The
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Ten
Winter Skin Savers
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:
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
9.
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.
10.
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.
