Winter It’s time for hot drinks cozy and warm and comfortable in our house. That’s also when the cold outside and increased pollution cause our skin to become dry and susceptible different skin diseases. Since skin is the protective layer of the body, the part that is exposed to all external factors such as smoke, pollution, sunlight and cold. Although oily skin can lead to many problems like breakouts, it needs a minimal amount of moisture to maintain skin texture and elasticity. Exceed dry skin become itchy and cracked. This becomes exaggerated with prolonged exposure to smog pollution in the winter.
(Also read: Winter skin care tips you must follow to have a radiant skin)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Lakshmi Varma, Ayurvedic Expert, Consultant & Consultant at LYEF Wellness, suggested winter skin care tips.
Ayurveda is the science of life and has detailed descriptions of what to do in each season to stay healthy. Among them are also some tips to maintain skin health such as applying oils, using medicinal powders for bathing and applying cosmetics. Abhyanga or oil massage is a daily routine prescribed in the scriptures. This procedure is even more important during winter as it helps prevent dryness and keeps the skin intact. It can also act as a skin barrier that prevents pollutants from coming into contact. It is also important to wash away dirt that accumulates on the skin every day.
For better cleansing effect and cure any skin diseases, Ayurveda also has several bath powders made from different anti-bacterial, anti-toxic and skin cleansing agents like Neem, oak bark , cassia bark, turmeric, Triphala, etc. An example is Siddharthaka snana choorna. After the skin has been cleaned, it is also practiced to apply different scented pastes to protect the skin, this is called Anulepana. According to classical texts, Anulepana to be applied in winter must be a medicine that has no cooling effect in nature. Some of such drugs are Agaru, kumkum, etc.
Warm and comfortable clothes are also inevitable in winter, special care should be taken to allow the clothes to dry completely after washing. Clothes that are not completely dried can lead to fungal infections. Daily dhoopana (sauna) with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial Ayurvedic medicines can help keep clothes mold-free and the house warm. Dhoopana drugs include Camphor, Guggul, Turmeric, Neem, etc… The current pandemic and fear of bacteria have made the formulation of Aparajita dhoopa choorna a popular name in many places.
Clear skin is always a sign of good health. Let this winter be cozy and happy with worries about your skin a thing of the past.
