The autumn is back! Wind and rain, together with the drop of temperature are the natural signs of the change of the seasons. In these seasonal changes, our skin, the outside custodian of our health and beauty, needs more care and protection. The question is ‘how’?
Only by knowing our skin’s physiology, chemistry and biology we can gently support and complement its autumnal change with internal and external actions.
As you know, the autumn is a transitional time for the body (from the busy summer activities to the winter rest) and consequently the skin is involved in this transition, as it mirrors what is going on inside. The different environmental conditions influence both metabolisms.
By observing Nature closely we can better understand what the autumnal changes are.
Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the scenery of the Lake District, and what struck me most were the natural variations of colours- from rust to orange, from light brown to burgundy, from intense yellow to ochre- this magic has enchanted my heart and I have been full of gratitude for our planet.
Something very interesting I have noticed is that the autumnal colours are in the lower part of the iris’ spectrum, representing a movement towards a reduction of the frequency and the ‘resting’ of the light, in line with the change towards the contraction and introspection of the winter season.
It is the time where Nature retracts the energy from outside, pushing the roots back into the soil, in preparation for the coming cold.
From a psychological point of view, we are tempted to ‘be’ rather than to ‘do’.
All this modification within nature will reflect on our bodies and on our skin: the internal fluids slow down and the blood circulation withdraws from the external layers and focuses on better supplying the inner organs. For these reasons the skin becomes paler and colder and will be less oxygenated, flaking easily, as it contains less fat on its hydrolipidic layer (epidermis).
Because of the extreme elements and all other environmental and metabolic changes, the skin becomes arid and dry. Other factors will make it worse such as pollution and central heating. People are affected both at home and in the workplace: with central heating in particular, the dry air it produces damages the respiratory tract and dries the skin, dehydrating it and speeding up the ageing process. Central heating also speeds up the loss of water through the skin, increasing the natural evaporation (called in a medical Latin word “perspiration insensibilis”) to compensate the external heat. In a normal situation we lose 700 ml of our internal water daily, but the central heating will increase this amount.
So what can we do to help the skin during this season?
Inner hydration: in summer we need cold drinks to cool down our system, but in winter it is the opposite: we should drink warming herbal teas and tisanes (i.e. cinnamon, ginger, clover, pepper, vanilla), teas from seasonal berries (bilberry, rosehip, cranberries, etc.) which are rich in vitamin C and anti- oxidants, and vegetable soups, or simply honey with lemon and hot water.
An old-fashioned, comforting and therapeutic recipe I give to all my patients is to add to half a litre of cold water a dried apricot, fig or date, the skin of an un-waxed organic lemon, an organic apple split in four parts (leave the seeds in), a clove bud, half a stick of cinnamon, and a slice of ginger. Cover, bring to the boil and then allow to steep for 15 minutes, then strain and drink, adding a bit of honey if required.
External (environmental) hydration: to prevent the environment (house or workplace) from becoming too dry, use a humidifier or place a bowl of water on the radiators. A few drops of organic, balsamic essential oil (i.e. eucalyptus) can be added to the water to decongest the respiratory tract.
Inner support: supplements that increase the cellular metabolism (like algae), antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and Omega 3 and 6 EFA (Essential Fatty Acids found in flax or hemp seed oil).
Specific skin hydration: a more intense and protective skincare regime. Use oil-based products that help rebuild the external protective skin layer and reduce evaporation through the skin thus improve its dryness.
My suggestion is the INLIGHT TRIO (Organic Inlight Face Cleanser, Organic Inlight Floral Face Tonic and Organic Inlight Line Softener).
The Inlight Cleanser contains organic coconut oil, shea butter, evening primrose oil: these are all super-nutrients, rich in Vitamin E and EFA, a powerful super food for dry and damaged skin. It also contains organic green tea extract and lemon peel extract (dermo-purifiyng, antioxidant), rosemary and ginger extracts (stimulating the dermal circulation and the detoxing action), and cypress to tone the skin. Use it before going to bed- massage a small amount into the face, leave it on for a few minutes before removing for best results.
The Inlight Floral Face Tonic is a combination of the purest organic floral waters- rose and cornflower (astringents), roman chamomile (anti-inflammatory), lavender (cytophilactic, stimulating the cell regeneration). Soak an organic cotton pad or muslin, and gently wipe off the Cleanser.
The Inlight Line Softener is a winner: with jojoba and macadamia oil plus the shea butter and evening primrose oil it will moisturise even the driest skin, whatever the age and the weather! It also contains calendula and plantain extracts to help the skin’s healing process, horsetail and gotu kola extracts to support the elastin production and lemon, carrot and bilberry extracts to supply powerful antioxidants. Apply a tiny amount morning and evening, massaging gently onto your lines until absorbed.
The skin will be moisturised, hydrated, radiant and happy and you will be ready to “face” winter every day without any fear!
Happy winter to you all.
Dr Mariano Spiezia