Autumn Skin Solutions from the Alchemy Bar
Why is your skin vulnerable at this time of year? How can we keep it at its glowing best? When life gives you lemons … we say make a compress!
As the leaves begin to change color, many of us start to see changes in our skin at this time of the year. The crisp air, turbulent wind and blasting heaters that come with the autumn season can leave your skin feeling dry, which means it's likely to be more sensitive than normal.
The skin is always exposed to the environment, which means it’s much more vulnerable to changes in the environment than other organs in the body. The water in the air affects the balance of water (hydration) in your skin. A humid climate can soften skin and make it easy to maintain fullness, but a dryer climate can dehydrate the skin, making it more likely to show fine lines and wrinkles. As the seasons change, it’s important to tweak our skincare routine accordingly.
For a hefty dose of moisture, honey and avocado is a simple yet powerful combo. Honey hydrates by drawing water to the surface of the skin, contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, and has a low risk of irritation. Avocado contains natural oils that quickly soften and moisturize the skin. Other natural oils that are safe and hydrating include: olive, jojoba, argan, sunflower and grapeseed oil. All are good choices for at-home masks.
How to make the mask: Mash a quarter of a whole avocado with 1 teaspoon each of honey and olive oil (or other natural oil you have on hand). Spread evenly over your face and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to use simple ingredients that are unlikely to irritate a delicate complexion. You can combine the following skin-soothing ingredients: hydrating cucumber, nourishing honey, antioxidant-rich black tea and a drop or two of an essential oil like lavender, calendula, or sandalwood—all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re nervous you may have a reaction and want to check for sensitivity or for allergies, you can test the ingredients on the inside of your forearm.
How to make the mask: Cut a baby cucumber into very thin slices and set aside. In a small pot, steep 1 cup of black tea for at least 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir until dissolved. Add the cucumber slices. If desired, add one or two drops of essential oil. Let the cucumber soak for at least 10 minutes. Scoop the cucumber from the pot and place slices evenly over your face. Leave the slices on for 10 to 20 minutes before removing. Rinse your face with warm water.
Remember, meditation and breathwork do wonders for our skin, so take advantage of the resting time of the mask!
The benefit of a face mask will be enhanced if your skin is cleansed and gently exfoliated beforehand. If you’re suffering from sensitive skin, you may want to add a few drops of a good quality lemon essential oil to warm water. Using an organic-fiber face cloth, you can compress your skin three times avoiding the eye area. Being a natural fruit acid, the lemon will gently break down the dead skin cells and the water will serve to hydrate the skin. I also tend to use my neroli toning mist during Autumn, as it gives my skin that extra dose of hydration and helps it resist moisture loss throughout the day. Plus, when inhaled neroli helps the brain release serotonin and reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
To finish off, I love applying my beautiful, golden face oil to slightly moistened skin. Jojoba is a liquid wax that can penetrate the skin to a very deep level. By combining jojoba and rosehip oil, the rosehip is carried deeper into the skin than it is able to go on its own therefore the skin receives maximum benefit from it. Jojoba contains vitamins A, D and E and omega fatty acids 6 and 9, as well as antioxidants. It tends to soften & plump my skin (including my chapped lips), leaving the rosehip to go to work on my fine lines & wrinkles. I may also add 1 drop of rose essential oil, which will serve to hydrate, calm & strengthen any damaged capillaries.
That’s the wonder of ingredients working in synergy … the totality of the whole is far greater than the sum of the individual parts!
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