As the winter season approaches, our skin often bears the brunt of colder temperatures and lower humidity levels. Dryness, dullness, and various skin concerns become more prevalent during this time. Let us explore the impact of winter on the skin and tackle winter skin concerns in the Ayurvedic way, which involves a holistic approach that considers individual skin types and embraces the principles of Ayurveda.

1. What Happens to Your Skin During Winters:

According to Ayurveda, the winter season is associated with the Vata dosha, characterised by the elements of air and ether. Winter weather, characterised by cold winds and lower humidity, can significantly impact the skin. Vata imbalances can manifest as dryness, roughness, and heightened sensitivity in the skin. The dry air tends to strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased dryness, flakiness, and a dull complexion. Additionally, exposure to indoor heating systems further exacerbates dehydration, making the skin more prone to irritation and sensitivity. Ayurveda emphasises the need to balance Vata during winter through nourishing and hydrating practices.

2. Concerns as per Skin Type:

Each skin type requires unique attention during winter to address specific concerns. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, a tailored approach is crucial for maintaining a healthy complexion throughout the season. Ayurveda recommends skincare practices based on individual constitutions.

a. Oily Skin:
- Concern: Winter can cause an imbalance, leading to increased oil production as the skin attempts to compensate for dryness.
- Solution: Use light, hydrating oils like hemp, jojoba or neem oil to nourish without clogging pores.

b. Dry Skin:
- Concern: Intensified dryness, flakiness, and a feeling of tightness.
- Solution: Incorporate rich oils like sesame or almond oil to moisturise and deeply soothe dry skin.

c. Combination Skin:
- Concern: Dry patches and oiliness in different areas of the face.
- Solution: Customize your routine, using heavier moisturisers on dry areas and lighter ones where oiliness is a concern.

d. Sensitive Skin:
- Concern: Increased sensitivity and the potential for redness or irritation.
- Solution: Opt for calming ingredients like Aloe Vera and Chamomile to soothe sensitive skin.

4. Home Remedies for Winter Skin Concerns:

a. Hydrating Face Masks for moisturising & soothing properties
- Ingredients: Mix honey, yoghurt, and aloe vera gel.
- How-to: Apply the mask for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

b. Oil Cleansing: Using oils to cleanse the face before water-based cleansers helps balance Vata & keeps the skin moisturised.
- Ingredients: Use sesame or coconut oil.
- How-to: Gently massage the oil onto the face, then remove with a warm, damp cloth.

c. Rosewater Toner: Using rosewater as a toner cools down the skin & makes it suitable for balancing Pitta.
- Ingredients: Mix rosewater with a few drops of glycerin.
- How-to: Apply the toner using a cotton pad.

d. Exfoliating Scrub: Yogurt softens the skin, while turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties benefit the skin.
- Ingredients: Combine oatmeal, yoghurt, and a pinch of turmeric.
- How-to: Gently exfoliate the skin in circular motions and rinse off.

5. SoulTree Offerings for Naturally Radiant Skin

a. Indian Rose Face Wash with Turmeric & Honey:
- Usage: Use a gentle cleanser morning and night to cleanse deep-seated impurities.
- Benefits: Cleansing removes impurities without over-drying, maintaining the skin's balance and keeping it nourished.

b. Advanced Kumkumadi Pore-Refining Cleansing Oil:
- Usage: Take a few drops of the cleansing oil & massage it onto the face. Wipe it off with a wet cotton pad.
- Benefits: Hydrates the skin all day, gently removing deep-seated impurities to maintain a delicate oil balance.

b. Advanced Kumkumadi Refined Radiance Facial Toner:
- Usage: Apply a hydrating toner after cleansing.
- Benefits: Toning helps prepare the skin for subsequent products and enhances absorption.

c. Hemp Soothing Elixir Facial Serum:
- Usage: Include a hydrating serum in your morning routine.
- Benefits: Serums deliver concentrated nourishment, addressing specific concerns like dullness or uneven skin tone.

d. Advanced Kumkumadi Refined Radiance Facial Balm:
- Usage: Apply the facial balm as a final step in your weekly evening routine.
- Benefits: The balm, enriched with 100% organic Mogra Saffron & herbs, provides intense moisturisation, rehydrates, rebalances the skin & helps restore the skin's natural barrier.

e. Advanced Kumkumadi Refined Radiance Day Cream
- Usage: Apply a nourishing moisturiser in the morning and a richer one in the evening.
- Benefits: Moisturizers lock in hydration and create a protective barrier against environmental stressors.

f. Sunscreen of your choice:
- Usage: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
- Benefits: Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sun damage.

g. Hemp Nourish & Treat Ayurvedic Lip Butter
- Usage: Take the desired amount and massage on clean lips. Reapply whenever necessary.
- Benefits: Hemp helps lock in moisture for long hours, and comforts dry, chapped lips, leaving them plump & supple.

6. Healthy Eating Practices to Boost Inner Glow:

a. Hydrate Well:
- Sip warm water throughout the day to support digestion and maintain internal balance.

b. Include Nourishing Fats:
- Consume ghee (clarified butter) to nourish the skin from within and balance Vata.

c. Antioxidant-Rich Foods:
- Incorporate colourful fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.

d. Herbal Teas:
- Enjoy warming herbal teas like ginger or cinnamon, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

e. Favour Seasonal Foods:
- Eat seasonal, locally sourced foods to align with the natural rhythms of the environment.

7. Lifestyle Practices for Overall Well-being:

a. Adequate Sleep:
- Follow a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support skin regeneration.

b. Stress Management:
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation and deep breathing to maintain overall well-being.

c. Oil Pulling:
- Incorporate oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil to promote oral and systemic health.

d. Abhyanga (Self-Massage):
- Perform self-massage with nourishing oils to enhance circulation and bring a healthy glow to the skin.

e. Yoga and Exercise:
- Engage in gentle yoga or exercise to stimulate blood flow and release accumulated toxins.

8. Mindful Ayurvedic Rituals:

a. Morning Detox Drink:
- Ingredients: Warm water, a dash of lemon, and a pinch of turmeric.
- How-to: Start your day with this Ayurvedic detox drink to cleanse the system and promote a healthy glow.

b. Pranayama (Breath Control):
- Practice pranayama, such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), to balance energy and enhance vitality.

c. Ayurvedic Face Massage:
- Ingredients: A few drops of rosehip or almond oil for face massage.
- How-to: Gently massage the face with upward strokes to improve circulation and promote a radiant complexion.

d. Balanced Meals:
- Ensure your meals include a balance of all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and astringent) to support digestion and nourish the body.

e. Mindful Eating:
- Eat calmly and mindfully, savouring each bite to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption.

Achieving a natural glow from within involves external skincare, adopting holistic lifestyle practices, and nourishing your body from the inside out. By incorporating healthy eating habits, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and integrating Ayurvedic rituals into your daily routine, you can enhance your natural radiance. Remember, the synergy of internal and external care is the key to a vibrant and healthy glow that reflects your overall well-being.