Tips to take Care of Dry skin in Winter

In winter your skin will be dry and at times you feel itchy due to skin dryness. When you scratch your skin you experience burning sensation as your skin is hurt due to rubbing.

Our skin has small oil glands dotted all over it. The oil glands secrete a natural oil to keep our skin soft and help to prevent drying of skin. In addition the cells of skin also contain protective layer made of fats and proteins. This layer actually locks the moisture and protects our skin from harsh outside environment. When you expose your skin to harsh climate and pollution filled environment the skin is left dry. Taking long hot water shower is another major reason for skin dryness as this strips off the natural oil on skin and they can also disrupt the protective layer of fat and protein.

Ayurveda description about Dry skin

The type of skin is determined by tridoshas. The Dosha, which is dominant in skin, determines the type and quality of the skin. When Vata dosha is dominant, the skin will be dry, thin, delicate and cool (to touch). When vata dosha becomes imbalanced in body and skin , the skin becomes rough, scaly and wrinkled.

Therefore for skin care avoid long hot water showers to prevent dry skin condition. Ayurveda acharyas recommend a lukewarm water bath instead of hot water. A “just warm” water bath helps to retain the natural oil from oil glands of skin and also protect the protein –fat protective layer of skin. Warm water also balances doshas present in the skin.

Warm water bath is recommended to maintain skin texture. Warm water bath for a short time increases blood circulation through skin and helps in increased supply of essential nutrients and oxygen. It removes the dust, dirt and excess grease accumulated on skin.

You must start your day with rejuvenating, healthy, just warm water bath.

In winter when the external weather is extremely cold and chilly breeze around you can apply face packs for dry skin. Dry skin leads to wrinkles and makes a person look aged. Dry skin can be kept soft and smooth by increasing moisture level of skin. Air conditioned rooms, sun rays, harsh soaps worsen the condition.

Also read: Quick and Easy Natural Homemade Beauty Face Mask

Face packs for dry skin

• Take few slices of a ripe papaya and scoop its pulp. Mash it well and mix with honey, milk and rose water. Apply this mask and wash it off with lukewarm water after an hour.
• Mash half portion of a ripe banana and mix it with rose water. Apply this pack and wash it off with lukewarm water after 1 hour.
• Take 5 to 6 almonds and soak it over night. Mix it well with little milk and apply this pack. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

You can alternate these face packs to get a clear skin.

Also read: 6 Popular Homemade Beauty Face Mask

Few dos and don’ts for dry skin

• Take steam for face before applying face pack.
• Always wash off face packs with lukewarm water.
• Avoid air conditioned rooms and refrigerated foods and drinks.
• Drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juice and include vegetables in your diet eg: salads
• Do not take long showers especially with hot water
• Use scarves and warm clothes to cover your face and avoid chilly weather.

There are plenty of products available in the market eg: moisturizers and cold cream. Be wise and select mild , herbal varieties to prevent skin dryness.

Moisturize-Secret for dry skin care

You really need to moisturize your skin. And, everyone will tell you that it is best to apply our moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp. This applies to your face, your hands, and the rest of your body. In addition to keeping in your body’s own oils, the moisturizer will also help to protect you skin as a barrier to the cold.

The hands actually take a bigger hit with the cold than anywhere else on your body. So, keep a good hand moisturizer around and use if often, especially if you wash your hands a lot during the days. Use hand gloves. When it’s cold outside, be nice your hands and protect them from the wind and cold.

Take great care of your skin and you will look great with skin glowing and soft.

HOT WATER BATH DAMAGES NATURAL SOFTNESS OF SKIN

Dry skin makes an individual look dull and overall unkempt due to lack of moisture. Wrinkles are seen all over the body. Well hydrated skin gives a healthy look, person also feels confident as there is nothing to shy away. Skin is the reflection of a person’s health, balance of body, mind and soul.

According to Ayurveda, dry skin is caused due to Vata Dosha. When Vata dosha increases in the body it makes the skin dry and wrinkled.

Causes for increase of Vata dosha in the body:

• Irregular food habits.
• Controlling natural urges like urination, passing stools, hunger, thirst ,etc
• Excess physical and mental exertion.
• Insufficient sleep and varying patterns, Staying awake for longer durations at night.
• Consumption of oily foods
• Exposure to cold and dry climate.

 Natural tips to take care of your skin

• Hot  water should not be used for bathing. Warm water that transfers the water temperature from cold to room temperature is sufficient for bathing and cleaning the skin.
• Use soft towel or cotton towel to pat the skin dry. Do not rub the skin with rough cloth or towel.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and soaps. They will remove the natural oils present in the skin and make it dry.
• Apply and massage your skin with a moisturizer. Moisturizer will balance the upper layers of skin and make it look soft and smooth. Recommended to apply immediately after bath as the skin is slightly moist.
• Avoid alcohol based cleaners as the skin will become dehydrated.
• Massage your skin prior to bath with coconut oil.
• Avoid oily and junk food. Follow a balanced diet which includes fruits, vegetables, milk, cereals and carbohydrates.
• Practice yoga or meditation for having a pleasant mind and keep away from stress.
• Massage your skin with herbal oil. It softens the dry skin, provides lubrication to the skin too.

People suffering with skin ailments and diabetes should be extremely careful in checking dry skin areas for any deep cracks.  Dry and cracked skin harbors microbes which cause fungal infections. Dry skin is common for those suffering with hypothyroidism, eczema,  psoriasis etc…

Methods to prevent dryness of skin:

• Preferably drink warm water ( 7 to 9 glasses). This will decrease vata dosha problem.
• Avoid hot water for bathing. Regular usage will damage the skin and the skin will lose all moisture .
• Use face pack that improves skin softness. Mix honey, egg white, olive oil and rose water and leave it for 20 mins on face. The skin softness will improve.

• Aloe vera is a good moisturizer. Few are sensitive to natural gel from the leaf , they can go for the products that are available Over the Counter (OTC) in medical stores.
• Use pH balanced soap to avoid dryness of skin .
• Drinking water or soft water is ideal for washing the face as the skin of face is very sensitive.
• Protect your skin from extreme climatic changes like cold and heat.

As you grow old the skin looses its capacity to retain moisture. You can take a little effort and maintain your skin.