Common Skincare Problems during winters and their management through Ayurveda

Several skin care problems can occur during the winter season, and many of these can be managed through Ayurvedic principles and practices. Some common skin care issues during the winter months include dry, flaky skin, chapped lips, and acne. Here are a few Ayurvedic approaches to managing these problems.

Winters are quite enchanting for many, but equally repulsive due to a plethora of skin-related issues. Winters are harsh. Hence most individuals are prone to skin problems. The major reason is the dry air in the atmosphere. Common skin-related issues in winter usually present as Dry, and itchy patches, cracked heels, Chapped lips, dry & irritated nose, etc.

Dry, Itchy patches:

They lead to scales, redness, and itching with small cracks in the skin.

This could be irritating and bothersome. Though it is a minor skin ailment, it could lead to severe symptoms in the form of pain and extreme dryness.

• You can prevent this through certain lifestyle changes like including a herbal-based moisturizer in your skincare routine.
• Having lukewarm showers (Avoid hot water)
• Practicing Abhyanga (massage) with certain medicated oils like- Majisthadi taila, elaadi taila, Ksheera bala taila.
• These oils impart softness to the skin and combat dry and flaky skin and promote skincare texture. They account for both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits

Cracked heels:

Cracked heels are a common foot problem. This can occur in both adults and children, surveys indicate that women are prone to it. For most people, it is not a serious condition but may always cause discomfort and lead to fissures if untreated.

• Remedies mainly include moisturizers.
• Regular use of socks or foot covers is helpful.
• Paadhabhyanga (Foot massage) with medicated oils can efficiently reduce the severity.
• Regular practice of foot massage moistens the skin and heals the cracks
• This also helps to reduce the burning sensation of the foot region due to the underlying debris and dryness.

Chapped lips:

In the winter months, there is very little humidity in the air that can cause chapped lips. If your lips burn, sting, or feel uncomfortable, they’re probably chapped. This also occurs if you have a habit of licking or biting your lips and wearing irritating lipsticks.

• Avoiding the etiological factors is essential
• Application of Shadadhoutha ghrita (Clarified ghee) 3-5 times a day acts as a best solution for chapped lips.
• Medicated ghee like the shatavari ghrita, phala ghrita & jathyadi ghrita help to heal the lips and make them supple.
• Appropriate hydration is also a necessary factor. Therefore regular water intake is advisable.

Dry & irritated nose:

A dry and itchy nose is one of the most irritating winter problems. To prevent yourself from the discomfort of a dry and irritated nose, try these simple Ayurvedic measures.

• Nasya (Nasal drops) with shadbindu taila, ksheera bala taila followed by haridraadi dhoomapana (Medicated fume inhalation) can certainly cure this condition.
• Simple instillation of nasal drops every morning rejuvenates the nasal mucosa and reduces the crusting.
• External application of medicated oils is also meant to reduce the flaking of skin.

Wrapping up–

Ayurveda emphasizes a series of daily regimens including diet and lifestyle modifications in shishira rutu (Winters). Milk and milk products are to be included in the diet as they impart unctuousness to the body and reduce the frequency of skincare manifestations. Abhyanga (massage), lukewarm water for internal administration, and external use are mentioned in the classics. This keeps your skin hydrated & prevents dryness. Wearing warm clothes in the form of socks, and gloves can ultimately protect your skin from the non-humidified air and improves circulation. Following these measures can fight the harsh winters and protect your body from various skin ailments. Hence, it’s time to winterize your skincare routine through Ayurveda and face winters without fear!!!