The Perfect Guide to Holistically Tackling Dry Skin In Winter

While dryness of skin looks like a seasonal problem for many of us, according to Ayurveda the root of the issue runs deeper than that. Of course, due to accumulating vata or air and ether element, the signs of dryness can be more pronounced. But dry skin invites a deeper investigation into our mind-body constitution and the state of elemental balance. 

The idea of external beauty is very much connected to the inner state of harmony and dosha balance and balance on the levels of mind, body and elements in Ayurveda. In other words, naturally glowing and well hydrated skin indicates strong digestion, well-detoxed body-mind complex, harmonious dosha states, inner vitality, emotional stability, and overall health radiating outward through the skin. Without this, application of oils and lotions alone will not resolve the problem of dryness from its root. 

Dietary Do’s and Don’ts To Beat Dryness

According to Ayurveda, a diet should be warm, moist, unctuous and nourishing to balance excess air and ether elements. Include cooked fruits, soups, and stews with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel to support digestion and hydration. Healthy fats can be good for keeping internal organs well lubricated. Steer clear of cold, raw, and dry foods as they aggravate dryness. This way you nourish the body, enhance digestion, and maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.

We recommend the following:

• Fruits: Cooked fruits like warm apples with cinnamon are not only hydrating but also gentle on digestion.
• Soups and stews: Vegetables in broths with warming spices such as cumin, fennel, and coriander can boost hydration and nutrition.
• Healthy fats: Oils like sesame, coconut, and olive, clarified butter along with nuts and seeds can provide healthy ways to lubricate the body internally.

Avoid dry, cold, and raw foods; Cold raw salads, processed snacks, and iced beverages can aggravate dryness.

What Should You Drink to Provide Moisture for Your Skin?

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to what makes a healthy beverage and what doesn’t, for perfect glowing skin in winter that isn’t dry as wood 

• Warm water is your ally: Sip room temperature or warm water throughout the day. Avoid iced drinks at all costs in this season to preserve internal balance.
• Cut down on caffeine: This is old advice but holds good. Coffee and tea can dehydrate the body due to their diuretic properties. Opt for herbal teas or hydrating beverages like spiced milk.

Here’s a quick list of herbal teas recommended in Ayurveda to give you the perfect glowing skin for the winter.

• Turmeric Ginger Tea: Combines anti-inflammatory turmeric with warming ginger to boost circulation and detoxify the skin.
• Cinnamon and Fennel Tea: Supports digestion and adds warmth to balance dryness.
• Licorice Root Tea: Hydrates and soothes, promoting a natural glow.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea: Purifies the blood and reduces stress, reflecting on healthy skin.
• Rosehip Tea: Rich in Vitamin C, it enhances collagen production for radiant skin.

Heat your plant-based milks: Raw plant-based milks can increase dryness. Neutralize this by heating them.

The Oils and Lotions Guide for Dry Skin In Winter

It is preferable to choose oils over lotions since oils closely mimic the skin’s natural barrier and penetrate deeper into tissues. 

Here are five Ayurvedic oils for dry skin in winter and their benefits:

• Sesame Oil: Warming and deeply moisturizing, it penetrates the skin, enhances circulation, and balances dryness caused by cold weather.
• Coconut Oil: Cooling yet nourishing, it soothes dryness and supports hydration for those with a naturally warm constitution.
• Almond Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, it softens skin, reduces dryness, and provides gentle nourishment.
• Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural oils, deeply hydrates, and balances the skin’s moisture barrier.
• Mustard Oil: Warming and invigorating, it combats winter-induced dryness and improves blood flow for a healthy glow.

For better results, it is always a good diea to choose oils that work for your dosha constitution. You can get your constitution or prakruti examined from an ayurveda practitioner. 

For areas where oil feels too heavy, switch to organic lotions or lighter creams. These are convenient for travel and effective for spot treatments.

The Blessing That is Abhyanga

Perform this 15-minute oil massage before your morning shower to improve circulation, enhanced skin tone, and overall relaxation. Ideally, it should be done during calm periods. Avoid doing it after heavy meals. It should align with one’s dosha and seasonal needs.

Abhyanga works by nourishing the body, calming the mind, and balancing doshas, particularly Vata, which is one of the major causes of dryness. The warm oil penetrates deep into tissues, providing hydration, enhancing circulation, and supporting the lymphatic system for total detoxification. It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss that gives you a supple, elastic and glowing skin.

How to do Abhyanga?

1. Choose the oil: Select an oil suitable for your dosha. Warm it gently.
   • For Vata Dosha, sesame or almond oil for their warming and grounding properties.
   • For Pitta Dosha, coconut or sunflower oil for cooling and soothing effect.
   • For Kapha Dosha, mustard or jojoba oil for invigorating and stimulating qualities.
2. Sit in a warm, comfortable area.
3. Apply oil generously and massage in circular motions on joints and long strokes on limbs.
4. Focus on problem areas: Pay extra attention to dry areas.
5. Let the oil sit for 15–20 minutes to penetrate.
6. Use warm water to rinse off excess oil without soap.

Practicing Abhyanga regularly hydrates skin deeply, balancing dryness at its root.

Read more about Self-Abhyanga

Heal the Mind to Heal the Body

Ayurveda is based on the interconnectedness of life. Imbalance in doshas can reflect on your mental health too and can affect your emotional regulation, all of which has a say on how healthy or dull your skin looks. 

Soothe your environment.

Your surroundings play a vital role in managing dryness. Add warmth with candles, soft lighting, and cozy textures. Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Prioritize restful sleep.

Dry seasons can disrupt sleep patterns. Honor your circadian rhythm by sleeping before 10:30 PM. Avoid heavy meals or screens two hours before bedtime.

Practice a calming bedtime ritual like self-massage.

Perform grounding exercises.

Dryness in the body often mirrors the state of the mind. Ground your thoughts with practices that reduce air and ether elements, such as:

• Grounding meditation
• Listening to soothing sounds like running water, or sea waves.
• Practicing warming breaths like Surya Bhedana, if suitable for your constitution. Here’s a list of yogasanas and pranayamas you can do in winter to balance your doshas. 

By addressing dry skin holistically through diet, external care, and mind-body practices, you can achieve a healthy, well hydrated body, well-balanced mind, and as a derivative of that, a healthy glowing skin.