Autumn Skincare
- Jeannine Love
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
As we transition from the warmer season of summer to the cooler season of fall, we need to take extra care of our skin. Fall is the beginning of Vata season in Ayurveda; and Vata’s qualities are dry, light, cold and rough, so you may notice your skin taking on these qualities. As the weather gets colder, the body draws blood from the limbs into your core to protect the internal organs. This can cause the skin to look pale and become dry. So, you'll need to step up your skincare routine in Autumn.
Autumn Skincare
Hydration
Stay hydrated - preferably with warm water. When you drink warm water, you improve circulation in the gut for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, which improves circulation of the blood to the skin. If this concept is new to you, start with room temperature water and work up to warm water. You can also add slices of lemon or lime to the water.
Exfoliation
Weekly exfoliation of the skin can help prevent dry, dull skin. Exfoliation unclogs your follicles and pores, allowing oils to better penetrate your skin. Go here for exfoliation recipes. These recipes are for exfoliation of the face, but you can double or triple the recipe and use it for your limbs too. To use your scrub, step into the shower and wet your body. Step back away from the water and gently apply the scrub to your skin in circular strokes. Then rinse off and apply an oil to your skin.
Oil Massage
If your skin is very dry and rough, oil is a better choice for your skin than moisturizers. Moisturizers are good for the top layer of the skin, but oil penetrates the skin. After your shower, while your pores are open, massage oil into your skin. Choose one or more oils listed below based on your skin type(s); if you have a combination of skin types, you can mix the oils.
Vata Skin can be dry, thin, delicate, and cold. It also ages faster. Use warming, heavy oils like sesame oil or olive oil.
Pitta Skin is prone to discoloration, freckles, and pimples. It can also be sensitive to the sun and prone to rashes, eruptions or hyperpigmentation from prolonged sun exposure. Try cooling coconut oil, almond oil, or neem oil.
Kapha Skin is thick and creamy, and ages slower. But it can be prone to dullness, coldness, excess oiliness, or congestion and poor circulation. Try lighter oils such as jojoba, grapeseed, or argan. Mustard seed oil is warming and stimulating and can reduce congestion, but blend it with a lighter oil.
Be sure to purchase only pure oils, also called, cold-pressed oils. If using coconut oil, try fractionated coconut oil because it's a liquid and will blend with the other oils. You may want to pour the oil into a small, dark bottle and keep it in your vanity for easy use. Bottles with a pump or dropper work well.
You could also practice Abhyanga with warm oil. Abhi means “glow” in Sanskrit and anga means “limb”. Adding Abhyanga to your routine will help greatly with skin dryness and roughness, as well as increase circulation to the extremities.
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