With autumn upon us and winter not far behind, this is a time when the natural world of plants and animals slows down and hibernate. And so must we. It is the time to put the brakes on constant busyness and attend to ourselves – it is time to rest and repair.
As the year draws to a close, our skin care routines demand a change of perspective, just as our diet and clothing adapt to the colder months.
Bathing and Cleansing:
Whatever the time of year, bathing is essential, not only as a matter of hygiene but also to instil the body with renewed energy and positivity. Water is a wonderful medium for stimulating a tired body and relaxing the mind.
In the eastern Vedantic spiritual philosophy, a daily shower is regarded as cleansing negative energies and bringing clarity to the mind. In the Bible, bathing is symbolic of spiritual purification. In Roman times, hot spring baths were considered sacred spaces, a gift from the gods.
Regardless of our beliefs, taking a bath or shower with positive intentions can set the tone for the day.
Gentle bath products with an uplifting aroma as well as with hydrating and nourishing qualities can be customised to our own needs.
Ingredients for cleansing negativity include sage, salt, patchouli, frankincense, orange and cinnamon.
Uplifting fragrances include lemon and peppermint, while valerian and chamomile would be calming.
Exfoliating
Scrub away the vestiges of summer excesses. Give a helping hand to nature by speeding the exfoliating process with some homemade scrubs. Exfoliation helps with lymphatic drainage and promotes circulation. Dead cells keep the skin looking dull so a good clean up can put the glow back in time for the holiday season.
A Dead Sea mask or any clay products can draw out impurities and toxins from the skin. Switch to hydrating, cleansing products that don’t draw out too much moisture. Protect the natural oils in the skin. Coffee granules can be utilised as a gentle bath scrub. Rubbing the body with a cheese cloth bag filled with ingredients like oats, bran, lemon or ground almonds is cleansing and nourishing.
Skin protection
It is paramount that the skin is hydrated and protected during the dry season.
Currently, synthetic skin care companies incorporate key trending ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (HA), squalane, and retinol in their products. The former two are ideal for hydrating in the harsh, cold months while retinol is a repairing ingredient. These are naturally occurring compounds in the body that break down over a period of time, so it is wise to substitute with these where necessary.
Squalane ranks high in the skincare ingredient list with its high moisturising properties keeping skin youthful and supple. Its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory features help counter skin damage, and it is also considered a detoxifier. It is said to benefit all skin types, including those affected by acne and eczema. When used consistently, it can boost the production of collagen.
Olive oil, the basis of all our soaps, is a great source of squalane. Other plant sources include rice bran, sugarcane, soyabean oil and grapeseed oil.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a lubricating compound found in skin, eyes and joints. It is anti-ageing, helping with fine lines and wrinkles as well as repairing skin and joint injuries. Foods that support the production of hyaluronic acid and delay its deterioration are bone broth, nuts and seeds, sweet potatoes, avocados and spinach.
HA can’t be extracted from plants but there are sustainably sourced plant extracts that come close to HA’s properties with their super hydrating emollients, to restore suppleness to our skins.
Rose is the closest natural ingredient a to hyaluronic acid, with its repairing, regenerating, anti-ageing, and hydrating properties. Aloe Vera is another hero plant.
Retinol is a potent Vitamin A synthetic derivative and like HA, it is not plant based. It helps with rapid skin cell regeneration; with collagen production making it an anti-ageing ingredient; and tightens pores for a firmer appearance. While red coloured foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots are natural sources of vitamin A, essential oils of rose, carrot, bakuchiol, avocado, sea buckthorn seed, and peach kernel are great alternatives for the skin.
Mature skin
Mature or ageing skins require additional input whatever the time of the year. A chronically dry skin looks dull, while loss of collagen and fat results in fine lines and wrinkles. Loose, crepey skin resulting from sun damage, weight loss or advancing age requires restoration with moisture-rich options. Olive oil and coconut oil, both used in our soaps, have excellent moisturising and softening properties. Rose oil based products do wonders for mature and ageing skins. Bathing with gentle soaps or products is crucial to prevent further deterioration.
Incorporate heating and warming oils in your winter regime – rosemary, clary sage, clove, thyme, ginger, and black pepper. Enjoy the moody vibes of autumn and winter with joyous smells of pine, frankincense, lavender, cinnamon, and vetiver. Slow down, connect with nature and with loved ones, for a peaceful and calm end to the year.
Mature skin
Mature or ageing skins require additional input whatever the time of the year. A chronically dry skin looks dull, while loss of collagen and fat results in fine lines and wrinkles. Loose, crepey skin resulting from sun damage, weight loss or advancing age requires restoration with moisture-rich options. Olive oil and coconut oil, both used in our soaps, have excellent moisturising and softening properties. Rose oil based products do wonders for mature and ageing skins. Bathing with gentle soaps or products is crucial to prevent further deterioration.
Incorporate heating and warming oils in your winter regime – rosemary, clary sage, clove, thyme, ginger, and black pepper. Enjoy the moody vibes of autumn and winter with joyous smells of pine, frankincense, lavender, cinnamon, and vetiver. Slow down, connect with nature and with loved ones, for a peaceful and calm end to the year.
