1. Daily Abhyanga (Oil Massage) - Use warm sesame or almond oil to massage your body for 5–10 minutes before bathing. - This practice nourishes tissues, seals in moisture, and calms Vata dosha, which is often aggravated in dry conditions.
2. Aloe Vera Gel - Apply fresh aloe vera gel or a pure store-bought version to soothe and hydrate dry patches. - It’s cooling and helps retain moisture.
3. Avoid Hot Water - Use lukewarm water for bathing and keep showers under 10 minutes. - Hot water strips natural oils and worsens dryness.
4. Dietary Support - Include ghee, sesame seeds, and warm soups in your diet to nourish your skin from within. - Drink warm water and herbal teas like cinnamon or ginger to support circulation and hydration.
Massage your body with sesame oil during winter season and coconut oil during summer season and take warm water bath Include cow’s ghee 2-4tsp in your diet daily Include seeds like sesame seeds, walnuts flaxseed almonds, in your diet, Include avacado in your diet.
Dear Ruxanna,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concern dryness of skin, especially after moving to a dry climate often happens when the bodies internal moisture balances disturbed at year eight. The body tends to produce less natural oil and dryness can increase when there is less humidity in the air.
To nourish your skin from within, start your day with a teaspoon of water ghee or sesame oil on an empty stomach, followed by a glass of warm water, this helps lubricate tissues and improves internal hydration You may take Neem capsules-one capsule twice daily after food Khadira aristha-15, MM mixed with equal water after lunch and dinner Chywanprash-1 teaspoon every morning If dryness is severe, then apply Kumkumadi tailam or Nalpamaradi taila -before bathing
Include foods that are warm, soft and slightly oily, such as cooked vegetables, soups, porridge, rice ghee sesame seeds, almonds, and ripe fruits Avoid very dry, spicy and cold foods as well as tea or coffee with delicate moisture
Drink warm water throughout the day and avoid skipping meals. Try to sleep early and get enough rest gentle oil massage three times a week will deeply nourish the skin and also help calm the mind, especially since Astama can version with stress.
With regular care and patience, your skin will gradually gain its soft Ness and comfort
Hello ruxanna Do not worry Start on Neemghan vati 1-0-1 Kaishore guggulu 1-0-1 Mahamanjistadi aristha 15-0-15 ml with water after meals Drink plenty of fluids Whole body massage with warm coconut oil or sesame oil
Dry skin issues can often be linked to Vata dosha imbalance, especially when the air is dry, as you mentioned after moving to a new city. Let’s address this by stabilizing Vata and nurturing your skin with moisturizing and nourishing therapies. First, integrating a daily Abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame oil can be quite beneficial. Sesame oil is grounding and has warming properties that counterbalance the dryness Mother Nature is throwing at you. Do this in the morning before your shower, and let it sit for about 15 minutes to sink in.
Consider dietary changes as well. Favor warm, cooked foods, drizzled with ghee, which supports skin health from the inside. Avoid foods that are excessively dry, cold, or raw, such as crackers, salads, and iced beverages, as they can exacerbate Vata imbalance. Incorporate hydrating foods like soups, stews, and plenty of water, but avoid drinking large amounts at once—sip throughout the day.
Hydration is of utmost importance, so herbal teas such as Chamomile or Licorice can be soothing coupled with your daily water intake. Ashwagandha, famous for its Vata pacifying properties, can be consumed in powder form mixed with warm milk, preferably in the evening.
For topical treatment, incorporate natural moisturizers like almond or coconut oil for your face and body post-shower, while the skin is still damp to seal in moisture. An occasional face mask of blended avocado and honey can provide additional soothing hydration.
Lastly, consider conducting a simple stress relief routine, perhaps mediation or mild yoga. Stress can flare Vata and hence contribute to dryness. Regular exercise can help balance doshas as it increases circulation throughout the body. If after making these adjustments your symptoms persist or worsen, I recommend consulting with a health professional to explore underlying conditions like hypothyroidism or dermatitis.
HELLO RUXANNA,
Dry skin means your skin lacks enough natural oil and moisture In Ayurveda, this is known as Ruksha twak, and it happens mainly due to aggravation of Vata dosha
Vata is responsible for all movement, dryness, and lightness in the body When Vata increases (due to cold weather, dry air, lack of oil ,stress, or improper food habits), it reduces the natural moisture and hydration of skin
THIS LEADS TO -rough, flaky, or scaly skin -tightness or itching -dull complexion -early wrinkling -cracks on heels, lips or elbows
If not managed early, this dryness can spread internally affecting joints (causing stiffness), colom (constipation), or even nerves (fatigue, dryness in body tissues)
CAUSES -vata aggravating diet- dry, cold, light food -excessive exposure to wind/cold -lack of oil in food -overuse of soaps, hot water -excess fasting/ skipping meas -stress, anxiety, lack of sleep
TREATMENT GOALS -pacify vata -internal and external oleation -rejuvenation -blood purification -avoid causes
INTERNAL TREATMENT
1) CHYAWANPRASHA= 1 tsp morning in milk for 3 month =improves skin texture, and immunity
2) MAHATIKTAKA GHRITA= 1 tsp at bedtime with warm milk for 2 months =internal oleation, nourishes tissues
3) MANJISTHA CAPSULE= 500mg cap twice daily after meals for 2 months =blood purifier, enhances complexion
4) ASHWAGANDHA + SHATAVARI CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime for 3 months =balances vata, strengthen body, restores hydration and hormonal balance
EXTERNAL TREATMENTS
1) OIL MASSAGE with Ksheerbala taila/ sesame oil -warm oil massage before bath 30 min =balances vata, softens skin, improves circulation
2) KUMKUMADI TAILA= night facial oil =brightens and nourishes facial skin
3) ALOE VERA GEL + COCONUT OIL= daily moisturizer =soothing hydration
4) OATMEAL OR MILK BATH= once a week =reduces roughness, adds moisturise
LIFESTYLE
DO’S -regular oil massage before bathing -keep body warm or covered in wind -maintain regular sleep schedule -practice stress management -use cotton, soft clothes
DON’TS -bathing with hot water -exposure to cold/dry winds -night awakening or overexertion -mental stress or anxiety -synthetic fabrics that irritate skin
DIET -warm, moist, oily foods -milk, ghee, butter sesame oil -moong dal soups, rice gruel, khichdi - cooked vegetables - carrots, pumpkin, beets, spinach -sweet fruits- banana, mango, papaya, dates
AVOID -dry snacks- chips, popcorn, biscuits -excess spicy, bitter or salty foods -cold drinks, ice cream -caffeine, alcohol, smoking
HYDRATION= drink warm water or herbal teas- ginger, fennel, licorice
EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDIES
1) MILK AND HONEY MASK -mix 1 tbsp milk + 1 tsp honey -apply on face/body for 20 min-> rinse -deep moisturization and glow
2) ALOE VERA + GHEE MIX -1 tsp aloe vera gel + 1/2 tsp ghee -apply on dry areas at night
3) OATMEAL BATH -add 1 cup finely powdered oats to lukewarm bath water -soak for 15-20 min, relieves itching and dryness
4) BANANA + MILK PASTE -mash banana + add milk-> apply on skin -natural moisturises rich in potassium
DURATION OF TREATMENT -MILD DRYNESS= 4-6 weeks with regular oiling and diet correction -CHRONIC CASES= 3-6 months with internal and external ayurvedic therapy
-Dry skin is not just a cosmetic issue- it’s a sign of internal vata imbalance -treat it from inside and outside - only moisturises will not cure the root cause
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Hello Ruxanna I can understand your concern regarding dryness of skin. Dryness of the skin (Rukshata) at your age is a very common concern, especially when shifting to a region with dry or cold weather. But dont worry we are here to help you out😊
✅AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT
1 Sukumaram Kashayam – 20 ml with equal water twice daily after food. (Pacifies Vata and Pitta, supports skin and digestion, and helps maintain moisture balance from within.)
2 Khadirarishta – 20 ml with equal water after lunch and dinner. ( Purifies blood, maintains healthy skin texture, and supports liver function.)
3. Gandhak Rasayana – 1 tablet twice daily after food with warm milk or ghee. ( Deep skin detoxifier and natural moisturizer from within.)
✅EXTERNAL CARE (For Daily Use)
👉Abhyanga (Oil Massage) – The Golden Remedy for Dry Skin Use Ksheerabala Taila, Dhanwantaram Taila, or Sesame (Til) Oil slightly warmed.
Massage gently over the entire body, including hands, legs, and feet, for 10–15 minutes before bath.
Wait 15–20 minutes, then take a lukewarm water bath.
Avoid using harsh soaps — use herbal body ubtan (made from moong dal flour, sandalwood, and rose water).
Do this at least 3 times per week, ideally daily during dry weather.
👉For Facial Care
Mix Aloe vera gel (fresh) + almond oil (2 drops) + rose water (few drops) → apply daily before bedtime.
Alternatively, apply Kumkumadi Taila at night on face and wash off in morning.
Use a mild, non-foaming herbal face wash or just milk to cleanse your face.
👉For Bathing
Add a few drops of coconut oil or olive oil to your bath water.
Use Oatmeal, chickpea flour (besan), or sandalwood powder as natural cleansers instead of soaps.
✅DIET MODIFIACTION
Include
-1 tsp cow ghee or sesame oil in each meal to nourish the skin from within. -Warm milk with a pinch of turmeric or ashwagandha at night. -Moisture-rich foods – soups, stews, khichadi, cooked vegetables, moong dal, and porridge. -Seasonal fruits like papaya, guava, banana, pomegranate, and soaked raisins. -Drink warm water or jeera-coriander-fennel water throughout the day (avoid chilled water).
❌Avoid
Excess tea, coffee, and aerated drinks – they increase dryness. Dry snacks (like biscuits, chips, puffed rice) and spicy food. Fasting for long hours or skipping meals, which aggravates Vata
✅LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION
Keep indoor humidifier or a bowl of water near heater to maintain room moisture.
Avoid long, hot showers — use lukewarm water instead.
Do light yoga and pranayama daily to enhance circulation and balance Vata.
Anulom Vilom and Bhramari pranayama are particularly good for both skin and asthma.
Ensure 7–8 hours of sound sleep and try to follow a fixed routine.
Wear cotton clothes and avoid direct exposure to cold wind after oil massage.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
