AYURVEDIC WINTER SKINCARE

Skin is the largest organ in our body, and throughout the year, everyone wants to maintain flawless, clear skin. It is also directly linked to better mental health due to anxiety and depression caused by blemishes, acne and so on. Keeping skin healthy requires changing up your diet and skincare routine based to the weather you are exposed to. Skin has different needs and it is essential to make the necessary changes according to the dosha which might be affecting skin. Ayurveda believes that each of the doshas have certain characteristics which might result in varying skin conditions.

• Kapha dosha imbalance can cause excessive oiliness and breakouts. This can leave skin feeling greasy and dull.
• Vata dosha imbalance causes dryness and flaking which is predominant especially in the winter. It can make skin extra sensitive as well.
• Pitta dosha imbalance can be a result of excessive body heat, resulting in redness of skin, rosacea and such issues.

According to Ayurveda, diet is a major factor in keeping skin healthy. By following a dosha pacifying diet according to the imbalance in skin, it is possible to improve the quality of skin on the face and body.

SIMPLE WINTER SKIN ROUTINE

Ayurveda does not recommend piling on products onto the skin. This has become more and more popular and is typically a result of expecting quick results. Skin health is a long-term commitment and requires patience and consistency to see results. Below is a simple winter skin routine which must be followed daily to see a positive change in skin texture and appearance.

AM ROUTINE

Rinse face with clean water and pat dry. Follow this up with a facial oil to lock in moisture and add an occlusive layer to prevent dehydration during the day.

PM ROUTINE

Use a cleansing oil to remove all traces of dirt, grime and makeup which are on the skin. Gently rub in a circular motion. Use a cotton pad to remove the oil from your face until it feels free of any dirt. If your skin feels tight or dry after this. Apply a good layer of facial oil as a moisturizer.

FACIAL OILS

Vata – sesame, almond, olive or ghee

Pitta – coconut, sunflower, sesame or olive

Kapha – sesame or sunflower

NATURAL EXFOLIATION

Once a week, it is a good practice to exfoliate the skin. This is essential to remove all trapped dead skin and allow for fasted cell turnover. It leaves skin soft and smooth. Use sea salt flakes to gently massage your skin. Be extremely patient and do not scrub hard. This is a great ayurvedic way to exfoliate skin without any harmful chemicals.

DRINK WARM WATER

Drinking enough water every day is proven to improve skin health. It makes the skin barrier strong and prevents moisture loss. However, the temperature of water is extremely important as well. Cold water acts as a deterrent for agni in the stomach. This in turn affects digestion and causes gastrointestinal issues. All this culminates in skin issues which seem persistent and incurable. For this reason, always drink only warm water throughout the day. This ensures good gut health, stomach health and ultimately skin health.

ABHYANGAM AFTER SHOWER

Traditionally, Abhyangam is done before a warm shower. However, during the winter season, it is a good idea to switch it up and do an intense oil massage or Abhyangam immediately after a shower. This is because skin gets particularly dry during the winter season. The oil massage post shower can help seal the water in the skin and keeps it supple and moist.

MEDITATION AND YOGA

Sweating is essential to remove toxins from the body. This is especially important for glowing skin. Perform yoga and meditation on a daily basis to exercise the muscles. This not only warms up the body during the winter season, but also causes one to sweat which purges all impurities and results in flawless skin.