Dry Skin Problems and Ayurveda

Skin care is very easy. It just needs few minutes every day and easy-to-do herbal remedies to keep your skin radiant, youthful, firm and moisturized.

Skin can be affected by harsh weather conditions, lack of sleep, smoking, poor diet, stress, use of chemicals, soaps and creams. With age, skin is less able to retain moisture, and the production of elastin diminishes. According to Ayurveda, premature aging of the skin or dryness is caused due to the aggravation of vata dosha, which naturally increases with age. It is equally important to protect your skin from sun exposure as it is one of the major cause that harms the skin. Put on a hat and use an umbrella or sunglasses when going out in sun.

Dry skin problems are aggravated by environmental and weather conditions also. Most people experience excessively dry skin in the winter when cold, dry weather prevents the skin from remaining moist enough.



Some of the Main Causes of Dry Skin:

Exposure to a cold, dry climate
Sleep disorders
Irregular and unhealthy food habits
Excessive physical and mental exertion
Suppressing natural urges such as urination, defecation, hunger, thirst, and so on

Dry Skin Treatment:

Protect your facial and body skin from UV rays of sun by wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella. Use sunglasses; they prevent dark circles.
Avoid stress. It is one of the causes of many skin problems including dry skin.
Quit smoking and avoid excess of alcohol.
Drink a good amount of water daily.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, grapes, melons, oranges, walnuts and almonds.
Avoid hot showers because hot water washes away the natural oils that keep skin moist.
Remove make up and wash your face with fresh water. Apply almond oil.
Sleep between six to eight hours at night. It help to restore the blood's oxygen levels, which is necessary for the renewal of body cells essential in skin rejuvenation.
An oil massage is the best remedy for dry skin. Massage face with almond oil or coconut oil before going to bed. Ghee or clarified butter contains vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that prevent cell damage and fight free radicals. Almond and coconut oil are also the best Ayurvedic remedies for aging skin as they improve complexions and reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. For better absorption, oil massages should be done at night.

Home Made Dry Skin Lotions, Creams, Facials, Masks:

Mix equal quantities of glycerin and rose water. Store this dry skin lotion in a clean bottle and apply it on dry facial skin or skin of hands and feet at least twice a day. It is best to be applied after having bath for those who suffer from excessive dry skin.
Mix lemon juice to this mixture if you have a mixed type of skin: oily and dry.
Apply almond or olive oil and massage gently on your face and body.
For dry hands, mix glycerin with your liquid soap in a bottle. Wash your hands with this soap to avoid dry skin on your hands.
Make a face mask by mixing honey, egg, olive oil and rose water and use it as dry skin facial mask. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin. It also possesses anti aging properties. It cleans and tones the skin and gives a glowing complexion. It also prevents wrinkle formation.
Take 1/2 tablespoon of honey and mix it with 1-2 tablespoon of rose water. Apply this mixture on face, neck, and other dry skin area. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes and then wash with warm water.
Lavender oil and sandalwood oil are also good for dry skin for their soothing and cool effects.
Take 1 tsp each of egg yolk, rose water, lime juice, olive oil and orange juice and mix them thoroughly. Apply this smooth homemade dry skin lotion to your face in the morning and wash it off after 20 minutes.
Mix 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 tsp honey and 1tbsp milk powder. Apply on face for 10 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
Mix glycerin, castor oil and rose water with 1 tbsp of milk cream. Apply this mixture on face, neck and on hands before going to bed. Wash it off with water in morning. This keeps dry skin hydrated all through the day.
Mix ground almonds, honey and milk cream and apply the mixture at least twice a week and keep it for half an hour, then wash with cold water.
Take one teaspoon each of egg yolk and honey, and 1-2 teaspoon milk powder. Mix them well to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on face, neck and other dry skin area. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cold water.

Aloe Vera and Chamomile:

Aloe Vera is beneficial for dry skin treatment. It has been used for ages for wounds, minor burns, and itchy skin treatment. The leaves of aloe vera plant contains about 96% water and other active ingredients like essential oils, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins. All these ingredients help in providing natural glow to the skin and in retaining moisture of the dry skin even in harsh climates. Apply fresh Aloe Vera juice or Aloe Vera gel to the skin. Aloe vera gel are available in health care shops.
Chamomile has a very soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for treating most skin problems including rashes, dry skin, eczema, and so on. Tie a cup or half a cup of fresh or dried chamomile herb in a cloth bag and put it in tub water. Allow it to get soaked for ten minutes before having a bath.
These are simple tips to preserve or to regain a radiant moisturized skin.

(courtesey)