The Winter season is finally here! And everyone is excited to spend their time with their loved ones during this cold and icy season. But it can also be the season where one person can experience skin problems due to the cold weather. Winter season can probably last up to 2 or 3 months so we need to know how we can take care of our skins’ health and prepare any precautionary method we can take to avoid any skin problems. 

With the winter season just sitting around the corner, we must protect our skin from the inside as well as from the outside. These days you can choose among many options for skin protection, but nothing beats the natural way, and Ayurveda offers some of the most effective skin protection routines to help you through these cold months.

Before we guide you on how you can protect your skin these winter months, you need to understand the basics first. 

For you to understand your overall skins’ health, you have to understand the concept of Doshas. They are believed to be one of the three substances that are present in the human body. They are:

• Vata Dosha
• Pitta Dosha
• Kapha Dosha

The three Doshas needs to be in harmony for our body to function optimally. Everyone has their own balance of Doshas. Their unique ratio of Doshas will define their ayurvedic constitution, which is the blueprint to achieve optimal health.  

Here is how you can protect your skin during this winter season!

Drink plenty of water.

Without water, our body cannot function correctly; it may cause fatigue, dry skin, dry mouth, headaches, and dehydration. During this time where you are exposed to extreme temperatures, your skin needs water more than ever. With the cold weather, try to drink warm water as well to keep your body warm. Always stay hydrated to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids; not only it will protect your skin from the cold weather but, can also help you avoid any health problems.

Choose your foods wisely.

Ayurveda recommends you to eat healthy and whole foods like vegetables and fruits. These foods contain vitamins and nutrients, which not only help you protect your skin this winter season but, can also aid you in preventing recurrent diseases. During this winter weather, try to choose warm foods such as soups and stews; to keep your body and skin warm. Remember that regardless of what the season is; nutrition, and what you choose to eat will always play a big part in your overall health. Try to avoid junk foods, too many sweets, and oily foods. Having a nutritious and balanced diet is the key.

Spoil your skin

Just because you drink plenty of fluids and your diet is on point, that does not mean you should not pay attention to your actual skin! As we mentioned earlier, taking care of your skin this winter season is from the inside and outside.

Did you know that during winter, our skin cannot replenish its’ moisture naturally because of less humidity in the air? That is why it is not advisable to take a long hot shower or bath. Although it may sound like a good thing due to the cold weather, it is actually not. It can actually cause irritation on your skin and can make it dry. Dry skin can lead to crack and bleeding, which can cause further damage to your skin.

Here are some tips on what you can do instead:

• Take your bath 3 – 5 minutes at max.
• Before you take shower, rub a small amount of oil on your skin. This will help you trap moisture on your skin. 
• Wash your face with a non-soap facial cleanser.
• While your face is wet, you can apply essential oils like sesame or almond oil to it. It will make your face smoother.
• Use body-moisturizing wash.
• Self-massage your skin with essential ayurvedic oils. Essential oils have the characteristics that improve your skins’ health.

If you are going outside, use clothing to protect your skin from the harsh cold weather, specifically the skin part which is exposed, such as the face, neck, hand, and feet.

According to Ayurveda, your skin is considered as the window of your whole body’s health. Clear and glowing skin is considered a hallmark of good health. The natural light reflecting your skin, or the lack of reflects your lifestyle, eating habits, and overall health. That is why it is essential to take all the precautionary methods you need to protect your skin during this cold winter season.

https://holisticayurveda.ca/protect-your-skin-from-winter-through-ayurveda/