Search history for the future of skin care…ancient Ayurveda predicts the best in skin care for WINTER!
Whether you love it or loathe it, winter is finally here and with it can arrive dry, flaky skin, imbalance brought on from excessive heating and winter-sweating leading to heat rashes, acne and eczema.
Winter is full of damp weather, dark, foreboding skies, all of which increase the Kapha dosha and even the Vata dosha, as the cold sinks in to the bones. So, this season, we need to look at hydrating, soothing and nourishing choices in diet, lifestyle and skin care to Ayurvedically ‘balance’ these doshas.
A few well known Ayurvedic ingredients which are perfect for pacifying both Kapha and Vata this winter are:
- Indian Gooseberry (Embilica Officinalis) – potent anti-ageing active, rich in Vit C, to help energise the skin.
- Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) – skin healing anti-oxidant
- Aloe Vera (Kumari)- healing, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and skin conditioning.
- Licorice – soothing and nourishing to the skin and body.
- Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus) – high in linoleic acid, carotenoids and lecithin to soothe skin.
- Ginkgo Biloba – to stimulate micro-circulation.
What the winter weather does to our skin…
The lack of humidity during to the cooler winter months zaps up our skin’s natural oils, so we tend to be drier during this time. Nasty cold winds can add to this, leaving our skin chapped and windburnt. Ouch.
The obvious solution is to head indoors, however recycled, dry, stale air pumped throughout our homes and workplaces can further dehydrate our skin, exacerbating conditions of imbalance, such as heat rashes, acne and eczema. It can also make our skin feel tight and itchy.
So, this winter sure, go ahead and have a quick warm shower to defrost but avoid soaking in long, hot baths as this will dry out your skin even more. Grab your favourite moisturising oil and lather this on post-bathing to help protect your skin, fortifying it against the elements.
Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise!
We need moisture throughout the year, but especially in winter. Using a hydrating mask regularly can help keep skin moisture levels in check, especially if you are in constant heated, dry air environments.
Make the most of hydrating serums, with ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, to aid in hydrating the skin at a deeper level, encouraging cell renewal and minimising moisture loss. Serums are generally concentrated, active formulas which are targeted at specific skin concerns. And remember that serums are best absorbed on a clean, exfoliated skin!
Winter diet & lifestyle tips!
Hibernate! Well, conserve a little energy and stay in your warm bed for a little lie in. Go on…you’re allowed.
Nourish your skin, by lathering sesame oil (or better still our AWE zithila Multi Oil!) over your whole body, before a nice hot shower or bath.
During the cooler months, it’s important to consume cooked foods (avoid raw), warmed through and you may even find that warm water (rather than cold or room temp) hydrates your skin and body quicker this season. Some simple, quick winter food ideas to satiate the belly include porridge, soups, stews, wholegrains in breads, pastas and rice and steamed vegetables.
Opt for fruits including apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, berries, citrus & prunes and vegetables including asparagus, eggplant, sprouts, beets, onions, leeks, potatoes and lots of garlic!
Interestingly, during the colder weather, our digestion is stronger so we have an easier ability to digest the difficult foods such as meat during this time (music to a carnivore’s ears!)
Furthermore, for the drinkers among us, you’ll be excited to hear that alcohol, and in particular red wine, helps boost circulation and also digestion! As if you needed an excuse.
This is the season to get moving, exercise is key to prevent the winter build-up of congestion and mucus in our bodies. If you practice yoga, winter is the time to ramp up your sun salutations and inversions or back bends to stimulate the adrenal glands.
Finally, opt for bright, warm and cheery colours such as reds, rusts and oranges and pop a warm hat on in the height of winter to conserve your heat, as over 60% of it can be lost through your head.
AWE Cosmeceuticals products suitable for winter:
SCRUB samskrta Skin Polish – 50ml RRP $39.00
Blending the mildest of natural exfoliants with potent anti-oxidants, to gently exfoliate the skin. Delicately fragranced with essential oils of rose & jasmine, your skin will be left feeling soft, bright and refreshed. The essence of refinement.
SERUM nirvaata Calming Serum – 30ml RRP $45.00
Boasting natural antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin D to help protect the fragile skin barrier. This serum works to gently soothe skin sensitised by conditions such as rosacea and eczema as well as external factors including pollution, dry air and skin treatments such as laser and microdermabrasion. The essence of tranquility.
MASK rasadana Hydrating Mask – 50ml RRP $59.00
Formulated specifically to alleviate symptoms of dryness such as dehydration and sensitivity, this mask is your perfect at home treatment. Boasting shea oil and organic soothers of honey and aloe to help restore skin compromised by moisture loss. The essence of hydration.
FACE/BODY OIL zithila Multi Oil – 60ml RRP $45.00
Ideal for dry, dehydrated skin, this versatile oil is also suitable in the management of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Every oil, hand selected for this unique blend is non-clogging and selected to help break down sebum, making it suitable for oily skin requiring hydration. The essence of suppleness.
Enjoy your winter!