We need to understand the chemistry, biology and physiology of our skin to support it through severe seasonal changes.
The Autumn is a time of transition for our bodies, as they try and replicate what is happening outside.
Varying environmental conditions are an influence on both metabolisms.
In observing nature closely, I have come to understand more clearly what the autumnal changes on the body are.
In a recent trip to the Lake District, I was stunned by the beauty of the landscape, particularly it's colour: light browns, deep reds, oranges, and yellows.
This trip left me feeling positively enchanted, with an even deeper sense of gratitude for our fantastic planet.
What is interesting in the autumnal colours is that they are mainly within the lower part of our iris' spectrum.
This is representative of a move towards lower frequencies, and a relaxing of the light.
This ties in with a shift to introspection and contraction, characteristic of winter.
This is the time when nature retracting energy from the outside, as roots push deeper into the soil, and everything prepares for the oncoming cold.
Psychologically, we feel compelled to be, as opposed to do.
All these changes in nature have a marked effect on our bodies, most notably our skin: the fluids in our body slow down, and the circulation of our blood withdraws from our extremities, in order to focus on our inner organs.
As a result, our skin becomes more pallid, and cooler, with a reduced supply of oxygen.
It will flake more easily, due to reduced levels of fat on the epidermis (the hydrolipidic layer).
As a result of the extreme conditions associated with autumn and winter, our skin dries out.
Pollution and central heating serve to accentuate this dryness.
We are affected at work as well as at home: Central heating creates very dry air, which can ultimately damage your respiratory tract.
It also dries your skin, through dehydration, and can accelerate the ageing process.
Also, the rate at which we lose water through our skin is accentuated by central heating, which causes unnatural evaporation.
The normal amount of water we lose through evaporation (700 ml per day) is greatly increased with central heating.
I recommend drinking warm herbal teas and tissanes during autumn and winter, particularly those rich in Vitamin C (eg Rosehip).
Organic honey and lemon is also a great source of Vitmamin C and antioxidants.
When you use your central heating, place a bowl of water on your radiators, ideally with a few drops of organic, balsamic essential oil.
Finally, keep your skin moisturised, with oil based, organic skincare products, free of any synthetic chemicals.
The Autumn is a time of transition for our bodies, as they try and replicate what is happening outside.
Varying environmental conditions are an influence on both metabolisms.
In observing nature closely, I have come to understand more clearly what the autumnal changes on the body are.
In a recent trip to the Lake District, I was stunned by the beauty of the landscape, particularly it's colour: light browns, deep reds, oranges, and yellows.
This trip left me feeling positively enchanted, with an even deeper sense of gratitude for our fantastic planet.
What is interesting in the autumnal colours is that they are mainly within the lower part of our iris' spectrum.
This is representative of a move towards lower frequencies, and a relaxing of the light.
This ties in with a shift to introspection and contraction, characteristic of winter.
This is the time when nature retracting energy from the outside, as roots push deeper into the soil, and everything prepares for the oncoming cold.
Psychologically, we feel compelled to be, as opposed to do.
All these changes in nature have a marked effect on our bodies, most notably our skin: the fluids in our body slow down, and the circulation of our blood withdraws from our extremities, in order to focus on our inner organs.
As a result, our skin becomes more pallid, and cooler, with a reduced supply of oxygen.
It will flake more easily, due to reduced levels of fat on the epidermis (the hydrolipidic layer).
As a result of the extreme conditions associated with autumn and winter, our skin dries out.
Pollution and central heating serve to accentuate this dryness.
We are affected at work as well as at home: Central heating creates very dry air, which can ultimately damage your respiratory tract.
It also dries your skin, through dehydration, and can accelerate the ageing process.
Also, the rate at which we lose water through our skin is accentuated by central heating, which causes unnatural evaporation.
The normal amount of water we lose through evaporation (700 ml per day) is greatly increased with central heating.
I recommend drinking warm herbal teas and tissanes during autumn and winter, particularly those rich in Vitamin C (eg Rosehip).
Organic honey and lemon is also a great source of Vitmamin C and antioxidants.
When you use your central heating, place a bowl of water on your radiators, ideally with a few drops of organic, balsamic essential oil.
Finally, keep your skin moisturised, with oil based, organic skincare products, free of any synthetic chemicals.