin benefits
from deep-layer lipid support several times a week. Ayurvedic
healers recommend facial oils blended especially for Vata skin
that nourish and protect while they lubricate.
Pay extra attention to hands
and feet, where skin can crack and peel when dry. Always apply
moisturizer after you wash your hands. Limit exposure to water
by wearing gloves when you do chores such as washing dishes.
A light application of massage oil right before you go to bed
can keep skin on extremities lubricated and also help you fall
asleep faster. If your skin is naturally dry, soak feet in warm
water for 10 minutes, then apply shea butter to heels and soles
and wear socks before you go to bed.
Do not forget adequate sun protection
for exposed skin, even if the sun feels milder during the winter.
If you’re out on the slopes, remember that snow reflects
the sunlight, doubling the damaging effect of the sun’s
rays. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips.
Weekly exfoliation is important
to remove dead skin cells and prevent skin from looking dull.
But make sure you use a very gentle exfoliating product, and
don’t scrub too hard or too long. Follow exfoliation with
a hydrating mask.
Note: This ayurvedic information
is educational, and is not intended to replace standard medical
care or advice. Consult your physician before making changes
to your diet or lifestyle. |
Beauty Secrets of the World