The winter season may be cosy and a time to enjoy all the hearty meals, but it can also be the time when the skin reacts to the seasonal change. The skin starts to get dry, crack, and have breakouts. Ayurveda science entails that the skin starts to experience these changes due to the cold, dry air that causes an imbalance of doshas in the body, leading to various types of skin problems. This blog elaborates on the common skin problems in winter and how Ayurveda treatment helps in managing them to improve skin health.
The impact of the winter season on skin
Vata aggravation: It is an imbalance of the vata doshas that is caused by the cold, dry air. The imbalance causes extreme dryness, making it rough and flaky.
Reduced moisture: The cold air and low humidity cause skin to lack moisture.
Weakened skin barrier: The dry air removes the skin’s moisture, resulting in a weak skin barrier that can increase the chances of the skin cracking, itching, becoming sensitive and causing premature ageing.
Common skin problems
Acne: It is primarily triggered by the imbalance of the vata and kapa doshas due to cold and dry air. This type of air slows down the lymphatic circulation, and when combined with heavy comfort foods such as dairy and sweets, it leads to oily skin, hence causing pimples.
Eczema: An imbalance in the Vata doshas can lead to dry, itchy skin with thickened skin and bumps.
Winter rush: The imbalance leaves the skin dry with a low skin barrier, hence causing dry, flaky skin.
Chapped lips or cracked skin: When the skin is dry due to the cold weather, it loses its lubrication, hence increasing friction.
Psoriasis: An imbalance of the Vata doshas leads to plaque formation and dry skin.
How Ayurveda helps in managing skin problems?
There are various methods that Ayurveda treatment helps to manage skin problems. The Ayurveda practitioners would have to first conduct a diagnosis of the skin to analyze the main problem in order to provide effective treatment. These treatments include:-
Herbs and remedies: Ayurveda practitioners prescribe remedies or herbs based on the diagnosis. The common remedies and herbs are: Turmeric, aloe vera, manjistha, sandalwood and kumkumadi. They help with inflammation, purifying blood, soothing sunburns, rashes and reducing pigmentation.
Panchakarma therapies: There are various panchakarma therapies that help to treat skin problems, such as Virechana, Swedana, Basti, and Abhyanga, which help improve circulation, remove excess pitta, help release toxins and help balance the Vata doshas.
Dietary and lifestyle changes: The Ayurvedic practitioners further recommend dietary and lifestyle changes such as having regular oil massages, avoiding harsh soaps and hot water, staying hydrated and prioritizing Vata pacifying foods.
Conclusion
The Ayurvedic treatments are effective for keeping the skin healthy in the winter season. Ensure that the treatment is prescribed by the Ayurvedic practitioner who is in the best position to prescribe the best remedies, therapies and lifestyle changes for effective results. If you are in search of Ayurveda treatment for skin problems, get in touch with Geetanjali Kansal at Ananta Ayurveda to help you with all your skin problems.
FAQ’s
- What are the Ayurveda treatments for eczema?
The Ayurveda treatment focuses on ensuring the problem is treated from the root cause by balancing the Vata doshas with different methods such as Panchakarma therapies to detoxify the body, Snehapana, which is a prescription of medicated ghee, Abhyanga, and Swedana, which are massage sessions with oil, prescription of herbs, dietary changes and lifestyle changes.
- How can I treat dry, flaky skin with Ayurveda treatment?
Treating dry skin with Ayurveda treatment involves using herbs and remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes and application of oils.
