Hemanta Ritu Skin Care: What Ayurveda Suggests for Dry, Cold-Weather Skin
Dr Rucha Mehendale PaiBy Dr Rucha Mehendale Pai, BAMS — Ayurvedic Physician & Nadi Parikshan Expert
Key takeaways
- Hemanta ritu is the early winter season in Ayurveda, known for cold, dry air that can leave skin feeling tight.
- Classical texts recommend warmth, nourishing food, sun exposure and oil massage for this season.
- Very hot water and harsh soaps can add to dryness, so gentler habits help.
- A consistent, simple routine matters more than a long list of products.
Every year around this time, a familiar thing happens. The first week of cool mornings arrives, and suddenly the cheeks feel tight after a bath, the heels begin to crack and the lips feel rough. Our grandmothers did not need a skincare chart. They had a season-wise routine, and many of those habits are described in the classical texts under a single word: ritucharya. Let us see what Hemanta ritu, the early winter, suggests for our skin.
What is Hemanta ritu, and what does it do to skin?
Ayurveda divides the year into six seasons. Hemanta follows autumn and brings crisp, cold and dry air. In the classical view, cold and dry qualities can increase Vata, which is associated with dryness, roughness and lightness. On the skin, many people notice flaking, tightness and a dull look. This is a traditional description of the seasonal pattern, and individual skin differs.
What do the classical texts recommend for this season?
In the section on seasonal regimen, the Ashtanga Hridaya and Charaka Samhita describe winter as a time of strong digestion and good capacity for nourishment. They suggest warm, unctuous and nourishing food, oil massage (abhyanga), exposure to morning sun, warm clothing and avoiding cold wind. Notice that the focus is on the whole routine, not only what we apply on the face.
What the classical texts say: The Ashtanga Hridaya (Sutrasthana, Ritucharya chapter) and the Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana) describe the Hemanta regimen: oil massage, warm nourishing food, sun and warmth. These passages describe traditional concepts, not modern medical claims.
Which winter skin habits are worth following?
Lukewarm water, not scalding. A long, very hot bath feels lovely in winter but can strip the skin of its natural oils. Lukewarm water is gentler, and shorter baths help.
Moisturise on slightly damp skin. Apply your oil or ghee-based moisturiser within a few minutes of bathing, when the skin still holds some water.
Be gentle with cleansing. Harsh soaps and strong scrubs can add to dryness. Choose mild options and wash only as often as needed.
Eat and drink with the season. Warm water, soups, a little ghee in your meals and seasonal fruit support the inside of the routine, which Ayurveda considers just as important as the outside.
Get the morning sun. A short time in the early sun is a pleasant habit that the texts specifically mention for winter.
Why is ghee used in winter skin care?
Ghee, or ghrita, is described in Ayurveda as a soft, nourishing substance. Shatadhauta ghrita is a classical preparation in which ghee is washed a hundred times in water, which is traditionally done to make it light and smooth on the skin. It is used in traditional practice as a gentle emollient for dry areas. As with anything new, patch test first and observe how your skin feels.
Where does Navtej Shatadhauta Ghrita fit?
If you would like a ready-made option, Dr Rucha's Navtej offers Navtej Shatadhauta Ghrita (45 g), prepared in the classical hundred-wash tradition. It can be used on dry patches as part of a simple winter routine. Please read the label and product page, and use it as advised by your physician.
Navtej Shatadhauta Ghrita — Dr Rucha's Navtej
Ghee washed 100 times, classical method | 45 g | ₹500
Shop Shatadhauta Ghrita →When should you see a doctor instead?
Please see a doctor or dermatologist if your skin is cracked and bleeding, intensely itchy, red, swollen, weepy, or if dryness comes with new rashes that do not settle. Persistent patches also deserve a proper evaluation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a long-term skin condition or take regular medication, check with your physician before using a new product. Never stop prescribed treatment on your own. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
References
- Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana (Ritucharya)
- Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana (Tasyashitiya, seasonal regimen)
These references describe traditional Ayurvedic concepts and are not statements of medical fact.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is Hemanta ritu?
It is the early winter season in the Ayurvedic calendar, marked by cold, dry air and strong digestion.
2. Will a ghee-based product fix dry skin instantly?
No. Skin care works through a steady routine. No product gives instant results, and individual skin differs.
3. How often can I apply Shatadhauta Ghrita?
Many people use a small amount on dry areas once or twice a day, but it depends on your skin. Follow your physician's advice.
4. Who should consult a doctor before use?
Anyone with a long-term skin condition, allergies, pregnancy, or those who are breastfeeding should check first and always patch test.
5. Does Navtej Shatadhauta Ghrita treat or cure eczema or skin disease?
No. It is a traditional ghee-based skin care preparation and does not treat or cure any skin condition.
For a routine that suits your skin type, Book Your Consultation with Dr Rucha.
About the author: Dr Rucha Mehendale Pai, BAMS, is an Ayurvedic physician and Nadi Parikshan expert who writes simple, doctor-led guides for families.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ayurvedic products should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Do not stop any prescribed medication. Individual results may vary.