Natural Remedies: Seasonal and Environmental Changes
Whether it’s embracing a shift in season or surrounding, a little patience and planning may be required…
This post comes to us from wellness expert, Tara Curran.
In addition to traveling often, I have always lived in (and loved) colder climates. And so, adapting to the change in seasons is something that my body does with ease. To avoid unforeseen seasonal or travel-induced illnesses, I have become diligent in increasing my vitamin intake when the common cold is running rampant. I have also become better at planning what I can bring to snack on while traveling (sparse and understocked healthy food options are understatements). Additionally, I change my skin care regimen each season to protect my body from external irritants. Your skin is an organ and, like making the change in veggie consumption (finally brussel sprout season!) to adapt for cooler weather, we need to consider the same for skin care. Unfortunately, and before knowing all of these things, when I made the move from the east to west coast, my skin went haywire. I developed an itchy, bumpy rash on the sides of my face. Unsure of what could be the culprit, I went back to the drawing board to see if I had developed a food allergy. Nothing seemed to help. I soon discovered that environmental and seasonal changes (while LA doesn’t necessarily have super cold weather, the climate and the seasons bring on different allergens) were playing a huge part in both my skin and internal health.
Eager to cure these issues and understand seasonal and environmental changes, I consulted with my personal healers, helpers and Skin Food talk partner. Slowly, with added support and knowledge, I began to heal.
Here are my top tips for gracefully embracing seasonal changes and environments:
Supplements. Supplements that support your liver and gut can help your body fight allergens and ward off environmental toxins. Liver support, such as milk thistle, and a probiotic can do the trick. You can also seek out a natural antihistamine if you are experiencing itchy, watery eyes, or skin.
Prepare your food at home. Cooking and preparing your food as often as possible can keep your body regulated naturally, choosing real, whole foods that you know your body loves best. Eating out or consuming packaged goods can lead to excessive sugar, gluten and/or dairy intake, all which tend to trigger inflammation, allergies and lowered immune systems.
Add in protective skin care products. Adding in a serum, lotion or toner to help protect and nourish the skin can do just the trick for seasonal and environmental shifts. Aloe vera gel can help calm the skin, and a sunscreen with zinc and/or coconut oil can create a protective barrier from outside allergens and pollutions. Add a hydrating toner, to keep the skin nourished and ready for absorption of said serum or lotion.
Embracing these changes requires a little patience and planning. But you can enjoy it gracefully. Knowing that, as women, our bodies will frequently change, it’s important to note that leading your life with mindfulness and seeking out constant support and education can help you to find optimal health and self care.
Photos by Jenna Kahn.