One of the best parts about living in New York City is the changing seasons. This change is also a challenge in many respects, as our bodies (and minds) need to constantly adjust. Our skin is a prime example of this as it can be seen mimicking the energies that surround us. As we move into fall with the leaves drying out, changing color and falling to the ground, our skin too responds, having a tendency to become dry, and conditions such as eczema are a common complaint.

Interestingly, our skin is not a just reflection of our outer environment. Since the layers of tissue that we call skin are very similar to the tissue that lines our lungs, intestines and other organs, conditions such as constipation, seasonal allergies or asthma can reflect on the skin as irritation, dullness, and dryness.

Luckily there are some simple steps we can take to keep our skin beautiful and glowing as the weather changes.

1) Eat with the Season

The foods you eat are the building blocks for your body. Being mindful and making healthy choices are going to keep your energy stores up and create beautiful skin and hair. Eat foods that are in season. While pears can help moisten and nourish, apples are a complex carbohydrate that give your body energy without the crash. Root vegetables and dark leafy greens will nourish and help detoxify the body, they are also high in fiber which will sweep the waste from the colon.

2) Exercise and Deep Breathing

Exercise helps your body eliminate waste products and moves the blood, which nourishes all of the tissues and organs of the body. It’s a great way to reduce stress and improve mobility and flexibility. Workouts don’t have to be long in duration, but should be aerobic, to rev up the circulation and make you sweat, giving you a nice glow.

3) Restorative Sleep

With the days becoming shorter and the nights longer it is best to embrace this time to rest and restore. On average, we should be getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you are not feeling refreshed when you wake up, consider making some changes. Naps are small gems during the day. Taking time out during your hectic day will restore mental sharpness, and relieve stress.

4) Protect, Moisturize & Hydrate Your Skin

Your skin needs to be protected during the day and nourished at night. Your day cream should be a light emollient to keep you hydrated and contain antioxidants like vitamins C, E or A to protect you from free radical damage. Night creams are typically heavier and are more nutritive, containing phyto plant extracts to increase micro-circulation and improve texture and tone of your skin.

5) Exfoliate

Now that we are not getting as much sun exposure, this is a great time of the year to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Scrubs, fruit enzymes and acids are a few of the many ways to do this. On average, the skin turns over or exfoliates every 28 days. As we age, this process slows down to every 40 to 60 days. The skin begins to lose its luminosity, brightness and becomes dry and dehydrated. Exfoliating will help uncover healthy hydrated skin below. Sensitive skin can be to exfoliated 2 times per week with mature skin exfoliated each day.

Two natural DIY recipes for home skin care

Here are two easy do-it-yourself recipes to help keep you skin healthy and vibrant this autumn.

Daily Wash

A perfect daily soap replacement, these cleansing grains are mild, nourishing, suitable for all skin types. You may wish to add a few drops of pure essential oils such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rose, or lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) to enhance the scent and the effect of the grains.

• 2 cups white clay (kaolin)
• 1 cup finely ground oats
• 1/4 cup finely ground almonds, if you have a nut allergy omit and use finely ground flax seeds
• 1/8 cup finely ground lavender, dried
• 1/8 cup poppy seeds or finely ground blue corn, optional
• 1/8 cup finely ground roses, dried

Combine all of the ingredients. Store the grains next to the sink in a glass container or in a spice jar with a shaker top. To use, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of the grains with water. Stir into a paste and gently massage onto the face. Rinse off with warm water.

(Recipe from Herbs for Natural Beauty, By Rosemary Gladstar, modified by Tracey De Costa Byer)

Nourishing Mask

Parsley and Honey Mask: Parsley is an amazing herb for the skin. It can reduce redness and swelling, lighten and brighten, even out the skin tone, reduce blackheads, and prevent wrinkles. Egg yolks are hydrating and nutritive. Honey is hydrating as well antibacterial.

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 egg yolk (dry skin) or 1 egg white (oily skin)
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Preparation: In a blender, combine the parsley and egg yolk or egg white, and mix well. Add the honey and mix again.

Application: Apply a thick layer of the mask to your face and neck and relax for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer.

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