A Holistic Approach to Winter Skin Care
by Shreelata Suresh
Winter is the season when Vata rides higher than usual in most people's
physiologies. Increased Vata can result in dry flaky skin, chapped lips and dry,
brittle hair. Here are some ways to keep Vata dosha in balance and prevent Vata-associated
skin problems:
Avoid exposing skin to harsh winter elements such as freezing temperatures and
drying cold winds. Dress warmly, in layers, and wear a hat, scarf and gloves
when you go out in cold weather. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips. A
light layer of ghee (clarified butter) can also work as natural lip protection.
Protect facial skin from both cold winds and drying air from heaters with a rich
natural moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer at least twice a day, once after your
cleansing routine in the morning and again before you go to bed. Always apply
moisturizer on clean skin, preferably after you apply a natural water-based
toner. Your hands can also benefit from the application of a rich moisturizer in
winter.
Three or four times a week, offer dry facial and body skin additional lipid
support with a replenishing oil. Choose a nourishing base oil such as almond.
Add six-eight drops of a Vata-pacifying pure essential oil such as lavender or
neroli to two ounces of the base oil, and mix well. Apply to skin damp from the
bath or shower to seal in hydration. Test first to make sure you are not
sensitive to the essential oil you choose before you apply it on a regular
basis.
The pre-bath warm oil ayurvedic self-massage, called abhyanga, is a must-do in
winter. The massage not only keeps your skin silky-smooth, it also tones the
muscles, calms the nerves and aids circulation. Pat excess oil off with a paper
towel before you step into the bath or shower, and exercise care because oil can
be slippery. Choose a nourishing oil such as almond or sesame oil for the
massage.
The skin on your feet tends to dry and crack more in winter. Treat your feet to
a relaxing soak at night, three times a week. A quick foot bath can be made in a
large, wide-mouthed bowl with warm water, sea salts, Epsom salt and two or three
drops of your favorite aroma oil. After the soak, rub in an herbal lotion or
some shea butter or some almond oil on your feet. The foot soaking and massage
rituals will not only keep your feet looking good; they will also help you ease
into sleep faster.
Do not bathe or shower in very hot water. Comfortably warm water is much gentler
on your skin. Do not bathe more than once a day if your skin is very dry.
Do not use harsh soaps to cleanse, as they will strip your skin of precious
lipids. Use a non-soap cleanser or very mild soap to cleanse. Give your skin
lipid support from within by including soaked and blanched almonds, soaked
walnuts, whole milk, fresh cheese such as paneer, and ghee (clarified butter) in
your daily diet.
Drink a cup of warm milk laced with 1/4 teaspoon ghee at
bedtime for a daily boost of lipid support from within. Eat fruits and
vegetables high in water content at every meal. Zucchini, lauki squash, tender
asparagus, tender greens, and carrots make excellent vegetable choices. Sweet
juicy berries, cooked apples and sweet grapes are good fruit choices. Drink lots
of warm water through the day.
Ayurvedic herbs such as Amla provide concentrated nourishment to the deeper
layers of the skin. Amla is the richest known natural source of vitamin C and
offers potent antioxidant support. Take the Amalaki Rasayana on a regular basis
to replenish skin from within.
Remember that a holistic approach yields the best results and the
longest-lasting results. Try and incorporate as many of the above suggestions as
you can to keep Vata dosha in balance and your skin looking smooth, soft and
beautiful through the dry winter months.
Note: This ayurvedic information is educational, and is not intended to replace
standard medical care or advice.
About the author: Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor who lives in the Bay
Area. She writes for various publications on yoga, ayurveda and Indian culture.
For more articles on ayurveda and premier ayurvedic products, please visit
http://www.ayurbalance.com.
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