Changing season is one of the most natural occurrences of nature. As the climate shifts from one extreme to another, we also need to adjust our daily skin care regimes and rituals.
Changing weather is the time when nature sheds its skin and gets into a new one. There are new plants, vegetable and fruits that are available and so is with our skin. It is not the same. We need to shed our old skin and get into a new one.
The seasons affect everyone differently, people with dominant Vata or air element find winter weather unbearable and those with a dominant Pitta heat element may find summers uncomfortable.
Although we are becoming increasing aware of the importance of skin care, most of us still have a long way to go for incorporating a regular & amp; nurturing skin care regimen.
The following will help you set a regime for your skin during winters. Choosing the correct base that is enriched with ingredients that suit one’s skin type is essential. For nourishment one needs to feed the skin through masks and moisturizers. It is important to ensure that your masks are made with hydrating ingredients that nourish your skin.
Try the following ingredients and look out for them according to your skin type;
- Dry and Chapped Skin – Shea Butter, Wheat germ oil, Cocoa butter, Almond Oil, Chamomile, Jasmine oil, Sandalwood and Palma rosa.
- Oily and Acne Prone Skin – Tea Tree, Basil, Lemon, Monoi Oil, Mango Butter, Raspberry Seed Oil, Thyme, and Charcoal.
- Sensitive Skin – Natural Glucan Gum, Lavender, Neroli, Geranium
- Ageing Skin- Collagen, Plant Peptides, Argan, Palma rosa, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cypress, and Myrrh.
How we treat our skin depends on the skin types. Most of us are aware of the different skin types normal, dry, oily, acne prone or combination skin.
- Dry Skin is low in moisture. For those with dry skin should avoid harsh products, always use a cream-based face cleansers, and never go to bed without a nourishing night cream or a facial oil.
- Oily Skin is smoother in texture as it carries more sebum. This sebum also keeps skin away from wrinkles, but it also leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Cleanse two to three times daily and scrub on alternate days. Use an oil free moisturiser is a must to normalise the sebum production. Always remember to use a good astringent or a toner to close the open pores.
- Combination Skin has some areas that are dry and some oily. Identify the areas that have more sebum production. Use the products sparingly there and use higher emollient ingredients. Those with a normal skin are blessed and rarely have eruptions in their face. It can only happen during stress, lack of sleep or dietary alterations. For those with normal skin use a cream-based cleanser, scrub, toner and moisturizer.
- Cleansing Exfoliation and Peels work on skin renewal. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells and promote new cell generation. Skin Exfoliation which includes face and body must be done twice a week. This removes dead cells and detoxifies the skin. Skin exfoliation masks and peels can be easily made at home using kitchen ingredients.
- Coconut Oil along with Coffee powder and Rice powder make a powerful face Exfoliation Peel that works on skin firmness and tightening. Coconut oil is rich source of fatty acids and works on hydration of the skin. Coffee has antioxidants that slow the aging process. Rice flour is readily available in the supermarkets and works on skin’s firmness.
Take the following ingredients in a bowl and mix well;
- 1 teaspoon of coffee powder
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of rice powder
Using your fingers apply the mask to face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes. Rinse the mixture off using warm water. For best results, use once in a week.
- Collagen, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E are the skin boosting supplements that must be added to our regular routine products. These help in the skin rejuvenation process. Pure vitamin C in the serums and moisturizers rejuvenates skin and is known for other benefits like boosting collagen and elastin production in your skin, protection from free radicals.
- Applying Sunscreen Taking care of skin is a combination of Nurturing and Defence. Apply a sunscreen with high SPF. Everyday our skin is under attack from damaging radicals that break down skin elastin and natural supply of collagen and hence causing skin damage and pre-mature ageing.
During the changing season, one is more prone to catching infections, so drink lots of warm water to release all toxins from the body. Keep essential oils with antibacterial properties such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary, basil and citronella handy with you. Lastly, we all have the potential to enhance our skin. It starts with self- realization and self-appreciation. Changing season is an opportunity for starting fresh and making new regimes. Paying close attention to our looks and going with the ingredients that are suited for skin is essential to meet the objective.
The Changing seasons are natural and we can use the best of natural care to adapt our skin and hair to changing weather.
Much Love
Pooja Nagdev
Cosmetologist and Aromatherapist
(Founder) Inatur Ayurveda & Aromatherapy
