4 ways to support your skin through the changing seasons
As our days (in the southern hemisphere) become drier and colder, the decreased humidity can dehydrate our skin. When our skin is dry, it can feel rough, tight, and even itchy or hypersensitive. It's essential to remember that these symptoms indicate that our skin barrier's ability to function is compromised, and the natural lipid surface barrier is broken. Vital moisture-holding substances can evaporate, leaving our skin in need of healing and replenishment to restore its resilience and health.
Our skin is not just an external covering but a living, breathing organ that plays a vital role in protecting our inner self from external aggressors. It is your shield, safeguarding you from infection, injury, toxins, pollution, heat, and light. To prevent our skin from experiencing breakouts, dryness and reactive skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, we’ve put together 4 helpful ways to support your skin through these passing seasons:
1. Protect from the elements
Covering up ~ Wearing protective clothing like scarves, hats, and gloves can help to shield your skin from the cold air and wind, and prevent moisture loss. Additionally, layering with breathable fabrics can help to regulate your body temperature and prevent sweating, which can also dry out your skin.
Sunscreen ~ Even on cold, overcast days, UV rays from the sun can still cause damage to your skin. Using a natural sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can help protect your skin from these harmful effects, be sure to wait at least 15 minutes after applying your Bluems to apply. It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
Sunscreen ~ Even on cold, overcast days, UV rays from the sun can still cause damage to your skin. Using a natural sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can help protect your skin from these harmful effects, be sure to wait at least 15 minutes after applying your Bluems to apply. It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
Avoid the heat ~ Heat directly affects the skin, causing blood vessels to dilate, which can trigger inflammation. As tempting as a long hot shower is, try to take shorter, cooler showers as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to dry out. Similarly, avoid overusing heaters and having hot air directly pointed at you to keep your skin happy and healthy.
Invest in a humidifier ~ Dry air can lead to rough, dehydrated skin, decreasing its elasticity and weakening your skin barrier function. By investing in a humidifier, you will be able to add more moisture into your space, helping to protect your skin by reducing the chance of dryness and irritation.
2. Gentle Self Care rituals
Our skin is healthiest when we are at our best both physically and mentally, and a holistic approach is optimal for supporting our skin. Like the rest of our body, our skin knows when we aren’t feeling our best. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that, with consistently high levels, can trigger inflammation, breakouts, and break down collagen in the skin. Be sure to take time out for yourself, tread softly, and practise gentle self care rituals such as yoga or meditation or any activities that will help you with stress reduction. This can include practising mindfulness techniques like breath work, taking breaks throughout the day to stretch or go for a walk, and incorporating relaxation techniques like aromatherapy or taking a warm bath before bed. Rest is just as important as topical additions to our skincare rituals, so be sure to prioritise sleep and self care if you’re feeling run down during the change of seasons.
3. Hydrate and Nourish
Drink plenty of water ~ Keeping your body hydrated is so important for healthy skin. Water helps to flush out toxins from the body and keeps your skin looking plump and healthy. When your skin does not receive sufficient water, it loses its elasticity and dark circles under your eyes can appear. Drinking water increases blood flow to the skin, helping with a healthy glow and increased water intake can also help with enlarged pores as water plumps the skin. Be sure to invest in a large water bottle, to aid in your consistent intake throughout the day.
Eat nourishing meals ~ Your skin needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains can help nourish your skin from the inside out. A diet rich in Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and leafy greens), Vitamin E (found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens), Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds and chia seeds) and zinc (found in seafood, poultry and beans), among other choice vitamins and minerals, is optimal for skin health. If you feel you may need more support with healing your skin from the inside out, we recommend booking in with a naturopath.
Eat nourishing meals ~ Your skin needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains can help nourish your skin from the inside out. A diet rich in Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, and leafy greens), Vitamin E (found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens), Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds and chia seeds) and zinc (found in seafood, poultry and beans), among other choice vitamins and minerals, is optimal for skin health. If you feel you may need more support with healing your skin from the inside out, we recommend booking in with a naturopath.
4. Repair and Strengthen
Our skin’s needs can change with the seasons and it’s important to check in with your skin and follow your intuition. During the colder months, you may need to work on healing your skin barrier to lock in hydration. Our Nurture Ritual has been thoughtfully curated with the intention of creating a ritual tailored for skin health, repair and hydration - perfect for a change of season. It’s designed to sustain moisture, keep toxins at bay, and strengthen your skin's protective barrier, so you can dance through all of life's cycles with ease and comfort. Within the ritual, our Finger Lime Repair Serum is a cellular-level healer, working to repair, hydrate, and fortify your skin barrier while reducing inflammation. Our Finger Lime and Lemon Myrtle Soul Cleansing Soap is a gentle and loving way to remove makeup, dirt, and SPF from your face and body, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed. And our Green Tea Konjac Sponge is a zero-waste alternative to harsh exfoliants, gently removing excess oils, build-up, and dead skin cells without disrupting your skin's natural oils.
With these tips, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy and vibrant, no matter what the season brings. Everyone’s skin is so unique so remember to listen to your skin and adjust your self care ritual as necessary to support your healthiest most radiant self.
With these tips, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy and vibrant, no matter what the season brings. Everyone’s skin is so unique so remember to listen to your skin and adjust your self care ritual as necessary to support your healthiest most radiant self.
Photography by @secrets_of_sol
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