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Preventing Winter Skin Damage
Preventing Winter Skin Damage
You may not believe this, but winter doesn’t have to be hard on skin. “Winter is actually the best time of year to nourish the skin, because it is dryer and more receptive in winter. In warmer times of the year, the skin is detoxifying more, and therefore is less absorbent. Here is how to take advantage of the nourishing season to make your skin more healthy and vibrant in winter.
Q: Why does skin appear to age in winter?
A: Dryness, cracking, dullness and roughness of the skin is common in cold, dry, windy weather. This kind of weather, associated with the Vata Season (November to February), increases the dry, cold, rough, and coarse qualities of Vata. If the person is by nature of Vata constitution, or is eating a Vata-aggravating diet and living a Vata-aggravating lifestyle, or is in the Vata time of life (from 60 on up), the effect is exponential.
Q: What other weather conditions can create skin problems in winter?
A: Some winter conditions actually cause heat to build up in the skin. If the weather is freezing but not windy (such as in some areas of the north), the freezing temperatures shrink the skin pores, preventing the body from releasing heat. As internal heat builds up, Pitta dosha becomes imbalanced, resulting in increased sensitivity, acne, rashes, or redness. Increased hunger is also a result of this kind of weather. A third winter skin condition occurs when the weather is cold and wet, causing Kapha dosha to increase and resulting in oily, heavy skin. This usually occurs in late winter, although in some climates, it can be cold and damp all winter long. Toxins tend to accumulate, which may make the skin dull and the pores clogged, and also may cause breakouts.
Q: How can you nourish the skin in winter?
A: The chart below gives helpful hints for nourishing your skin type in all three winter weather conditions.
Your Guide to Winter Skin Care…
For Vata Skin (Or in Cold, Windy Weather)
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Daily Sesame Oil massage
• Keep skin covered as much as possible
• Use natural fabrics such as silk or wool
• Walking or other light enjoyable exercise is recommended
• Floral or herbal baths using essences of rose and lavender
Dietary Suggestions
• Cook with cumin, coriander and turmeric
• Eat plenty of cooked, leafy green vegetables
Recommended Herbal Products
• Youthful Skin Cream on face during the day
• Youthful Skin Oil on face at night
• Herbal Body Lotion (For Normal to Dry Skin)
• Relaxation Massage Oil
• Vata Aroma Oil
• Youthful Skin Cleansing Bar for face
For Pitta Skin (Or in Freezing but Not Windy Weather)
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Daily oil massage with a cooling oil—try an oil with a coconut base
• Brisk exercise
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun (skiing, for example, exposes skin to freezing temperatures and long periods of sun)
Dietary Suggestions
• Include Rose Petal Preserve in your diet
• Eat lots of sweet, juicy fruits
• Cook with cumin, coriander, fennel and licorice
• Avoid hot spicy foods
Recommended Herbal Products
• Rejuvenation Massage Oil
• Youthful Skin Clay (helps open pores and release heat)
• Youthful Skin Cream on the face
• Herbal Body Lotion (For Normal to Sensitive Skin)
• Sandalwood Cleansing Bar
For Kapha Skin (Or in Cold, Damp Weather)
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Drink warm water through the day
• Daily warm oil full-body massage
• Exfoliate nonfacial skin periodically with a loofah
Dietary Suggestions
• Cook with ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cumin and coriander
• Avoid skipping meals
Recommended Herbal Products
• Rejuvenation Massage Oil
• Youthful Skin Clay
• Youthful Skin Cream on the face
• Youthful Skin Cleansing Bar for the face
These articles provide a great resource from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians on the knowledge, practices, products, and applications of Maharishi Ayurveda.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these newsletters is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call our Health Educators or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area.
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