As the seasons change, the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall. The light changes ever so slightly each day as the natural world around us begins to shed its summer foliage. I watch as the shadows dance across the table in the morning, so warm and vivid. Here in Ojai, it's still quite dry, we haven't received a drop of rain since May. My skin is certainly feeling parched as the autumn landscape, baked in the summer sun for months and ready for respite and reprieve.
Like all things on this beautiful, blue planet, our skin is also affected by seasonal changes. As the temperature and humidity shift, your skin may be feeling dry, flaky and itchy. You might feel the need to exfoliate but before you do, I invite you to try some of my favorite skincare recipes for transitioning into the autumn and winter months.
Once per week for problematic or acne-prone skin:Add 1-2 full droppers of the Tonic to your favorite clay mask. Each ingredient in the Tonic assists in detoxification, it's tingly in the BEST way.
- Apple cider vinegar is known for its refrigerant qualities, cooling and refreshing. Topically, it helps to cleanse and tone the skin. Its natural acidic composition makes it an excellent skin care ingredient for burns, acne, rashes, itching and sunburns.
- Honey is emollient, demulcent and nutritive. It helps calm and soothe irritated skin. Honey has been used for centuries in skincare and herbalism as a prized ingredient.
- Stinging Nettle is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which assist in detoxification and cell regeneration. "Spring cleaning" for your skin microbiome.
- Full Spectrum Hemp, as we know and love, contains a myriad of calming and soothing compounds. This incredible plant also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent choice for problematic skin issues.
SKINCARE TIP: Use the Tonic as a spot treatment for acne, boils, burns and rashes. Add 1-3 drops to the affected area as often as needed. The acid in the vinegar does multiple things. For burns, bites and rashes, the acidity neutralizes the burning or itching sensation. For acne, the vinegar literally dries out the bacteria, encouraging it to come to the surface.
Read more about the Tonic here.
Once per week for mature or environmentally stressed skin:Add ½ dropper of the Chaga to your favorite clay mask for nourishing support. Chaga contains a multitude of nutritional constituents including a few very unique antioxidants. Combined with the gentle exfoliation of the clay mask, this seasonal tonic invigorates and awakens dull or tired skin.
Chaga contains a very special triterpene called betulonic acid. Chaga converts betulin from the birch tree into betulinic acid which makes it more bioavailable in the mushroom. This special triterpene has been shown to help with inflammation as well as support healthy immune function and natural cell regeneration.
Read more about Chaga here.
In every clay mask:
In place of water, add your favorite hydrosol to your weekly clay mask. As hydrosols are naturally acidic, they help to balance the pH of your skin. The combination of the clay and the hydrosol together amplifies detoxification and helps to gently exfoliate without stripping the skin.
After your mask, mist face and neck liberally with your favorite hydrosol. Apply 1-2 pumps of the Youth Serum while face is still dewy. If you need additional moisture, layer with the Hemp Butter or Zen Cream.
SKINCARE TIP: Layering isn't just for the face and neck, try it head to toe to help with seasonal skin transitions.
