Do you notice that when the seasons change, so does your skin?
My hubby is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor and has taught me so much about the mind and the body (especially the skin). In essence, TSC seeks to understand and facilitate harmony in human life. It's a very simple principle, any system that is in harmony tends towards health, well-being and sustainability. A system that is in disharmony tends towards illness, disease, suffering and collapse. The same rule applies to your skin.
In TSC they use the five elements theory to help form a diagnosis when there are conflicting signs and symptoms.
When it comes to the skin, we all have different properties and it's important to use products with the right ingredients, ones that support the skin.
WOOD is aligned with spring. You will probably notice that your skin is dull and sallow, and in need of revitalization and energy. It's the perfect time for regeneration, radiance and vitality. It's also the the time when the skin grows and changes. We want to balance the sebum and replenish moisture level. Your skin may tend to be on the oily side.
Healthy healers: Rose, lavender, yarrow, comfrey and calendula.
Essential oils: Geranuim, ylang ylang, bergamot, jasmine, neroli and rose.
Super moisturizing oils: Hazelnut, jojoba, avocado and greapseed.
Supplement aids: Vitamin B-complex and zinc
FIRE is aligned with summer, it's all about warmth, energy and heat and when you have too much fire your skin can get oily, clogged and congested. Oil Control in the summer is key, cooling, soothing and sebum balancing actives to help support the skin and rebalance it from environmental stressors, free radicals and of course the sun. You want to look to anti- bacterial formulations that purify, calm and detox. Your may be suffering with redness and irritation.
Healthy healers: Witch-hazel, yarrow and lemongrass.
Essential oils: Cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, organ and lemon.
Super moisturizing oils: Jojoba, argan and grapeseed
Supplement aids: Vitamins A, B3 and C, zinc and probiotics
METAL is aligned with autumn and that's the time to detoxify, boost circulation, cleanse and prepare for the winter ahead. Face masks (or steam), detoxifying bath and body oils, are the best. The fall is also the time when skin needs anti-aging support, nourishment and hydration. Your skin may be dry and flaky.
Healthy healers: Rose, marshmallow root, marigold, white or green tea.
Essential oils: Frankincense, myrrh, rose, neroli and patchouli.
Super moisturizing oils: Cocoa butter, apricot kernel, rosehip and almond.
Supplement aids: Vitamins A, C, C and E CoQ10, selenium and zinc.
WATER is aligned with winter, it's the time of year when our skin needs nurturing, calming, and moisture boosting. Too much wind and cold leads to a lack of moisture and indoor heat makes the skin sensitive, dehydrated and irritable. Essential fatty acids and moisture generating actives will help plump and nourish the skin. Your skin may be lacking tone or volume.
Healthy healers: Calendula, oats, green tea, aloe and chickweed.
Essential oils: Chamomile, rose and Roman chamomile.
Super moisturizing oils: Apricot kernel, avocado, jojoba, wheatgerm and borage.
Supplement aids: Omega-3 fats, probiotics, vitamins B5 and E.
The EARTH element is central to all elements. When the earth element is in harmony all of our elements are in equilibrium. Earth is also aligned with the late summer months, a time when the skin is fluctuating and is in need of balance. If you take care of your skin throughout the year and keep in mind the changing seasons you will be happy. Your skin may be prone to blemishes, acne or enlarged pores.
It's also important to think about what we are putting in our bodies.
Getting a good night's sleep is vital for skin health. Chronic lack of sleep can age us.
De-stress, unplug and take some time for you. Meditate, read or even colour.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Avoid booze and smoking.
Use high-quality skincare products with gentle natural cleansing agents, oils and plant extracts, and avoid petrochemicals, they do more harm than good.
Eat a healthy diet filled omega-3 fatty acids and most importantly WEAR SUN BLOCK.
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