|
10
Winter Skin Savers
By Shreelata Suresh
Winter
brings with it drier, rougher skin, flakiness and itchiness
and chapped sore lips. Combat winter skin woes with these
tips from the ancient healing tradition of ayurveda:
1. Drink lots of water. Internal
hydration keeps skin cells plump and healthy. Water also
helps transport nutrients to skin cells, keeping them nourished.
According to ayurvedic healers, water should be at room
temperature or slightly warm to avoid hampering digestion.
Water-rich vegetables like leafy greens and green-skinned
squashes are great for internal hydration as well as skin
nourishment. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which
are dehydrating.
2. Cold weather can cause the body's
systems to stagnate. Eating warm cooked foods, drinking
warm water or herb/spice teas and moderate daily exercise
can help improve circulation, digestion and
elimination, keeping skin healthy and clear.
3. Heated homes, workplaces and automobiles
can wreak havoc on skin. Turn heat down to the lowest level
that you are comfortable with. Supplement moisture balance
in your environment with the use
of room humidifiers. Moisture balance in the environment
also helps prevent dry nasal passages and eyes.
4. The rough, dry nature of Vata
dosha, winter's dominant energy, can be pacified by including
some healthy fats in your daily diet. Ayurvedic healers
recommend ghee (clarified butter). Olive oil is another
excellent choice. Blanched, soaked almonds offer lipid support
as well as nourishment.
5. The thought of a long, hot bath
on a cold winter day can be appealing, but over-exposure
to hot water can dry skin out even more. Keep baths or showers
short, limit them to one per day and use lukewarm, not hot,
water. If you have Vata skin, add a few drops of bath oil
to your bath.
6. Put away that bar of soap or shower
gel, and switch to a milder, gentler
cleanser for both face and body. Soap can irritate and
exacerbate dry skin conditions. Ayurvedic healers recommend
ground oatmeal or chickpea flour mixed with a little milk.
If your skin is naturally dry, add some almond meal and
a few drops of aloe vera or sesame oil. Don't scrub excessively,
and dab skin with a soft towel after the bath or shower--just
enough to remove excess moisture.
7. A good
moisturizer, suitable for your skin type, is a must
in winter, to keep skin lubricated. For best results, apply
the moisturizer to damp skin immediately after cleansing,
to help lock in surface moisture. Pay attention to knees,
elbows, hands and feet, which tend to be drier than the
rest of the body. If your skin is naturally oily, a light
application is best to avoid clogging pores. Dry Vata skin
benefits from deep-layer lipid support several times a week.
Ayurvedic healers recommend facial oils blended especially
for Vata skin that nourish and protect while they lubricate.
8. Pay extra attention to hands and
feet, where skin can crack and peel when dry. Always apply
moisturizer
after you wash your hands. Limit exposure to water by wearing
gloves when you do chores
such as washing dishes. A light application of massage oil
right before you go to bed can keep skin on extremities
lubricated and also help you fall asleep faster. If your
skin is naturally dry, soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes,
then apply shea butter to heels and soles and wear socks
before you go to bed.
9. Do not forget adequate sun protection
for exposed skin, even if the sun feels milder during the
winter. If you're out on the slopes, remember that snow
reflects the sunlight, doubling the damaging effect of the
sun's rays. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips.
10. Weekly exfoliation is important
to remove dead skin cells and prevent skin from looking
dull. But make sure you use a very gentle exfoliating product,
and don't scrub too hard or too long. Follow exfoliation
with a hydrating mask.
Note: This ayurvedic information
is educational, and is not intended to replace standard
medical care or advice. Consult your physician before making
changes to your diet or lifestyle.
About the Author:
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor from the Bay Area.
She writes on yoga and ayurveda. For more information on
ayurveda, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
|
