During winter your whole body may be bundled up tight while going outdoors, but your face is exposed at least to some degree. This can lead to chapped, dried skin, as atmospheric humidity will also be lower during winter. The indoor heating systems can also cause drying of the skin. All these factors point to one common remedy—staying moisturized.
Skin is the human body’s largest organ and requires regular attention to stay young, blemish-free, and healthy. Daily moisturizing is vital for skin health. In order to keep your skin smooth and supple, moisturizers are perfect solutions. In this perspective article I will be explaining the natural ways to keep you moisturized internally and externally.
Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash
Ayurveda explains about different skin types, among those the one prone to most dryness is Vata.
How to Moisturize Vata Skin Type
Generally, people with Vata skin type will be more likely to experience dryness, dehydration, as well as a thin, delicate texture and fine pores. Your skin will be predisposed to symptoms of early aging, which is made worse by mental stress such as worry, fear, and lack of sleep.
The most important times to use moisturizer are after a bath, shave or exfoliation. A basic moisturizer recipe can help ease the Vata dryness symptoms at home.
You will need the following:
- 2 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel
- 4 tbsp. Oil (You can choose coconut oil)
- 2 tbsp. Cocoa butter
- 2 drops of essential oil (Rose, Orange or Jasmine for Vata skin types)
- 4 tbsp. Floral water
1. In a pan, heat coconut oil (or oil of choice) and cocoa butter together. You just need to warm the mixture, do not boil.
2. In another pan, heat aloe gel and floral water. Make sure both the mixtures are the same temperature.
3. Combine the contents in both pans together to make a cream. Blend it with 2 drops of essential oil until smooth and creamy. Store in an airtight jar and apply after shower.
Sesame oil and jojoba oil are the most highly recommended moisturizers for Vata skin because of their heavy texture and ultra-nourishing properties. You can replace coconut oil with sesame or jojoba oil if you like.
How to Moisturize Pitta Skin Type
Pitta skin type tends to have more breakouts, redness, broken capillaries. and photo-sensitivity. If you have Pitta skin, you’ll typically have issues with breakouts, inflammation, and allergies. Your skin-care regime needs to focus on calming and cooling.
Pitta is the Ayurvedic body-type that is typified by red, easily irritated skin. A pitta predominant person might have highly sensitive skin, so be careful when you moisturize because you may end up with acne.
Coconut oil is great for Pitta skin because it’s both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Ghee is another great Ayurvedic moisturizer for Pitta-types. Ayurveda explains ghee to be ideal or best for pacifying Pitta.
You can add a pinch of turmeric in your oil for preventing acne breakouts. Pitta persons can use natural moisturizers before showering so that they won’t have that greasy look after.
How to Moisturize Kapha Skin Type
Kapha skin is thick, oily, soft and cool to the touch. Your skin will be prone to clogging and will need more cleansing than other skin types. Be careful to avoid greasy, clogging creams and products.
Hazelnut oil or sunflower oil is a gentler option and a great choice for Kapha complexions. It helps to regulate sebum production, preventing excess oil secretion.
Cleanse your skin twice daily and exfoliate with a mud mask at least once a week.
Throughout this article I have focused more on your face. But do you know staying hydrated within is also important for smooth skin?
Hydration from within comes from eating and drinking correctly. Eat food according to your dosha type and add warm, moist foods if you feel that your skin needs extra hydration. Leafy green vegetables, squash, sweet juicy fruits, and lots of water are essential for rehydrating your skin.
Don’t skip or delay meals, get enough rest, and make sure your elimination is regular. Practicing yoga can also enhance the detoxification process and opens the channels of the body.
