According to Ayurveda, the human body is governed by three doshas¹ –Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is composed of air (vayu) and ether (akasha) elements and plays a crucial role in maintaining one’s skin health.  
When Vata is imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms like:   
Dryness (Roukshya) 
Roughness (Kharatva) 
Flakiness (Sfutana).  
Vata-predominant skin diseases, known as “Vataja Tvak Roga²,” often manifest as dry skin. Therefore, it is essential to balance Vata through lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and nourishing oil massages to alleviate dry skin issues. 
External Triggers for Skin Dryness 
Some of the factors are beyond our control like the weather! As per the ancient science of Ayurveda, cold weather and relentless sun exposure can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and flakiness.  
But does switching a ton of moisturizing agents or an entire layer of sunscreen help? Only if you are aware of what goes into it because the use of harsh chemical-based skincare products can further aggravate dry skin conditions. Harsh skincare products with sulfates, parabens, and artificial additives can worsen dryness. Be mindful when choosing soaps, face washes, sunscreens, and moisturizers. 
Other culprits include overbathing, prolonged air conditioning exposure, and environmental pollution; all of these can strip your skin of moisture and lead to dryness. 
Choose gentle, nourishing skincare and adopt practices and natural remedies for dry skin that protect it from these external stressors for a healthy, radiant glow! 
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Skin Health 
Have you ever noticed how someone raised on hearty bowls of chicken noodle soup or warm oatmeal, or mashed potatoes always seems to crave them when they’re under the weather? These foods seem to relieve them of their craving and make them feel better instantly! That’s because their body has grown accustomed to satmya– a concept in Ayurveda that highlights how foods you’ve grown up eating, like a homemade grilled sandwich or a bowl of chili, are best suited to support your well-being. This is because these foods align with your body constitution and preferences. These familiar and nourishing foods are not just comfort foods but also personal healing staples. 
Ayurveda emphasizes balance and warmth in both diet and lifestyle. Consuming foods that aggravate Vata dosha, such as dry (rooksha) and cold foods (sheetha), processed snacks, and caffeine, can worsen dryness. Instead, try to incorporate warm, nourishing foods like ghee, almonds, and sesame seeds that can help oleate the skin from within.