Late Summer

Late Summer - More or Less
Authored by Anne C. Willis

As the radiant glow of late summer envelops the Earth you can sense the intense energy of summer beginning to fade.

 As the earth moves from a vibrant green to radiating gold, Late Summer allows us to witness the flowering plants disperse seeds as they look for a resting place with all the right conditions for germination.  Fascinatingly, the same holds true for your skin cells. When skin cells find conditions suitable to renew, they break open. The stem cells present within the cell position themselves to commence the process of renewal and reproduction. For this to happen, the skin requires an environment that is well hydrated, nutritionally supported, and stress free.  

During this season of reduced activity, it is typical that individuals focus more on their complexation. If you see the impact of how busy summer and direct sun exposure has affected your skin, try not to go overboard with a bunch of products.

The months of August and September invite us to take an opposite approach, one that is uncomplicated and harmonious.  As the saying goes, less is more. Summer weakens the skin due to intensified activity and direct sun exposure, which leads to oxidative stress. Using 'more' skin care products that force circulation and cellular reproduction will trigger an unnatural discourse interfering with skin's natural processes.

It is smart to use 'less' topicals that put excessive strain on blood vessels and impose unnecessary stress on skin's cells; instead, utilize topicals that encourage the skin's ecosystem to relax and rejuvenate. 

This is De La Terre Skincare's seasonal More or Less list, which is a simple guide to help you navigate Late Summer with intention and well-being.

Let's start with taking care of your skin.  A few simple changes to your skin care application will make a Late Summer transition towards skin health easy without changing your entire skin care routine. Always keep in mind that you should steer clear of creating minor upsets that can weaken the skin, such as exfoliation and skin resurfacing. 

With that said, the best practice is to use 'less' aggressive products. Use 'more' products that hydrate, nourish, and help skin to relax. Here are De La Terre Skincare’s three product recommendations that will assist your skin during this season of rest and harmony.  

Rescues | Herb Rich Mist has so many health benefits from nature it's honestly endless. Topically, the botanical power in this fine mist immediately leaves skin hydrated, nutritionally supported, and stress free, which allows for healthy skin renewal.  Don’t forget to inhale while using Herb Rich Mist. Breathing Rescues Herb Rich Mist will relax bronchial airways of spasms and mucus and tame coughing due to both.

Rescues | Herb Rich Serum replenishes natural oils and fatty acids for skin that demonstrates oxidative stress, skin damage, and age related conditions. Utilizing this unique blend of omega 3 oils, stem cells will be able to begin the process of renewal and reproduction. Its sheerness allows the product to seep into the deeper layers of skin where repair and renewal is most needed.

Rescues | Herb Rich Tea as a beverage has an enjoyable green, amber, earthy flavor. The unique blend of herbs naturally supports fluid movement, relaxes muscles and regulates digestion.  We recommend drinking two cups a day, preferably when you take the time to slow down and channel all things Motherly.  It is also a highly effective remedy when applied topically. Caffeine Free! 

While embracing mindful choices that incorporate more of what nurtures and supports your skin, it is equally important to reduce lifestyle activities or habits that may drain your body of energy.

By understanding these associations, we can tap into the abundant energy of late summer and incorporate De La Terre Skincare practices that help us find the rhythms and cycles that make life simple and harmonious.

Practices that promote harmony involve integrating more balance to work and life, incorporating more seasonal vegetables, and fostering more groundedness, and cultivating more trust. Being with nature's elements keeps us balanced and grounded. A great way to reduce stress and harmonize your mood is to be surrounded by the non threatening environment of nature.  

We have to acknowledge that we as humans have never been more disconnected from nature. Even with all the chaos that our world faces, it still doesn't disturb the tranquility we find in nature. Nature captures our involuntary attention with a gentle intrigue, which allows our brains to recover from all of the digital interaction that demands our attention and bombard our minds for much of the day. I find that when I can't gain access to nature I surround myself with De La Terre Skincare's products. Every time I apply a product my body senses the exceeding beauty of the earth. 

Daily practices that cause conflict within our body are overthinking, consuming processed foods, stagnation, and direct exposure to the sun.

All of these practices are incredibly disruptive and can contribute to a darker complexion or darker areas on the face, for example dark circles under the eyes. They can also generate pain, painful or irregular periods, abdominal discomfort, heart palpitations, swelling, and/or stiffness to the arms, hands, legs, or feet, and dehydration. 

A wonderful guide that will help reduce these symptoms would be to incorporate some of the following fruits and vegetables.

·       Tomatoes are a good source of potassium and vitamin B and therefore help strengthen blood vessels. They contain a powerful antioxidant that will aid in recovery of oxidative  stress.

·       Okra supports your digestive system due to its high content of fiber, while also lubricating the large intestines. Okra also boosts bone health due to its calcium and vitamin K content.

·       Peaches are another good source of potassium and therefore helps strengthen blood vessels.  Peaches are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. 

·       Peppers open blood vessels and assist in moving stagnation.

·       Corn is an insoluble fiber and therefore helps food pass through the stomach and large intestines more efficiently. 

·       Figs help to stimulate the functioning of muscles and nerves, while maintaining the balance of electrolyte. Figs also assist with improving stagnation.  

·       Cantaloupe is packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber boosting digestion, supporting blood vessels, and strengthening immunity.

 ·       Grapes are an insoluble fiber thus helping to regulate bowel movement. They also balance fluids in your body.

By taking the time to acknowledge the shifts that occur inside and outside the body during each seasonal change, you can become closer to nature’s lessons for obtaining a healthy lifestyle.  

Nature is full of transitions.  Late Summer invites you to reinforce your body and skin’s vitality through the best paired foods, mindful relaxation, and De La Terre Skincare products.