Cold season can take a toll on the skin and body. The temperature drops, the water content in the air decreases, and this has a direct effect on the skin. Skin being the most exposed part of the body, needs much love and care in the cold season. The dryness in the air makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture. As a result, the skin is dry and itchy.
Protecting the skin is essential during the cold season as the outer layer of the skin determines the water content in the air. Keeping it warm and covered is the foremost thing that can be done when you stay out or stay in. Every season needs different care depending on the skin type. Also, the seasonal transition can cause havoc on the skin.
Skin becomes dry during the cold season as there is less moisture in the air. Using a blower, fireplace or any heating system can worsen the skin. Factors such as advancing age, harsh soaps, or any medication may escalate the adverse effects of cold season on the skin. Blessed are we, as there are many Ayurvedic skin care tips for the cold season. These ayurvedic tips can prevent and manage the symptoms of dry skin i.e. itching, skin flaking, roughness, and burning sensation.
Understanding the concept of skin moisturizer
The skin care tips for the cold season keep the skin moisturized. It adds moisture to the outer skin layer and this water content is sealed in the skin cells. Following the ayurvedic skin care tips given below attracts moisture and also helps to retain the moisture. It prevents dryness, keeps the skin moist, and makes it look smooth.
Here we shall learn what nature has for us to keep the skin moisturized in cold seasons. Given below are some of the best ayurvedic skin care tips to save you from the miserable effects of harsh winter.
Why skin care in the cold season?
The cold season needs special care to prevent skin infections. The low production of sebum and dry air are the common factors for the occurrence of skin infections in the cold season. When the temperature is warm or hot there is an increase in blood flow on the uppermost layer of skin. This stimulates sebum production, making the skin oily.
However, in winter this is not the case. As the body keeps itself warm by reducing the blood flow. This eventually reduces the sebum secretion causing dryness of skin.
The dry air makes the skin dry, flaky, and itchy. During the cold season, the air has less water content and this makes the process of evaporation quick. As a result, the water from the skin is eliminated much quicker leaving the skin dry.
Ayurvedic Tips for Skin Care in Cold Season
Ayurveda is the best way to take care of your health and skin naturally. This ancient system of medicine is gaining popularity all over the world. The holistic approach of Ayurveda to maintain the overall well-being of an individual has a magical impact in soothing the mind and body. So, here are the Ayurvedic ways to keep our skin warm, healthy, and hydrated.
The natural oils, scrub, paste, etc used in Ayurveda help maintain skin health and manage the symptoms of dry skin.
- Take a bath with lukewarm water with drops of oil glycerin or rose water in it. Avoid using harsh soaps and use soaps or shower gels that are oil-based.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These vitamins help the body’s cells function optimally.
- Steam treatment (swedana) is recommended during the cold season. It helps to get rid of dead skin and clean it deeply. Steam treatment improves blood circulation as a result the skin receives the nutrients and oxygen required to keep it healthy. Hydration of skin being the utmost winter care, steam treatment can do wonders.
- Body massage (snehana) with ayurvedic herbal oils such as elaadi taila, majishthadi taila, ksheera bala taila, etc keeps the skin soft, eliminates dryness, and manages the flaky skin.
- Coconut oil, almond oil, soybean oil, and sesame oil are good for moisturizing the skin and eliminating dryness. These natural oils provide nutrients and give a natural glow to the skin. These natural oils are used in many winter skin care products. Soybean oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that keep the skin hydrated and prevent loss of water from the skin.
- Cracked heels are a common problem in winter. Keep the foot covered with socks and foot massage with ayurvedic medicated oil keeps the heels soft and moist.
- Chapped lips: Every one of us has experienced the trouble of chapped lips. The condition can be managed with ayurvedic ghee such as jtyadi ghrita, shatavari ghrita, and phala ghrita.
- Dry and irritated nose: A dry and irritated nose is one of the most common and irritating problems in the winter season. The condition can be managed with ayurvedic nasal drops followed by inhaling medicated fumes. Also, applying medicated oils (external application) can reduce skin flakes and dry noses.
- Keep the skin clean with neem and turmeric. Turmeric reduces inflammation and neem has anti-microbial properties. This helps manage the dry symptoms of the skin. Turmeric face mask rejuvenates the skin in cold months. It can be added with honey yogurt or neem. All these can prevent various skin problems that come with the cold season.
- Use a steam-based humidifier, keep water in the pans under the pot, or boil water in a pan, these can add moisture to your room. This prevents skin dryness and is of great help to people who have dry, itchy skin in winter.
Take Away
Ayurveda suggests the treatment and management of any health issue from the root cause. Along with external application and external use of medicine and herbs, ancient science recommends hydration within the body. This suggests drinking enough water, sipping soup, herbal teas, etc. Also, keeping yourself away from aerated drinks, alcohol, and smoking is a standard mantra for healthy skin throughout the year.