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The Ayurvedic Approach To Seasonal Change
Whilst the temperatures take a dip, the days get shorter and the air becomes drier, a change in season makes its mark. These changes can be seen in the environment around us, with the leaves getting tinted with brown and animals hibernating in their cozy spaces. Humans being a part of this ecological system, too need to incorporate changes in their lifestyle, according to a change in the season.
Read on as we decode transitional skincare tips and foods that are good and comforting for you during these months.
Does your skin change with the seasons?
The principles of Ayurveda pay specific attention to annual cyclical self-care, that shifts with a change in the season, to allow for optimal adaptation to the environment. The dominant Dosha during this season is the Vata Dosha, as it is associated with a windy and dry weather. These external changes in the environment, increase the Vata Dosha in our internal environment, which leads to restlessness, dry skin and insomnia. Hence, it becomes essential to hit the restart button.
Importance of Seasonal Change in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the transitional period between seasons is known as Ritu-Sandhi. The primary ancient root text of Ayurveda, Ashtanga Hridayam says that “during this period, the regimen of the preceding season should be discontinued gradually and that of the succeeding season should be gradually adopted; sudden discontinuance or sudden adoption gives rise to imbalances caused by Asatmya (non-habituation).” Taking this into consideration, here’s a seasonal guide for autumn with diet, lifestyle and skincare guidelines that can be easily adapted.
Skincare Guidelines for The Autumn Season, As Per the Principles of Ayurveda:
- Incorporate hydrating gels as a part of your skincare regime, as they lend an instant boost of hydration during the change of season. May we suggest the Forest Essentials Pure Aloe vera Facial Gel to soothe, heal and hydrate the skin.
- Gradually replace light moisturizers with more nourishing ones, like the Forest Essentials Soundarya Radiance Cream, the best Ayurvedic face cream, most loved for its rich yet light texture.
- Practice Abhyanga massage, daily before showering. As the weather cools, this ritual helps the skin to retain moisture, even in colder temperatures. We suggest selecting your favorite variant from the Forest Essentials Body Massage Oils– Relaxing Chandan & Camphor, Energizing Khubani & Ginger, Harmonizing Desi Gulab & Oudh and Sensuous Motia & Loban. These different massage oils can be easily explored to adjust the body to the coming winter months, by warming it with a massage. Cold-pressed oils are best to start with.
- Ayurvedic Dry Massage with natural powders like sandalwood powder is beneficial as it soothes and tones the skin. To balance your Dosha, the principle of Ayurveda suggests bathing with warm water with few drops of floral fragrances like Rose, Lavender or Jasmine essential oil. Bathing with water exposed to the moon is also beneficial, as the water soaks its rays and eventually, lends its boons to the skin.
- Cooling herbs and ingredients like Sandalwood, Aloe Vera, Lavender are ideal for use, during this time of year.
- Wearing gemstones like natural Pearls could lend a soothing effect from the aggravated heat element of Pitta.
Is cold weather better for your skin?
Each season has its own boons and banes. This time of the year is ideal to rejuvenate and repair your skin, by correcting any damage the season of summer may have caused, with the unforgiving rays of the sun, and preparing your skin for the winter season. While lighter creams and masks might have done the job previously, getting the hydration your skin needs is even more important when the weather cools down.
How long does it take the skin to adjust to new products?
If the product has been recommended for your skin type, you will notice visible results with regular usage. The key is to use them as suggested – daily, weekly, nightly or one to two times a month.
Ayurvedic Foods for Autumn
What is the ideal diet for the skin, during this weather?
- During this transition, listen to the body’s cues – appetites tend to increase as the weather cools, and a desire for cold and light foods naturally decreases.  Sleep may set in a little earlier and the body may need a few more minutes in the morning to wake up. We suggest having a warm beverage, first thing in the morning, to give a fresh start to the day. Switch to a tea-like Holy Basil or Tulsi with rose – this is a Pitta reducing tea that will cleanse summer’s heat buildup.
- Take advantage of slightly cooler days to soak in some mid-morning sunshine. Start your day early by adjusting the bedtime, to an hour early.
- Cow’s Ghee processed with bitter herbs is good to take in this weather.
- Food like Rice, green Gram, Amla and Honey soothes the body from within and are also good for the skin, in these months.
Follow these easy tips and tricks for glowing skin, and incorporate these ingredients in your diet to keep Vata settled. Have a wonderful fall season ahead!
