10 Ayurvedic Remedies for Dry Skin

We all want to look the best and smooth, radiant skin makes one look good and boosts confidence. When it comes to experiencing the outside world, the five sense organs are considered the most important gateways of the human body, according to Ayurveda. One of the essential sense organs is the skin, which is also known as the organ of touch.  

In winter, at some point, we all have been through dry, patchy, rough skin. And we know how irritating it gets. Skin condition is an excellent predictor of a person's overall health.  

A weakened skin barrier or deficiency causes dry skin in the necessary healthy fats in the top layer of the skin. 

According to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, the causes of skin problems are often rooted deep within. Lack of essential nutrients and a hectic lifestyle causes an imbalance in the body's functioning, leading to a degeneration of the skin's health.  

There are different types of Ayurvedic skin care products for different types of skin. To know which kind of product suits the best, it is essential to be aware of various elements and factors that lead to dry skin. As Ayurveda is a natural practice based on the study of doshas, it is best to know the main dosha of the person suffering from dry skin.   

Also Read: Is Itchy and Dry Skin Treatment in Ayurveda Effective? 

Let's Understand The Various Ayurvedic Skin Types

According to Ayurveda, the balance of the doshas determines the body's biological function. The balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha varies from person to person. It is only after determining the dosha type; a recommended treatment plan is provided, which includes healthy habits, diet, and other factors.   

Let us take a look at how each dosha affects the skin in different ways.  

1. Vata Dosha  

The main element of Vata dosha is air, and the air is dry. That is why the skin tends to be rough and dry with a Vata skin type. It is important to keep the skin moisturized.   

Since this skin is super dry, not moisturizing enough can lead to scaly and stretchy skin, especially in winter.  

Oil-content moisturizers are great for this skin type. Ashwagandha is indicated for Vata-type skin conditions.    

2. Pitta dosha  

The Pitta skin type is opposed to that of a Vata-dominated dosha. When pitta-type skin is imbalanced, it experiences inflammation, oiliness, and sensitivity and is prone to allergies and various skin conditions. The excess heat associated with pitta, can create a combination of oily & dry skin.   

Cooling elements such as sandalwood and aloe vera can be used to balance the pitta and pitta skin types.   

3. Kapha dosha  

When Kapha-type skin gets imbalanced- which quickly occurs in winter, the skin tends to become oilier and more congested. The oily skin is prone to acne, itching, and other skin-related issues. This skin type benefits significantly from exfoliation.   

To balance the symptoms, use lighter and warmer oils such as sunflower and grapeseed oil.  

Ayurvedic Treatments to Prevent Dry and Dull Skin  

Here is a list of some simple Ayurvedic remedies for dry skin:  

Self-Abhyanga is one of the most effective means of healing dry skin, as it provides a deep sense of stability, strength, moisture, and well-being. Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of oiling the body. Self-massage with the right Vata balancing oil lubricates the skin, bones, and body tissues that may dry up due to excess Vata. Abhyanga increases circulation, improves skin tone, calms the nerve, moisturizes the skin, and prevents the effects of aging. If the vata is extreme, it is recommended to perform abhyanga sessions 4-5 times a week, using vata-specific oils such as Til tail, Sheerbala tail, Peedantaka tail, sahacharadi tail, and Dhanwantaram tail.     

1. Almond milk is an excellent skin moisturizer. Grind about 200 grams of almonds in a grinder and store the powder in a jar. To use it, add a tablespoon of warm water to half a tablespoon of the almond powder to make the almond milk. Apply this paste in gentle circular motions to promote circulation and exfoliate dead skin cells. Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize with natural moisturizers and oils as usual.   
2. Neem leaves contain essential fatty acids and nutrients, which makes them highly moisturizing to help treat dry skin. Neem is also loaded with anti-bacterial properties. Applying a fine paste from the neem leaves on the face and body calms dry skin and is also suitable for acne and eczema-prone skin.  
3. Sandalwood has multiple beneficial qualities. The sandalwood powder combats bodies excess heat. As it is oily, it also helps treat dry skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder in yogurt or milk to make a paste. Apply it on the clean skin and leave it for 5-10 min. Rinse with lukewarm water.   
4. Decoction prepared from cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds in an appropriate ratio and applied to dry skin helps remove dead skin cells and opens the pores. Take 1 tsp of each and boil them in 1 liter of water. When reduced to half, exfoliate your skin with this decoction.   
5. Barley flour mixed with turmeric powder and mustard oil is also a good solution for treating dry skin and can be used as an exfoliant. Take 2 spoonfuls of barley powder and 1 tsp of Turmeric powder, and add mustard oil to make a fine paste. Apply it on clean skin with your fingers or a brush, gently rub it to exfoliate after 10 minutes, and rinse with plain water.   
6. Aloe vera is a complete solution for all skin and hair-related problems. It contains hydrating properties that quickly absorb flaky and dry skin and retain lost moisture. Apply aloe vera gel on affected areas for 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. 
7. Calendula is rich in flavonoids and oils that are important for healthy skin. Gather the calendula petals grind them, and make a fine paste with water before applying them to your skin. Leave the paste to act until dry and wash with lukewarm water.  
8. Chamomile is a signature herb that helps treat various skin conditions. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help treat skin allergies, bruises, and dry and sensitive skin. Take 3-4 drops of Chamomile essential oil, mix it with any carrier oil (coconut, almond, sesame) and apply on the affected area overnight, and you can shower in the morning.    
9. Manjishtadi Kwath is a blood purifier that is helpful in the Ayurvedic treatment of skin problems and healing. Ayurvedic herbs, essential to treat dry skin and purify the blood, such as manjistha, neem, and amla, were used to make it. It can be used as an Ayurvedic treatment for skin issues like acne and eczema, affecting millions worldwide.   

You should either have an ayurvedic doctor online consultancy or visit one before applying any product on severely inflamed skin or other severe skin conditions.  

Conclusion  

Ayurveda always helps to eliminate the disease by treating it individually according to the causes of the particular condition. Ayurvedic skin care treatments are not overnight miracles. It takes time to show signs of a cure, but treating the skin right and using effective ayurvedic remedies for dry skin can provide permanent solutions. According to Healthy Bazar, ayurvedic experts treating dry skin at the initial stage is an ideal approach to combat various skin issues that arise with weather change or carelessness. If a worse skin condition makes you embarrassed, you can approach an ayurvedic doctor online  

Visit HealthyBazar.com and find herbal products to treat various skin conditions.