Winter Skin Problems and Solutions: What to Do & How to Avoid Them?

Winter brings a sharp drop in temperature, lower humidity, and harsh winds, all of which strip moisture from the skin and weaken the natural barrier. Indoor heating and long hot showers worsen this dryness, leading to irritation, flaking, and redness. Wool or rough fabric in contact with winter skin can aggravate problems.

Ayurveda describes winter as Hemanta and Shishira Ritu, where cold, dry winds (ruksha, sheeta guna) reduce the skin’s natural unctuousness, making it prone to itching and cracks even without underlying disease. The cold, dry qualities elevate Vata, leading to a loss of natural oils and reduced nourishment to the superficial tissues (rasa and rakta dhatu). Exposed areas such as the face, hands, and lips are the worst affected. 

Winter Skin Problems to Watch Out For

The winter cold causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, reducing moisture and weakening the skin’s protective layer. This often manifests in dry, scaly skin (especially on the extremities), cracking, itching, redness, bumps, blisters, scaling, burning sensation, and chapped lips.

Winter cold may also lead to a resurfacing of dormant conditions and the occurrence of skin problems such as dry eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, fungal infections, lichen planus and dandruff – among other issues. These conditions worsen when Vata increases, and the skin’s hydration, lubrication, and immunity decline

Prevent Skin Dryness in Winter: The Ayurvedic Approach 

Ayurveda recommends a snigdha (moisturising), ushna (warm), and protective winter routine to counter Vata. The tips below are both preventive and curative – incorporate them into your winter lifestyle to sail through this harsh season in wellness.

Massage face and body using natural oils 

Sesame oil for Vata-dryness; coconut oil for Pitta sensitivity; and Kumkumadi Tailam for nourishment and brightening facial skin – are what Ayurveda underscores for the winter. Massaging in a little oil after a shower, too, forms a natural protective barrier. Apply ghee or Aloe to drier areas.

Pro tip: If you want to avoid using body oil after a shower, mix some oil into a large mugful of warm water, pour it over yourself after showering and dry off with a soft cotton towel. 

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Opt for quick lukewarm showers  

Limit to once a day using a moisturising herbal cleanser - ubtans of besan, Turmeric, and milk powder work well for the winter. Avoid long hot baths, over-scrubbing, and drying soaps. You might choose to end the day with a warm shower. Massage your body with warm sesame oil (abhangya) and take your shower about 30 minutes later – enhances circulation and helps moisturise and protect winter skin. 

Give up harsh soaps or face wash

Instead, use natural cleansers such as milk and Turmeric. Try a face pack of oatmeal and neem powder, or a Dashamoola decoction, to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. A besan, Turmeric and honey pack made with a bit of milk too is good for winter dullness.

Winter Ayurvedic facial care steps 

Use a gentle herbal cleanser to cleanse the face and neck; then apply a hydrating serum. Follow this up with a strong sunscreen – this is a must, even during winter, as UV rays are likely to be harsh in winter. (For the night routine, you might want to add a few drops of Kumkumadi Oil and leave out the sunscreen.)

Check out specific Ayurvedic remedies for winter skin care, but bear in mind that these must be matched to individual constitutions (prakriti), and are therefore best undertaken under a vaidya’s guidance.

• Herbs and formulations that may be consumed to reduce dryness, inflammation, and toxins in the system include Ghritam, Haridrakhandam, Khadirarishtam, Brahma Rasayanam, and Triphala. These should be taken as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor.

• Medicated oils, ghee, and herbal creams are recommended for external use to restore moisture and reduce itching. Time-tested legacy Ayurvedic brands are a good choice for medicated oils and ghee. Preventive routines focus on strengthening the skin barrier, calming Vata, detoxifying the system, and pacifying inflammatory responses.

• Practising Ayurvedic oil-pulling therapy helps prevent facial dryness and clears toxins from the oral cavity. This involves swishing warm sesame oil in the mouth before morning brushing and then spitting it out.

• Applying oil to the navel helps moisturise the abdomen and supports overall nourishment.

Best products for winter skincare

As per Ayurveda are chemical-free and natural, enriched with herbs, oils, and plant extracts. These nourish the skin instead of stripping moisture.

Products containing coconut oil, Aloe vera, sesame oil, Kumkumadi oil, and gentle natural emollients protect the barrier, prevent dryness, and soothe irritation.

Choosing formulations aligned with your skin type and dosha helps maintain healthy, glowing skin throughout winter.

More skincare tips for winter wellness

• Seal cracked heels with occlusive layers such as petroleum jelly or Ayurvedic formulations like Jatyadi Ghrit and Shatdhaut Ghrit.

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated, moisturise regularly, wear soft and breathable clothing, and follow gentle cleansing with mild steam.

• Avoid exposure to harsh winds by wearing protective layers when going outdoors.

• Use a humidifier if needed to restore moisture in dry indoor environments.

What to Do for Severe Dry Skin in Winter

Severe dryness indicates a deeper Vata imbalance. Here’s what Ayurveda recommends:

• In your diet, incorporate warm and nourishing foods such as soups, stews, ghee-rich meals, nuts, seeds, avocados, dates, and warm herbal teas.

• Avoid fasting, as it aggravates Vata and depletes body tissues.

• Stay well hydrated with warm water and herbal infusions. Ginger, cinnamon, and liquorice infusions are good winter beverages.

• Exercise moderately to improve circulation and avoid overexertion.

• Ensure restful sleep to support skin repair and overall recovery.

Remember, persistent eczema, psoriasis, or chronic dermatitis should be evaluated by an Ayurvedic physician for tailored treatment and Panchakarma if required.Align with Ayurvedic principles, and keep the glow through winter!

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TESTIMONIAL
Neha Sharma, school teacher, 47, Delhi
“We’re having the worst of it, this winter in Delhi! The mercury is dipping, and the air pollution is dangerous. Yes, my lungs are taking a beating, but so is my skin – thanks to the cold and pollution, my skin feels dull, dry, and irritated.

“A few weeks ago, I decided to try Kumkumadi Oil for my morning and evening routine. My aunt had recommended Maharishi Ayurveda Kumkumadi Oil, and I decided to give it a try. I was surprised at how little oil I needed to use and how smoothly it was absorbed into my skin. I love its gentle scent as well. It’s been about six weeks, and I can honestly feel the difference.

“I was so kicked, that I decided to switch completely to Ayurveda – using milk, besan and Turmeric instead of my usual face wash and toner. Along with the Kumkumadi Oil, I know my skin’s thanking me – it looks brighter, feels supple and is definitely healthier despite the harsh winter.”