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Do not bathe or shower in very hot water. Comfortably warm water is much gentler on your skin. Do not bathe more than once a day if your skin is very dry.
Do not use harsh soaps to cleanse, as they will strip your skin of precious lipids. Use a non-soap cleanser or very mild soap to cleanse. Give your skin lipid support from within by including soaked and blanched almonds, soaked walnuts, whole milk, fresh cheese such as paneer, and ghee (clarified butter) in your daily diet. Drink a cup of warm milk laced with 1/4 teaspoon ghee at bedtime for a daily boost of lipid support from within. Eat fruits and vegetables high in water content at every meal. Zucchini, lauki squash, tender asparagus, tender greens, and carrots make excellent vegetable choices. Sweet juicy berries, cooked apples and sweet grapes are good fruit choices. Drink lots of warm water through
day.
Ayurvedic herbs such as Amla provide concentrated nourishment to deeper layers of skin. Amla is richest known natural source of vitamin C and offers potent antioxidant support. Take Amalaki Rasayana on a regular basis to replenish skin from within.
Remember that a holistic approach yields best results and longest-lasting results. Try and incorporate as many of above suggestions as you can to keep Vata dosha in balance and your skin looking smooth, soft and beautiful through dry winter months.
Note: This ayurvedic information is educational, and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice.
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor who lives in the Bay Area. She writes for various publications on yoga, ayurveda and Indian culture. For more articles on ayurveda and premier ayurvedic products, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
