The skin
is made up
of different
layers and
epidermis's
superficial
epithelial
layer is the
most likely
target of
our environment
as the harsh
elements can
hardly reach
the dermal
layer that
lies below.
The dry air
and harsh
wind can drain
essential
moisture from
the skin,
causing it
to crack,
chap and look
strained.
Winter is
hard on skin.
The peeling
off is mainly
occur during
the winter
months as
the winds
are dry and
squeeze out
the natural
oily texture
of the skin.
Winter brings
with it drier,
rougher skin,
flakiness
and itchiness
and chapped
sore lips.
Also you have
to take care
of other parts
of your body
like palms,
feet, back
and neck,
etc. Icy winds
also fade
the complexion
of your skin.
If the skin
is dry; then
minimize the
use of soap
to as little
as possible.
Cold cream
and olive
oil are effective
in reducing
dryness. But,
before this
it is essential
to deep-cleanse
your face.
Apply cleansing-milk
and rub it
thoroughly
on your face
and neck.
Do not use
unheated milk
which might
result in
opening up
unwanted pores
on face. Tomato
& raspberry
juice is best
suited for
facial cleaning.
At night,
do not use
water after
cleansing,
but use wet
towel for
wiping. The
towel should
be drenched
in hot water
and then squeezed.After
this, facial
massage with
skin-tonic
mixed with
almond oil
is beneficial.
Massage should
be continued
for at least
ten minutes
so as to enable
the cream
to penetrate
the skin.
Changes in
weather conditions,
especially
cold weather
can be hard
on the skin.
Your skin
in the winter
time is more
likely to
lose it's
moisture causing
it to become
dry and flaky,
possibly even
reddened and
chapped, especially
if you spend
a lot of time
outside in
the wind.
We wear extra
clothes to
protect most
of our body
from the cold
and wind,
but we most
often leave
our faces
exposed to
the elements.
But winter
takes its
own toll on
the skin.
The cold
and dry weather
of winter
brings about
drying of
skin making
it scaly.
Lack of sufficient
humidity out
doors leads
to cracked
skin. Indoor
heating further
removes the
traces of
moisture and
aggravates
dryness of
skin. Cracked,
chapped and
dry skin leads
to various
skin infections.
Hence the
skin has to
be rejuvenated
and care should
be taken to
keep the skin
moist, soft
and smooth.
The winter
season is
marked as
Hemanta ritu
in ayurveda.
Hemanta ritu
starts from
mid November
and ends in
mid January.
This falls
in southern
solstice which
is called
as visarga
kala or dakshinayana
in ayurveda.
In winter
the agni or
body fire
(digestive
power) increases
with the support
of vata .
Thus the vitiated
vata assigns
its qualities
of coldness,
dryness and
roughness
to skin. Hence
in winter
a great care
should be
taken to protect
the skin with
various measures
regarding
diets and
lifestyles.
Winter
Skin Damage
The
air in winter
is usually
drier than
in other seasons,
and this dry
air can result
in dry itchy
skin. People
with dry skin,
skin disorders
or sensitive
skin need
to pay special
attention
to winter
skin care
during the
cold months.
Here are some
of the skin
problems that
can occur
during winter.
