Top Ayurvedic Ingredients to Add to Your Skincare Routine This Winter

We all know that meditation, self-preservation and healing gives us strength during the colder months and as per the Hindu culture, Mahadev has been a great example of how to stay strong even in the lowest temperatures. The winter season, also known as Hemanta & Shishira Ritu as per Ayurveda is the season where sun’s exposure is reduced and air is slightly dry which means Vata and Kapha dosha dominate the masses. This means excessive cold, cough and dry skin – a complete nightmare for health conscious people. 

So what do we do to maintain balance for your skin’s health, hair care and body maintenance? The answer again lies in the power of Ayurveda. Let us explain how in today’s blog. Don’t let a slight change in the weather lead to dry, dull and sensitive skin that looks low on the camera. 

How Ayurveda Tackles Modern Indian Skin Issues?

The winter time is dull and drying for the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. During the cold months, Indian skin usually goes through the following issues:

• Itchy, inflamed skin 

• Flaky, dry patches on skin

• Cracked lips and heels

• Breakouts and acne 

• Dull, tired-looking skin

• Uneven skin tone and skin sensitivity 

The increased AQI adds to the dull complexion and affects the skin health. Again, this leads to increased Vata (dryness and roughness) and Kapha (congestion and mucus). This usually leads to a severe imbalance that causes skin issues. Ayurveda highly recommends gentle cleansing, deep nourishment and oil-based rituals for proper circulation and prevention of toxin buildup or ama. 

Ayurveda also focuses on pranayama, yoga and meditation for regulating the stress levels and making sure that the chilly weather doesn’t affect your skin health. The best winter practices are as follows: 

a) Anulom Vilom helps circulation of blood and oxygen. Simply sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale slowly through the left nostril. Repeat on the other side and do it on alternate sides for 5-10 mins.

b) Surya Namaskar should be performed at a slow to moderate pace in the morning, preferably empty stomach. Aim for 5-10 rounds with all 12 postures. 

c) Meditation is good for nourishing and grounding your mind and body. Sit on a warm surface and light a candle with crossed legs and inhale through your nose for 4 counts and exhale for 6 counts. Repeat “Om shanti” with every breath for experiencing peace and tranquility.

Ayurvedic Ingredients That Soften Your Skin

Honest skincare begins with nature. These Ayurvedic ingredients are winter essentials for glowing, healthy skin:

Saffron

This wholesome ingredient feels like the first ray of morning sun during the winter season. It rejuvenates your skin cells with warmth and nourishment. Slowly but surely it adds an unmissable glow to your skin cells. For instance, hydration is very important to get rid of roughness. Now to cure this, you can simply soak saffron strands with water and store it in a spray bottle. Spray it as required for glowing, hydrated skin. 

Almond Oil

More love, more nourishment, and more healing to you with almond oil. When warm almond oil is softly massaged into your skin, it results in clear, smooth, and soft skin. Bid goodbye to dark patches and dryness and seal in the moisture. The best way to use it is to perform self-massage (Abhyanga) in the morning using warm almond oil. 

Turmeric

Who doesn’t know the benefits of haldi? From the Mahabharata times, it has been used to brighten and soften the skin. Brides use it for last-minute glow - in fact, there’s a ceremony named “haldi” in Indian wedding ceremonies. The best way to add haldi to your winter skincare routine is to both drink and apply haldi. Haldi wala dhood - Warm milk (or almond milk) + ¼ tsp turmeric + pinch black pepper + drop of ghee gives you a recipe for golden milk. And next blend turmeric powder with coconut oil and apply on skin to heal cracks, dry, and dark skin patches. 

Shea Butter

This rich butter melts into the skin cells and results in an even and soft texture. Heal cracks and dryness with naturally elastic skin and even skin tone. Its nature is mildly warming and grounding which means that it is apt for healing winter dullness. Best used as a lip balm for cracked, chapped lips. Store in a small container and reapply 2-3 times during the day to prevent micro-cracks and darkening of lips due to cold air. 

Kumkumadi Oil

Talking about winter-friendly staples, we cannot miss out on healing oils. The beauty-enhancing and grounding elixir in Ayurveda, Kumkumadi oil, brings a radiant glow to your face and penetrates deep into your skin cells for deep nourishment and healing. Apply 3-5 drops on your face and gently massage in an upward direction using a face roller. 

Ayurveda slowly adds softness to your skin cells and makes your face happy and glowing. These ingredients should definitely be in your homes as staples.

Why should you follow Ritu Charya?

As the season changes, it’s time to embrace the nourishment of healing oils. Below are the things to follow when the season transitions into winter:

Rest & Recovery

Winter means long nights so your body needs more rest and warmth. Sleep earlier as the sun sets early and wake up with the sun to support Ojas. Warm baths and nasya (oil drops in the nose) are best for mental calm and relaxation. 

Warm Nourishment

The only way to soften the skin is through pure nourishment and warmth. You must cover your head, feet and ears warm so that cold air doesn’t get into your system. Diet should include lots of dry fruits, ghee, soaked nuts, spices and warm, freshly cooked meals. 

Grounding Rituals

Warm baths and slow mornings - a wholesome recipe for calming the nervous system. For a soothing and therapeutic experience, take a hot water bath and add some herbs like tulsi (basil), ginger (adrak), tumeric (haldi). You can also add a few drops of preferred essential oil and enjoy an aromatic, relaxing time.

Shop for winter-approved herbal products here.