An Ayurvedic Approach to Self Care During Winters

As winter arrives in many parts of India, it brings together the lingering dryness of fall with the cool embrace of the upcoming season.

Yet, amid the seasonal cheer, there’s a familiar discomfort that many Indians contend with—dry skin.

What causes our skin to lose its moisture so easily during winter?

Examining the Ayurvedic viewpoint on skin and the influence of doshas not only provides a deeper understanding of the season but also unfolds a wealth of traditional wisdom to help us care for and shield our skin, both internally and externally.

Winter & Its Effects on Skin – According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, winter is the best time to give extra care to our skin because it tends to be drier and is ready to soak up all the nourishment we provide.

Taking care of our skin is not just about what we put on the outside; beauty also comes from inside our body. In winter, the qualities of vata and kapha doshas are high, and they can cause imbalances inside and outside our body. So, it’s important to keep these doshas in check.

In simple terms, during winter, we need to balance vata by including moisturizing, grounding, warming, and calming practices in our daily routine. Understanding your Ayurvedic constitution can help you figure out the best way to care for your skin.

Here are 7 easy ways to keep your skin healthy during this time of year.

  1. Give Yourself a Massage Begin your day with a soothing self-massage using warm oil—it’s a fantastic way to care for yourself. This ancient practice, known as Abhyanga, involves massaging oil onto your body, and it comes with a host of benefits. It improves circulation, reduces stress, calms the mind, and provides essential moisture and protection for your skin. In winter, opt for Lukewarm Sesame Oil or Vata Massage Oil for this daily ritual. These oils are warm, grounding, and nourishing, making them ideal for keeping vata in balance during the chilly season.
  2. Avoid Hot Water & Soap When you take a bath or wash your face, use warm water instead of hot, and try not to use too much soap, especially where it’s not needed. Hot water and too much soap can take away the natural oils your skin needs. When you do wash, choose a mild Ayurvedic soap. Ayurvedic soaps have herbs and essential oils that balance your doshas and are gentle enough to use every day. They help keep your skin clean, clear, and moisturized from top to bottom.
  3. Take Care of Your Scalp Take a little extra care of your scalp, especially if you notice dandruff. Dandruff is often due to dryness, not just an infection. Massaging your scalp with oil every evening for a few minutes helps increase blood flow and keeps your hair healthy. You can try herbal oils like Healthy Hair Oil, Brahmi Oil, or Bhringaraj Oil. Here’s how to do it:
    • Warm up your chosen oil and put a little on your scalp and the ends of your hair.
    • Gently massage your head in slow, circular motions.
    • Leave the oil on for at least 15 minutes or even overnight. (Be careful, as the oil can stain, so protect your linens!)
    • To get rid of the oil, use shampoo before wetting your hair, like a “dry shampoo,” and then wash it out.
  4. Eat Diet to Ease Your Vata Eat foods that keep your skin healthy from the inside out. This means making sure your digestive system is strong. A healthy digestion supports your skin’s overall health. During winter, focus on a diet that balances vata. This includes warm soups, stews, and chilies – perfect for the season. Also, go for well-cooked vegetables and hearty grains to keep vata in check without being too heavy. Dairy is good for vata because it’s heavy and has an oily quality. But be careful, as dairy can be too cooling and heavy for kapha. So, enjoy it, but not too much if you’re a kapha type.
  5. Include Turmeric in Your Diet Turmeric is a super spice that does wonders for your skin, making it look great. It’s known for balancing both vata and kapha, making it perfect for winter. You can use it in your cooking, take it as a supplement, or have some golden turmeric milk. This versatile spice helps keep your skin healthy from the inside and outside.

ALSO READ: Can Natural Treatments Like Ayurveda Cure High BP?

Final Words

As winter unfolds, taking care of your skin becomes a simple yet essential practice. Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda, pamper your skin with nourishing rituals, and make mindful choices in your daily routine. By incorporating these easy steps, from gentle self-massages to a vata-balancing diet and the goodness of turmeric, you can cultivate healthy, radiant skin that withstands the season’s chill.

Let Ayurveda guide you in nurturing your skin, ensuring it stays vibrant and well-loved throughout the winter months.

Schedule an appointment

Share your Name & Phone no. and we will call you right back.

    Janaki Thakur

    Sunder Paul

    My sister has been suffering from back pain for 5 years. We consulted in multiple hospitals and spent a lot of money, but after one of my friends suggested vardhan Ayurveda Hospital she had good results within few days, now the problem is cured after using doctor given medication and treatment. Thank you so much Dr. Vardhan and team.

    First I would like to thank each and every staff for being so kind about our well being. Dr. Vardhan was very quick to respond and was expert in his field. After the treatment I feel refreshed. The treatment not only improved my health but also my spine was healed without surgery. I thank the doctor and staff who cared for me.

    Rahul Unni

    Sumanjali P

    My brother was advised surgery for his severe back pain, one of my friend who took treatment and is cured of back pain from this hospital advised me to go to Dr Vardhan. After taking treatment for about 21 days and using 4 months of medicines my brother is again back to normalcy. Thanks to the staff and Dr Vardhan who gave the best treatment for my brothers back pain. Say no to surgery and yes to Vadhan Ayurveda.

    I recommand Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital for Spine, Back pain, Arthritis, Liver and Gastro, One of my friend taken treatment and cured with 100% pain free now… I suggest everone Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital for your Good health

    Janaki Thakur

    My sister has been suffering from back pain for 5 years. We consulted in multiple hospitals and spent a lot of money, but after one of my friends suggested vardhan Ayurveda Hospital she had good results within few days, now the problem is cured after using doctor given medication and treatment. Thank you so much Dr. Vardhan and team.

    Sunder Paul

    First I would like to thank each and every staff for being so kind about our well being. Dr. Vardhan was very quick to respond and was expert in his field. After the treatment I feel refreshed. The treatment not only improved my health but also my spine was healed without surgery. I thank the doctor and staff who cared for me.

    Leave a Comment

    Get Expert Health Advice Online!
    Consult with our top specialists from the comfort of your home.

      Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital has been incorporated in the year 1999 and had been working hard for the advocacy and practice of Ayurveda in India and across the globe.

      Get In Touch

      © 2024 Vardhan Ayurveda. All rights reserved