Enjoying the cooler Autumn breeze is a welcome relief to the hot Summer sun but for many this breeze can lead to skin flare ups, dry, flaky skin and itchiness all over the body.
Why does Autumn seem to have such a negative effect on our skin?
At the Salubre Skin Clinic, I often see patients who complain of dry, itchy, and sometimes even cracked skin during the windy Autumn months.
In Chinese Medicine, wind causes itchiness, which is not limited to the skin and can include itchy eyes, nose and mouth that hay fever sufferers often battle with when the seasons change.
The increase in wind during Autumn enters the body through the nose, mouth and skin and results in itchy skin.
Wind is also very drying to the skin, therefore being exposed to the elements will cause the skin to become more dry which in turn increases itchiness.
What can you do to reduce the skin’s itchiness and dryness?
1. Moisturise dry, itchy skin.
Moisturising the skin is an important part of a regular skincare routine throughout the year, and can be particularly helpful during seasonal changes such as cooler or windier months.
Individuals with sensitive skin may notice increased dryness or discomfort when environmental conditions change. Using skincare that is appropriate for your specific skin type, such as formulations designed for dry or sensitive skin, can assist in maintaining hydration and supporting the skin’s natural barrier function.
A well-functioning skin barrier plays an important role in helping to reduce moisture loss and protect the skin from external environmental stressors.
Sensitive skin can be associated with an impaired skin barrier, where the outer protective layer may not retain moisture effectively. In these cases, supportive skincare ingredients can help maintain hydration and comfort, while supporting the skin’s natural repair processes.
Products such as Salubre’s Pure Delicacy range are formulated with skin-conditioning ingredients designed to support hydration and overall skin barrier health as part of a regular skincare routine.
2. Eating Autumn foods to prevent itchy, dry skin.
Eating foods specifically for Autumn is a great way to help the body adjust to the change in seasons. You may not be familiar with Autumn food but the truth is our body is connected to Mother Nature, so ideally with the change of each season we must change our diet to accompany this change in season.
A few examples of Autumn food are beetroot, pumpkin. Carrot, apples and pears. For a more comprehensive list please read Is Autumn Making Your Psoriasis More Dry?.
3. Keep your skin healthy by keeping your liver healthy.
The liver is considered, in some traditional health frameworks, to play a role in overall wellbeing, and lifestyle factors such as stress can influence normal physiological function in the body. When the body is under stress, some people may notice changes in their skin such as increased dryness or sensitivity.
Supporting overall wellbeing through stress management strategies, adequate rest, and relaxation practices may assist in maintaining general skin comfort and balance.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the liver is also associated with the storage and regulation of blood. When this function is considered to be out of balance, it may be linked to reduced nourishment to the skin, which may present as dryness or sensitivity in some individuals.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and are in need of TLC, Salubre’s Sereni-Tea is formulated to calm the nervous system and help you feel more in control by minimising the feeling of overwhelm and anxiety.
Ways to improve the health of your liver include:
- Meditation.
- Manage stressful situations. If this is difficult to do then perhaps improve adrenal health with Salubre’s Sereni-Tea.
- Minimise or avoid alcohol.
- Eat more blood nourishing foods – beetroot, berries, red meat, legumes, filtered water, go ji berries, organic vegetables.
Most importantly, remember to nourish your body throughout the year. Enjoying inflammatory foods (sugar, alcohol, greasy/fatty food, dairy) may create dryness and redness in the skin and all over the body. If these foods are enjoyed, then balance them with loads of filtered water and antioxidant rich foods.
Also, it is a good idea to eat lots of fibrous foods as that will help toxins be eliminated through the bowel and minimise the negative impact on the body toxins create when sitting around the bowel for longer periods of time.
Looking at ways to improve your liver health and skin health, why not try out the Sereni-Tea? Enjoy 15% off your first purchase with the codeword happyskin
If you found this article useful, you might also enjoy our blog on The Sensitive Skin Diet and A Complete Guide to Healing Sensitive Skin.
When the skin feels sensitive or itchy, it may be a sign that the skin barrier is compromised or reacting to internal or external factors. Paying attention to these changes can help you better understand what your skin may need.
Supportive strategies may include being mindful of dietary choices, reducing exposure to foods that may be inflammatory for some individuals, incorporating stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness or meditation, and using a gentle, nourishing moisturiser to help maintain skin hydration and comfort.
A consistent skincare routine combined with supportive lifestyle habits may assist in maintaining healthier-looking, more comfortable skin over time.
