Avoid exposing skin to harsh winter elements such as freezing temperatures and drying cold winds.

Dress warmly, in layers, and wear a hat, scarf and gloves when you go out in cold weather. Wear a natural lip balm to protect your lips. A light layer of ghee (clarified butter) can also work as natural lip protection.

2. Protect facial skin from both cold winds and drying air from heaters with a rich natural moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer at least twice a day, once after your cleansing routine in the morning and again before you go to bed. Always apply moisturizer on clean skin. Your hands can also benefit from the application of the moisturizer.

3. Three or four times a week, offer dry facial and body skin additional lipid support with a replenishing oil. Choose a nourishing base oil such as almond. Apply to skin damp from the bath or shower to seal in hydration. Test first to make sure you are not sensitive to the essential oil you choose before you apply it on a regular basis.

4. The pre-bath warm oil self-massage is a must-do in winter. The massage not only keeps your skin silky smooth, it also tones the muscles, calms the nerves and aids circulation. Pat excess oil off with a paper towel before you step into the bath or shower. Use a nourishing oil such as almond or sesame oil for the massage.

5. The skin on your feet tends to dry and crack more in winter. Treat your feet to a relaxing soak at night, three times a week. After the soak, rub in an herbal lotion, some shea butter or some almond oil on your feet. This ritual will not only keep your feet looking good, it will also help you ease into sleep.

6. Do not bathe or shower in very hot water. Warm water is much gentler on your skin. Do not bathe more than once a day if your skin is very dry.

7. Do not use harsh soaps to cleanse, as they will strip your skin of precious lipids. Use a non-soap cleanser or very mild soap to cleanse.

8. Give your skin lipid support from within by including soaked and blanched almonds, soaked walnuts, whole milk, fresh cheese, and ghee (clarified butter) in your diet. Drink a cup of warm milk laced with 1/4 teaspoon ghee at bedtime for a daily boost of lipid support.

9. Eat fruits and vegetables high in water content at every meal. Summer squashes, tender asparagus, tender greens, and carrots make excellent vegetable choices. Sweet juicy berries, cooked apples and sweet grapes are good fruit choices. Drink lots of warm water through the day.

10. The Amla fruit (Gooseberry) is the richest known natural source of vitamin C. Herbs such as Amla provide concentrated nourishment to the deeper layers of the skin. Take Amla, also known as Amalaki, on a regular basis to replenish skin from within.

Remember that a holistic approach will yield the best results. Try and incorporate as many of the above suggestions as you can to keep Vata dosha in balance and your skin looking smooth, soft and beautiful through the dry winter months.

Note: This material is educational, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.