Ayurvedic Care Tips for Dry Skin

Dry skin can keep us from feeling our best. Here are a few tips to prevent it!

Beautiful, smooth, radiant skin is something everyone wants, but as we age, our skin tends to become drier and more irritated during cold seasons. Dry skin also causes wrinkles to develop earlier, making us look older. A clear, radiant complexion is a sign of good health.

Dry skin can have many causes. It may be the result of genetic predispositions, malnutrition, extreme temperatures, sebaceous obstruction, or medication.

Ayurveda's View on Dry Skin

According to Ayurveda, the accumulation of Vata in the body can lead to dry skin. People over 50 are most often affected by this problem. Too much Vata dries out the skin, makes our hair thinner and drier, and makes our fingernails brittle.

In order to increase the skin's moisture level and protect it from dryness, we must first and foremost take care of our skin. There are various herbal remedies that Ayurveda recommends to do so. Changing your care routine can also better your quality of life, without meaning that you have to spend a lot of money.

Ayurvedic Treatment Options for Dry Skin

• Abhyanga
  One of the most important Ayurvedic treatments for dry skin is Abhyanga. Abhyanga is a self-massage of the body with oils that are applied daily. Coconut, almond, sesame or castor oils make excellent massage oils. It is best to heat the oil a little and then massage it into the skin. Leave the skin on the skin for half an hour and then take a shower. You can also use herbal oils twice a week.
  Apricot kernel oil can be used two to three times a week, especially at bedtime. It keeps the skin supple, stimulates blood circulation and reduces water retention.
• Maintenance
  Use herbs and foods that nourish the skin. These include aloe vera juice or gel, chamomile or calendula. For example, Aloe Vera has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, and it cools many types of skin problems caused by excessively dry skin, such as itching and rashes. Sandalwood is known for its cooling properties. It prevents inflammation and reduces acne, pimples and other rashes. It also soothes the skin after sunbathing. It is best left on the skin until it is dry and then washed off.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Changes for Dry Skin

• Shower less, use more oil
  This is one of the best ways to prevent dry skin. Wash your skin less often, and with cooler water, as warm water dries out the skin. Avoid soaps that wash away the natural oils of your skin. After your shower, apply coconut oil thinly on the skin and then dab off with a towel.
• Drink enough water
  That's probably the most important tip in this list. If the body is generally under-hydrated, it cannot provide the skin with enough fluid. It is best to drink warm water.
• Nutrition
  Make sure you eat a balanced diet that includes enough vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and carbohydrates. Deep-fried dishes and fast food should be avoided. It is best to eat vegetables and fruits that have a high water content, like:
  - Cucumbers
  - Salad
  - Watermelon
  - Radishes
  
  The naturally high oil content of nuts and seeds helps to improve the appearance of the skin as well as healthy fats and fibre. A müsli or granola that includes flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds or other nuts and seeds is an easy way to eat more of these healthy foods.
  Cooking with ghee is also always a good idea.
• Exercise
  Ideally, you should exercise every day. This helps keep Vata from accumulating in the body. Exercise increases the metabolism, which leads to a better release of toxins, promotes blood circulation and of course keeps the muscles and joints taut and fit.
• Get enough sleep.
  The body and mind do not function properly without sleep. That's why it's even more important that we sleep for at least seven hours a day.
• Reduce stress
  Practice pranayama and meditation. This reduces stress, which can also be a trigger for dry skin. In addition, you'll sleep better after meditation.
• Avoid extreme weather conditions
  Neither extreme heat in the summer nor cold weather in the winter are good for the skin. It is therefore important to avoid exposing the skin to these weather conditions as much as possible.