I cannot believe that this coming Friday marks the beginning of autumn. Summer really flew by this year. I love the season of fall, especially living in the Northeast, where the leaves change colors and the temperature drops without getting too chilly too quickly. It’s a great time of year filled with tons of holidays and a reason to celebrate almost every few weeks. However, it can also be a difficult time of transition for your skin. As the summer ends, the humidity begins to dissipate and is replaced by dryer air that can leave your skin dehydrated and depleted. Last week I shared an easy DIY Acupressure Eye Massage that can help you look well rested and bright eyed. This week, I wanted to explore how the fall season can affect your wellbeing and share some tips for staying healthy and looking great that stem from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is an emphasis put on lung health during the fall season due to the way that wind affects the organ. The dryness associated with the bitter winds of fall can dry out the lungs, making it easier for them to contract viruses that can lead to the common cold. One of the best (and easiest!) things you can do to keep your lungs moist and healthy is to eat pears often. Though they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, pears are actually a better option, due to them being considered a cooling and moistening food in TCM, while apples are more astringent. Pears help to moisten the lungs, detoxify your body, and encourage overall skin health. They’re a delicious snack on their own, but you can also add them to your green juice or throw some in a salad for something more substantial.
While it’s always important to try and consume at least eight glasses of water a day, as the weather cools down and becomes dryer, we often forget. Staying hydrated is key for keeping your body functioning optimally and your skin looking great. If you notice you have trouble downing all eight glasses, try making my recipe for DIY Spa Water, which adds a hint of flavor without sugar or anything artificial.
The skin is your first line of defense against the bitterness of the colder weather, which means that you have to treat it properly to combat the elements. Shifting from summer and the issues associated with excessive sweating and sun damage, the main thing to think about during the fall is keeping a strong moisture barrier in tact. After cleansing, it’s important to apply products to your skin immediately so the skin doesn’t dry out. I like to generously spritz my Chamomile Toner on my face right after cleansing and then immediately apply my best-selling Black Currant Serum to lock in hydration. Allow the serum to soak into your skin for a few minutes and enjoy the dose of aromatherapy from the amazing rose otto and sandalwood scent. Follow with my Dry Skin Moisturizer, which is a buttery, indulgent creme overflowing with nutritious extracts, oils, and butters designed to stimulate skin into acting “young” again. This formula employs a holistic blend of organic licorice root, frankincense, pumpkin, and orange peel work together to speed up cell waste and circulation. As soon as the cold weather hits, this is a lifesaver for all my clients who experience rough, dry skin and those annoying dry patches.
My final suggestion is to get a humidifier for your bedroom, which will help to combat the dry air that becomes inevitable during the colder months. Sleeping with the humidifier on throughout the night will help both your skin and your lungs to retain more moisture, allowing you to stay healthy and glowing this fall!
Do you usually tweak your diet and skincare to fit in with the season? Have you ever tried using pears to ward off illness as the colder weather approaches? Let me know if you try out my suggestions and how they keep you healthy all fall long, while also making your skin look and feel amazing!
Thank you so much for reading and so generously sharing! It’s always fabulous sharing these wonderful tips with you all!
With all my love, Cecilia