Ayurvedic Skincare for Autumn

Four Ayurvedic skincare tips to keep your skin nourished as the weather cools

By Rippan Sandhu, Co-founder and CEO, Ayurda Wellness

Has your skin suddenly started feeling a little dry, tight and flaky this month? Blame it on the changing season. While winter may be a month or two away, temperatures are already starting to drop and there is a slight nip in the air. These weather changes can begin to show on our skin if we do not adjust our skincare routine in time.

Ayurveda considers seasonal adjustments to our routine an important way to support skin and overall wellbeing. Listening to your body is often the first step in recognising that something needs to change. With that in mind, here are four of our favourite skincare tips to help you maintain your glow throughout autumn.

Keep your skin hydrated

Internal and external hydration may be key to achieving healthy-looking, glowing skin as the dry months approach. Drinking plenty of water may sound like a no-brainer, but honestly, how many of us actually drink enough? Summer is on its way out, but do not skimp on water if you want your skin to keep feeling refreshed.

External hydration is equally important. With the onset of autumn, consider switching from the light lotions you used in summer to a richer moisturiser. This can help protect your skin from cold, dry winds and keep it feeling soft, supple and nourished. If you would rather stick with your favourite moisturiser, try adjusting the amount you apply to suit your skin’s needs.

Eat good fats

Fat is not bad! In fact, certain fats are an important part of a balanced diet. Autumn is a Vata-dominant season according to Ayurveda, and it recommends nourishing foods to help balance Vata. Ghee, soaked almonds (which may be easier to digest than raw or roasted almonds), walnuts, avocado and coconut are all sources of nutrition, including good-quality fats and biotin, which support skin health.

If you ask us for a favourite, we’ll say ghee. The conventional notion that eating ghee will increase your cholesterol or make you gain weight is far from the truth. Ayurveda values ghee as a nourishing ingredient. Not sure how to enjoy it? Make a savoury rice porridge or traditional Indian khichdi and top it off with a little ghee, a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day.

Try an oil massage

There is nothing like a good old oil massage if you have been trying to restore your skin’s glow. Start by cleansing your face and neck with a hydrating cleanser like our Nourishing Cleanser with Hingot and Turmeric. Take a few drops of cold-pressed sesame or almond oil in your palm and gently massage it in with upward strokes. These oils are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores, and can help keep skin feeling hydrated. Oil massage can also help support your skin’s moisture barrier and promote circulation. Try incorporating this easy massage into your skincare routine twice a week, perhaps as a weekend treat before a shower.

Exfoliate gently

If there is one skincare ritual that does not get enough attention, it is exfoliation. While we are busy layering hydrating products on our skin, we can forget that skin sheds dead cells as part of its natural renewal process. A build-up of dead skin can leave your complexion looking dull, so take time once a week to exfoliate gently. We love this easy DIY scrub, made with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour or ground oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon yoghurt

Directions

1. Mix the ingredients into a thick paste.
2. Apply to your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then gently massage and rinse with water.

Shop the Autumn Skincare

Hydrating Face Pack Multani Mitti & Tulsi NZD $39.99 Shop Now

Nourishing Cleanser Hingot & Turmeric NZD $69.99 Shop Now

Rippan Sandhu

Co-founder & Brand Visionary, Ayurda

The architect of the Ayurda brand, co-creator of Australasia’s first authentic Ayurvedic skincare range, and founder of the award-winning Spa Ayurda, now part of Ayurda Wellness. A certified health coach with a long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of women and children.

Meet Rippan