Ah…beautiful Autumn
With the leaves changing colour, the ground getting a little damper underfoot and the beginning of a cool chill in the air, Autumn is a refreshing season where our skin can breathe and calm after the warmer summer months. Autumn is dominated by the Vata dosha representing air (movement) and ether (space).
It’s also a time, where our skin can experience imbalance due to less humidity in the air, and the after-effects of summer pigmentation. Skin may be drier than usual, but never fear, this can be easily fixed!
Skincare
After the long summer season of excessive sun, salt water and dry wind, it’s important to opt for a nourishing cleanser, preferably a soap-free, non-drying formulation.
Autumn is also a time to regularly and gently exfoliate/polish the skin and moisturise to replenish and reveal new skin. A light peel or exfoliation is wonderful at this time of the year, especially if you suffer from dry skin. This may also mean choosing a heavier moisturiser to deal with the cooler days. If you have suffered pigmentation during summer, daily use of a lightening serum will help rebalance your complexion.
AWE recommends:
vimala Gentle Cleanser, 125ml RRP $39
samskrta Skin Polish, 30ml RRP $29 / 50ml RRP $39
indiraa Age Recharge Moisturiser, 50ml RRP $69
kaanti Lightening Serum, 30ml RRP $65
Foods
Typically during Autumn we opt for larger, slightly heavier meals than in summer, as a natural and instinctive way of fortifying ourselves for the oncoming winter season…think hibernation! But that, and the associated lethargy and inactivity doesn’t have to be the case.
Vata foods for balance include: lightly stewed fruits, mild curries, soups, breads. Generally avoid cold drinks and dishes such as salads and opt for warming alternatives. Other foods to reach for include rice, sweet/sour or salty flavours, couscous, pasta, honey, ghee, carrots, asparagus and loads of nuts like almonds, pistachios and cashews.
Want a yummy nightcap? Try a Vata favourite – warm milk with pinch of ginger and a drizzle of honey.
Exercise
As Vata is predominant in the elements air and ether (space), exercise should follow a similar principle, making Flow Yoga (and most yoga) a very good option for exercise. The mobile qualities of air in Vata will help strengthen the body and mind during this transitional season.
Other Tips:
Drink plenty of water
Encourage your skin radiance by drinking lots of water to hydrate your skin from within. Don’t forget to take a water bottle with you when you go out and sip on herbal tea to replenish lost moisture too.
Flaxseed Oil
Moisturise your body from the inside with daily a sip of flaxseed oil. Yes, we admit, it’s not the best in flavour so perhaps opt for capsules and see how your complexion shines! Flaxseed Oil is naturally rich in vital fatty acids.
Whack on a lip balm
As the temperatures cool, help protect your lips with a simple slick of lip balm on those cooler, windy days or when you are forced to ramp up the heating at home or work.
We hope these tips are helpful for a calm and balance complexion this season. As always, please feel free to comment or ask a question and we’ll be sure to answer.
Namaste