A Glowing Transition from Summer to Fall
As summer cools and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time we help our bodies transition as well. With autumn around the bend, the cooler days create the perfect space for nourishing ourselves.
1. Start to take care of your body from the inside out.
Water, especially when warm, is the first step to clear, hydrated skin. Try to drink 12 oz of luke warm water first thing in the morning. Tired of plain water? Drink it with creativity. Make your own water juices by mixing 2/3 of water with 1/3 of fresh pressed juice. I love mixing fruit and fresh herbs like basil, thyme, sage or coriander. My favorite juice water this year is a combination of nectarine and basil. Blend the nectarine in a blender with fresh organic basil (1/3 cup). It’s fresh and delicious!
2. Increase your consumption of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food for healthy and vibrant skin.
It will help keep your summer glow on and decrease the effects of the summer heat.
Add fresh fruits and vegetables full of vitamin A, C and E to your plate. Their vitamins will help you repair and nourish you skin cells. There are so many colorful options that will help keep your skin vibrant; try pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples, and grapes. Carrots, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, lean proteins, and green veggies should also be on your list. Don’t forget foods with healthy fats, too, including avocado, nuts, seeds and healthy oils like coconut, olive and almond oil. These will calm down the acidity in the body.
Listen to your body; if the gloomy day calls for a shepherd’s potpie, or a delicious sweet potato stew, go for it!
With the end of summer, it’s also time to add some roots, vegetables, and warm food to your summer salads. Listen to your body; if the gloomy day calls for a shepherd’s potpie, or a delicious sweet potato stew, go for it!
3. Your skin also needs a topical treatment. After a hot summer with maybe too many days under the sun, it’s time to rejuvenate by ridding of dead skin cells and adding nourishment.
If you are a DIY master and believe in homemade product, you can make your own delicious scrub. Mix sugar, lemon juice and coconut oil to form your paste.
Dry brushing is a great way to remove skin cells. Its effect on the skin extends to the lymphatic system, so it will smooth the skin but also help you get read of cellulite. Try to dry brush before your daily shower, from your bottom to your heart.
If you want to add an extra ritual you can also scrub once or twice a week. If you are a DIY master and believe in homemade product, you can make your own delicious scrub. Mix sugar, lemon juice and coconut oil to form your paste.
If you want to buy one, look for something gentle, as you don’t want to irritate your skin.
4. Then it’s time for external hydration. To envelope your body with moisture, consider using a body mask for extra hydration, like Cleopatra used to do with honey, yogurt, rice powder and almond oil. Put it on your skin for 5-10 minutes, then rinse without using soap.
5. After summer sun and sea salt, treat your hair with a mask to nourish and protect.
For the heavy-duty dry feet, I also use the baby feet socks.
6. Summer time also means that your pretty feet will be exposed in sandals and other open shoes. Take the time to take care of your feet, with pedicure and fun colored nail polish. For the heavy-duty dry feet, I also use the baby feet socks. This product should stay on your feet for one hour. After a week, it will make your dead skin peel off. It’s efficient and painless.
7. Summer ending doesn’t mean you should forget your sunscreen! Make sure to still protect your skin with a SPF face cream.
8. Finally, get moving! The days are getting shorter, so grab your bike to go to the farmers market for some seasonal produce, walk to the fun restaurant you heard about, or renew your membership for your swim class.
The transition from summer to fall is the occasion for taking care of yourself, listening to your body and absorbing the day’s energy. Don’t stress out, relax and share those glorious days with the ones you love.
Anne-Sophie is a French born adventurer who grew up skiing, dancing and cooking. She started making her own beauty products at age 17 and since then has been passionate about health, beauty and nature. She lives in New York City where she practices yoga and meditation and enjoys the eclectic restaurant scene of the city. As a teacher she is very curious and loves learning new skills.
