Seasonal Shifts: Skincare For Fall
To live in harmony with nature is to understand that we are not removed from it, but a part of it. We are a part of the natural world as much as the pigeon going after bread crumbs and the bee buzzing over your head.
The four seasonal shifts that occur throughout the year, the equinoxes and solstices, are potent times to reflect on the changes that have shifted within you in the last season and how you want to move forward.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we move into the Fall Equinox on September 23rd. This is a time to recognize the fruits of our labor; to see the harvest of the seeds we have planted; to feel the cycle of life as we move closer to winter.
At Wild Carrot Herbals, embracing the seasons is an integral part of our brand. Herbalism, embracing our plant allies, is at the core of our product creation and helps guide us in understanding how our skincare can be adapted to respond to seasonal shifts.
As the air tends to lose humidity in the autumn months, you may notice your skin becoming drier. Wellness regimens and understanding what works for your skin are important, as is the notion of intuitive skincare. Much like intuitive eating, this practice asks you to pay attention to your skin’s needs, and change your routine accordingly. This is especially important when the weather shifts from hot to cool, and back again.
Long days spent in the sun and time in salty or chlorinated water can also have drying and damaging effects on the skin. As we move out of summer, we're given the opportunity to provide nourishment to the beautiful home that houses our soul.
Although our products are beautiful year round, some of them are particularly lovely to nourish your skin with during the fall. Let’s take a look at some of the most delicious products to lavish yourself with in the coming season:
Thinking of cardamom, I get flashbacks to being in spice shops in Northern India, Morocco and Cairo, taking in the warming, mysterious smell of this rich spice. Its high content of Vitamin C, antioxidants and manganese, make this the perfect cleanser to restore and revitalize skin after the long days of summer.
The sensual and luxurious scent of saffron and vetiver invoke cozy, nesting autumnal feelings as this luscious cream is smoothed on, preferably while you're wearing your fuzziest robe. With its high concentration of beta carotene, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, saffron's goodness easily penetrates the skin bringing deep nourishment and allowing your sun-kissed glow to radiate throughout the winter. Working harmoniously with sultry saffron is sea buckthorn oil, another key ingredient in this cream. Sea buckthorn oil's numerous nutritive properties make this cream a powerful anti-inflammatory, perfect for skin that’s been aggravated by seasonal shifts.
Moving into sniffle season, this is the time of year when my ginger intake starts to increase exponentially. While this spicy root is packed with medicinal benefits, when applied topically, it’s just as powerful. Its warming and stimulating nature improves circulation and can even help ease nerve pain and neuralgia. Formulated with organic shea butter, cocoa butter and sea buckthorn seed oil, this cream penetrates easily through the skin providing deep moisturizing. Slather up!
Other self care tips for autumn:
- Load up on root veggies! This is a time to get grounded with produce plucked straight from the earth. Some of my favorites this time of year are beet salads with seasonal greens, roasted squash, and root veggie stews. Many of the ingredients used in the products featured are also incredibly powerful when ingested. Stews are the perfect opportunity to experiment with spices and herbs like ginger, cardamom, and saffron.
- Tea time! A vital part of our skin’s (and overall) health is how hydrated we are. Try bulk herbs and goodies and make your own concoctions at home. I like to stock up on dandelion root, hibiscus flowers, clover, rose hips, and medicinal mushrooms like reishi and chaga.
- Savor the sunlight. While it may be cooling down, it is still essential to our well being and beauty to spend as much time outdoors as we can. As the days become shorter and our activities move indoors, make time for sunset walks, weekend hikes and little moments to bask in the fall sun.