5 Simple Ways to a Fabulous Skin in Autumn

As your hot and sultry affair with the sun is drawing to an end, be prepared to meet headway the dark and languid mysteries of the fall season.  While summers are slowly giving way to autumn, you skin’s seasons are also changing. The change of every season requires a particular skin care regime; otherwise it would end up looking dull and drab.  In autumn, the skin is bound to become dry and rough as the air is getting drier and temperature is lowering. Hence, there is extra need for moisturizing and protection in the autumn. Here is a breakdown of top five things that can ensure a healthy result:

Replenish the Body: Drink Up! We don’t feel as thirsty in autumn and winter as in summers. Nevertheless, the need for hydration stays. I just don’t mean just water but all types of fluids. As the weather gets windy, chilly and dry, we tend to crave more coffee and tea, and the caffeine tends to increase dryness and dehydration. Switch for healthier alternatives such as green tea and soups. Green tea is oozing with antioxidants, and soups are not only heart and gut warming but also nutritious. Try adding veges to your soups that are rich in beta-carotene. Think of fall colors as the key: orange – pumpkin and carrot; yellow – squash; red - tomatoes; dark green – spinach. The season of ice and slushies and smoothies is over. Try having fruit purees instead. Just add apples, pear, or peach and some water, ice, and mint in the blender and churn out a fruitful concoction. This is a good way to get all the fiber that you need in a glass.

Cover Up: As the wind is going to get drier and chillier. Your skin needs to be covered at the right places or else it would dry and wilt up. Psoriasis, eczema and skin allergies begin to flare up in autumn due to dryness and get worse as winter starts.

Don’t put away your sun block yet! In fact you need it in all seasons. Invest in a good sun block rather than face creams. Talking about coverage, it’s better to put away those flip flops, sandals, tank tops, skirts, sarongs, and capris after the frolics in the sun. Take out your denim and jacquard. Wrap a pashmina stole around your neck for style and warmth. Dress up warm at night or layer your clothing. Use a scarf or cap for your hair so that they retain their moisture. Wear boots, sling backs and team them up with vibrant colored socks to protect your feet against dried out and tanned skin. Last year I developed contracted atopic eczema, which led to a painful psoriasis bout. The simple practice of wearing socks cured what antibiotics couldn’t. I also keep a pair of light nylon gloves in my purse. Applying some lotion before wearing socks and gloves is one way to lock in moisture. Don’t drag or use hurried movements when rubbing lotion in; use your fingers to massage thoroughly and deeply and press those acupressure points. Wrap up your hair in a hot towel after massaging your scalp with oil. This too would lock in the moisture and nourish your hair and scalp deeply and keep the dandruff at bay.
 
Get Omega-3: Pick up fish capsules from your pharmacist. Rekindle your affair with fish. Grab a few walnuts daily. Both contain Omega-3 and good cholesterol. Omega-3 has multiple benefits. It protects hair, skin, and nails. It also provides the body warmth and keeps infections and flu at bay by boosting your immune system. It is partially helpful in treating depression; hence, it would help you keep the blues associated with fall away.
 
Get Vaseline: Forget those fancy and colorful hand lotions and creams that cost an arm and leg. Go for simple and basic. Vaseline is multi-purpose and protects your heels from cracking and lips from chapping. Dab it up on your feet after shower or before wearing your socks or on your hands before wearing gloves. Don’t forget the elbows and knee joints, as they tend to become rough and dark. For hair, I recommend Vaseline hair tonic, as conditioning alone is inadequate for combating the fall’s dryness. Hazel witch is also helpful.
 
Try Turmeric: That’s right. I am not suggesting that you make a curry out of your skin. Ayurvedics swear by its healing properties. Crush a pod and apply it on your skin along with your favorite skin lotion at night and wash in the morning. I recommend using whole pods instead of the powder because these commercially prepared powders usually contain food colors and may make your skin end up looking jaundiced. Application of turmeric paste might cause a tingling sensation in the start but is bound to get better. You would be able to see a visible difference in your skin tone and complexion is a few days. In fact, you can drink it up in milk or water too in moderation. Winter and autumn times are ideal for  using turmeric this way, as it’s medicinal properties are on the hotter side. It aids digestion, boosts your immunity and is good for reducing cholesterol.