Skin care in winter season

The winter season falls at the end of `Visarg` period wherein the energy of a human being increases regularly and hence, at the end of the season, a person is in the strongest shape. Cold starts gripping the atmosphere, which increases as the season progresses. The skin gets dry due to the rigidity and dryness in the atmosphere. Hence, fatty or oily items are good for health. But food items, which increase `vata dosha shall be avoided as the fury of `vata dosha` is commonly observed.

Seasonal changes cause our skin to undergo considerable modification. Not only in summer we have to protect our skin from sun in winter too. The temperature gradually falls and humidity takes hold in winters hence our skin is no longer able to breathe opening itself up to impurities. The cold settles, causing cutaneous dehydration and making it essential to nourish and moisturize the skin. This increased cold leads to excessive accumulation in any skin, chapped lips and heels etc.

In order to nourish the skin in winter we should use some remedies as avoid excessive hot water for bathing, instead use warm water. Pamper your skin with a soothing oil message atleast 30 minutes before bath. It not only keeps your skin smooth and healthy but also gives immune relaxation. We can use any oil like ‘Coconut oil’, ‘Seasame Oil’, ‘Olive oil’ or almond oil. 

According to Ayurveda the strength of the body is superior in winter compared to other seasons, for internal oleation we can increase intake of oil and ghee in diet, our needs it. Ayurveda suggests intake of food which are ‘sweet’ ‘sour’ and salty in nature ( honey, amla). Milk and milk products, wheat, udad dal and soap, herbal tea almond, walnut and seeds which contain natural oil are good diet in winters. Increased use of  jaggery in diet helps to balance ‘Vata’. Preparation like “Ladoos” dry dates, Cashews in ghee proves healthy during water. Juicy fruits and vegetables like carrot, cucumber, lemon etc. which has high water intake should also be increased.

Exercise:- This is a very important regimen in winter, exercise increases blood circulation and thus reduced vitiated vata, and there by improves digestion and ultimately leaves your skin soft.

Use soaps with high content of natural oil and glycerin which are soft to your skin. You can also use gram flour with milk  or cream or rose water.

A mixture of glycerin and lime juice can be stored in a clean and air tight bottle, apply this mixture daily and leave it on for at least one hour. ‘Anuvasanvasti’ (Sneha basti) is one of the Panchakarma which serves as excellent internal and external oleation. Abhayanga and Swedan not only Smoothens the skin but also relaxes the rntire body. Facial pack with herbs like Shatavani, Yastimadhu, Anantmool, Rose petals chandan, nagarmotha, Amla, along  Kantilep in Rose water or milk a great moisturizing effect. You can apply the pack once or twice a week.

“Herbs like Amla, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Alovevera, Shunti, Chandan, rriphala have gentle detoxifying properties and also help to maintain perfect moisturizing balance. It regulates ‘Vata dosh’ and maintains radiant skin texture”. - Acharya Balkrishna.

Report this Page