Chilly winters may be your favorite season, but may not be for your skin as it may face several problems. Cold weather usually means increased dryness and decreased moisture content in the atmosphere. The outer atmosphere also makes a reflection on your skin. It is very common to get dehydrated in winter as the urge to drink water or fluids goes down significantly. But worry no more! Ayurveda can help you protect your skin from dryness and diseases. Ayurvedic remedies have been used for years to treat skin problems. Natural ingredients are a healthy choice for the well-being of our skin. Let us know more about winter skin problems and solutions.
Causes of Skin Infections in Winter
Synthetic Clothes: People usually wear layers of clothes in winter. These layers can sometimes trap sweat and moisture which can cause infections. This makes your skin vulnerable to various winter skin problems.
Dry Weather Conditions: Reduced moisture in the weather can cause dryness in the skin. Dry skin can lead to itchiness and increased irritation levels.
Hot showers: Cold Showers help in production of essential oils that are beneficial for the skin. Whereas, hot showers reduce the production of those oils which can lead to dryness and flakiness.
Dehydration: Less intake of water in winter is the main cause of dehydration in the body which can result in various skin problems.
Chemical products: Chemical-based moisturizers can be harsh on the skin which can cause infections. This can also lead to various skin problems.
Winters can cause various skin problems. Some of the common skin problems faced in winter are:
1. Eczema
Winter eczema on hands? Eczema is a skin condition that causes dryness, rashes, and itching in the skin. Dryness, lack of moisture, and humidity in the environment can cause difficulty for eczema patients. It makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture. Eczema in winter is caused by layers of clothes we often wear that can cause sweat to trap. This can worsen eczema symptoms. Hot water baths also make it difficult for the skin to release essential oils. Ayurvedic treatment of eczema is the best option for a quick recovery.
2. Cold Urticaria
An allergy to cold weather is known as Cold Urticaria. It results in sensitivity and dryness in the body. It causes rashes and itching on the skin. Excessive itching in the infected areas can cause a burning sensation. The immune system of the body weakens and also causes excessive mucus production. It may even result in a burning sensation and a headache. The production of essential oils by the skin is also lowered.
3. Psoriasis
In psoriasis, there are raised, red patches on the skin covered with silvery-white plaques. It is a skin condition that causes scaly plaques on the skin. In the worst cases, skin grows and merges with another patch. Psoriasis often attacks outer surfaces like elbows, knees, scalp, nails, or lower back. Psoriatic patches can be itchy or can even cause a burning sensation. It can make your skin pale and also damage the nails.
4. Chapped Lips
Chapped lips are a condition that causes dryness and a burning sensation on the lips. It is a result of aggravated vata dosha in the body. Dry weather conditions and lack of humidity can trigger chapped lips. Using chemical-based lip balms can also damage the lips. We tend to lick our lips in such a condition but it further worsens the problem.
5. Fungal Infections
We often wear layers of clothes in the winter season.
Sometimes the sweat does not go out due to layers of clothes. This trapped sweat may cause a fungal infection. Dry skin can also increase the risk of developing a fungal infection in winter. Sharing our personal items like towels or handkerchiefs can cause fungal infections.
The aforementioned are some of the skin problems caused in the winter season. So how can we prevent ourselves from falling prey to these diseases?
Ayurveda suggests some simple precautions to prevent skin problems this winter.
• Diet: Following a healthy diet can make your body strong and also fulfill nutrient deficiencies. It can also balance the doshas in the body which prevents skin problems. Adding nut butter and ghee to your diet can moisturize you internally.
• Shower: Replace hot water showers with cold showers. You can also use water at room temperature. This will help your skin to make essential oils and moisturize itself.
• Skincare: Chemical products are harmful to your skin. So it is better to use herbal products like aloe vera gel or coconut oil to keep your skin healthy.
• Moisture: It is always beneficial to use a moisturizer in winter to prevent your skin from drying. Use natural moisturizers like coconut oil, neem oil, desi ghee, etc.
• Warm drinks: Herbal teas can help you hydrate from the inside. Prefer adding teas like cinnamon tea or basil tea which have a soothing effect on your body.
• Hydration: Eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables which can help keep your skin hydrated.
• Activities: Heating devices can dehydrate your skin and may result in increased levels of dryness in your body. It is best to avoid overutilization of these devices.
• Balanced lifestyle: Gentle stretching and yoga asanas can be incorporated into your daily routine. It helps in enhancing blood circulation and increases the levels of natural oil production in your body. They help your skin glow naturally.
• Immune system: A healthy diet is very beneficial for your body. Add fruits, green veggies, nuts, and seeds to your plate to improve your immune system. A healthy immune system prevents you from catching diseases.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin Infections
Lifestyle management
Modern-day lifestyles have made people lazy and lethargic. Daily exercise must be added to your life to make your body healthy. Gentle stretching, Yoga, and Meditation can be added to your daily routine.
Dietary changes
Your body is made by the food you eat. So you must take care of your diet. Excessively processed, oily, or very spicy food can cause an imbalance in your body which is also reflected on your skin. So you must consume a healthy diet for healthy and glowing skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the best antioxidants when it comes to skin health. Turmeric paste has been used for ages in skin treatments. Turmeric can also be mixed with honey and applied for numerous benefits.
Honey and Ginger
Honey and ginger are the best combination to treat skin inflammation. They both are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. Along with this they also help in increasing the beauty of the skin.
Aloe vera
It is well-known for its soothing effect on the skin. Aloe vera helps to reduce burning sensation and puffiness. It nourishes the skin and fills in the moisture content. It is commonly used as a skin moisturizer.
Neem
It is rich in anti-bacterial properties. Neem is a famous herb that can be consumed to clean blood. It is used for cleaning or detoxifying the body. Neem can also be made into a paste along with turmeric or honey and then applied on the skin. It can cure various skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
Oil Massage
Oils are good for moisturizing the skin. Coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and sesame oil are some of the well-known oils for skin health. Massaging these oils on your skin can moisturize it and also increase blood flow. It helps in the removal of toxins and increases the radiance of your skin.
Before treating any skin disease, it is necessary to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner. Dr. Sharda Ayurveda can help you overcome these problems in a very effective manner. They focus on the treatment of the root cause of the disease. Everybody is different and treatment is also different. So it is suitable to consult the doctors for a personalized treatment plan.
FAQs:
Which skin conditions get worse in winter?
Eczema and psoriasis are common skin conditions that are difficult to deal with in the winter season.
Why is a skin infection more common in winter?
Dryness in the atmosphere and lack of humidity in winter is harsh on your skin. It can increase the dryness of the skin. The skin begins to lose essential oils. So skin infections become more common.
Is coconut oil good for dry skin?
Coconut oils can moisturize and nourish your skin. It is also very good for removing scars from the body.
How long does a winter rash last?
Winter skin rashes are seasonal and may even get better with easy remedies. But if the infection increases. You should consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Is it normal to get eczema in the winter?
Eczema symptoms can increase during the winter season. The skin loses moisture in cold weather so, dryness and itching increase.
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