Winter

 Winter: Power Saving Mode 

 Authored by: Anne C. Willis

Baby it's cold out there!  Do you feel like throwing a heating pad on and never crawling out from under the covers?  I do! In some parts of the world there is no escaping the harsh fridge temperatures of winter. In other areas, like the more tropical climates, people still experience a plumet in temperatures. From the heat exhaustion of the 100 to 90’s, to the cool breeze of the 40’s and 50’s, people may not be reaching for a heating blanket, but instead, substituting their light weight tee shirts for sweaters and jackets. 

No matter where you live in the world, winter hails in cooler temperatures and the days are filled with more darkness than light.  Within this transition we bear witness to nature as it recesses deep within the earth where it is held in a tranquil state of rest. What lulls nature into this serene peacefulness is a hormone called abscisic acid which is found in plant cells. This hormone is triggered by the change in temperature and sunlight and is responsible for nature’s growth and metabolism to slow down.  

As the last leaves fall to the ground the roots have already started their descent into the depth of the earth where it takes resources needed to survive low temperatures and lack of sunlight.  For example; There is no active photosynthesis happening above ground during the winter. This means that plants and trees need to rely on stored sugars in order to nourish, replenish and heal itself. In addition, plants will adjust their stored water content in order to prevent crystal formation that could cause damage to cell structures. 

The human body and skin also go into the same power saving mode. Abscisic acid is similarly present in skin cells, specifically produced by keratinocytes or by another name, dead skin cells. It is considered a stress hormone and has the same slowing down effect in skin as it does in plants.  It primarily acts as a growth inhibitor, meaning it suppresses cell proliferation and other active processes such as regulating inflammation and maintaining barrier function. This is one of the reasons why skin can become more irritated and inflamed during the winter months. Thus, it is essential to use skincare that is directed at supplementing resources that may not have been stored prior to entering the cold weather.  

Furthermore, skin goes through a metabolic reprogramming during this slowing down season. Metabolic reprogramming causes a decrease in cell turnover and a reduction in natural oil production.  Nature designed the skin to function in this way as a survival strategy to conserve energy in colder temperatures, where resources are often scarce. By entering a state of dormancy or reduced metabolic activity, including cell division, better equips skin to withstand low temperatures. If skin was not prepared properly for this seasonal transition, the result is drier, more dehydrated skin making it more prone to rashes, irritation, and the inability to recover from both. 

But what about using ‘High Performance’ ingredients on the skin during the winter. Wouldn’t that help to increase cell turnover and stimulate the metabolic processes?   Using ‘High Performance’ ingredients at any time is not acceptable if you are wanting to follow natural science. Now, consider this. If the skin is being prompted by nature to rest in order to survive colder temperatures, why would you want to prematurely wake cells out of their slumber?  All you would be doing is over-working cells at rest subjecting them to harsh elements that they are unprepared to withstand.   De La Terre Skincare’s philosophy focuses on cooperating with the natural process of the season and the results will be happier healthier skin.

The theory of Chinese Five Elements has been teaching this philosophy for centuries. Within this ancient teaching winter is associated with the fluidity and stillness of the water element. This element stores much of the body's reserves. This time of year, high performance, over-work and lack of sleep easily depletes the water element resources, which subsequently governs the kidneys. The Kidneys cooling and lubricating function ensures that all the structures within the body and skin are lubricated and misted. This process keeps the body and skin flexible and prevents excessive irritation from developing. 

Emotions play a significant role in our mental health as days are shorter and darker. Fear is the emotion associated with winter and the Water Element. The quietness and stillness that winter calls us to, is a great entry to our inner world and is most accessible during this time of the year. Contemplation and self-discovery should take center stage as we explore all corners of our wellbeing. However, for some, being still can cause loneliness, panic and unwarranted fear. If we were to simply choose to look at being still in a healthy way, we would discover that we are being moved and directed towards a sense of readiness and courage.  Fear is an emotion that strengthens our faith so we can believe in our cherished aspirations.  Without fear we would lack the desire needed to strive towards obtaining our dreams. 

FOODS FOR WINTER HEALTH

There are many foods that will replenish resources your body may not have stored in preparation for the winter. It is important to nourish yourself with warm foods in order to keep your body grounded and rested. I suggest warming foods such as roasted root vegetables, warm whole grains, and lots of soups. I add adaptogenic herbs and plants to my stir fires, soups and green drinks such as ginger, garlic, reishi mushroom, seaweed, turmeric and cinnamon. This will help give your metabolism the resources it needs to survive the cold temperatures. 

In order to keep the metabolism stable during the winter I suggest green drinks. Remember the goal is not to whip-up your metabolism, but rather to give your metabolism the resources it needs to survive the cold temperatures. 

Here are a few recipes to get you started

You will need a blender, vitamix or my favorite, a Magic Bullet.

Add the following: 

75% - power greens (raw kale, spinach, & chard

25% - Frozen or fresh bananas or avocado

Frozen mango, cherries, or mixed berries

Water, almond milk or coconut water 

Add a teaspoon of powdered turmeric

A few chunks of fresh ginger (preferably) or 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger

Teaspoon Flax Seeds ground (I grind mine) or whole 

You can add honey or cinnamon instead of turmeric and ginger to give variety to your drink

Drink 1-3 eight ounce portions a day. 

But you must avoid adding lemon, celery, pineapple, any fruits and vegetables that prompt detox. 

By drinking lots of herbal tea and water you will compensate for winter sucking the moisture out of your body and your skin. Comforts | Herb Rich Tea infusions:  Keep those kidneys happy by staying well-hydrated during these dry winter months. A cup of warm Comforts | Herb Rich Tea is a healthy and delicious option to quench your thirst, warm you up and keep your skin and gut happy in winter. You can add coconut water to your tea infusion to aid in lubricating dryness. Comforts | Herb Rich Tea contains elderflower, which supports the circulation of blood and lymph.  Chamomile and lavender help reduce anxiety associated with fear. 

Winter Skin Care

As the winter season approaches, it is crucial to adapt skincare routines to combat the unique challenges posed by colder temperatures and lower humidity levels. During this time, the skin is more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and other concerns. Understanding the physiological effects of winter on the skin can help in formulating effective strategies to maintain skin health.

During the winter season, all of skin’s vital pathways will move inward in order to reserve energy that would otherwise be needed during times of growth and renewal. As skin’s pathways move inward the microbiome becomes less active due to colder temperatures, but they don't completely die off; instead, they enter a state of dormancy, continuing to break down organic matter at a slower rate, which helps prepare for skin growth when warmer weather returns.  So, I do not recommend exfoliation or facial enzymes during the winter.  You can use Active Support Skin Lotion and Herb Rich Clay but not as frequently.  

The temperature of the air directly affects how much water vapor the skin can hold. As the temperature falls and the heat goes on, the skin is able to hold less and less moisture.  Winter is the time of year to throw a “blanket” of moisture over your skin. The key is to layer, layer, layer with moisture.

 Here are De La Terre Skincare’s five top product recommendations that will allow your skin and body to be “fear-less” during December, January, and February.

 Comforts - Herb Rich Mist – assures that all the skin’s structures are lubricated and misted with moisture. The active botanicals will support skin’s immunity while stabilizing inflammation. Herb Rich Mist keeps skin flexible while preventing excessive irritation from developing. The scent is a blend of aromas you can’t get enough of. Its soft lemony, floral accents and hints of spice and rose offers the mind, body, and skin a sense of calm and freedom releasing you from all of winter's anxiety.   

Herb Rich Serum's sheer purity of omega 3’s will reach the deeper corridor of skin where skin cells have gone into retirement for the winter. A few drops of this liquid nourishment prevent moisture loss that could cause damage to skin structures. 

Herb Rich Cream - Due to the high content of oleic acid, which supports a healthy skin barrier function and offers mega-hydration and moisture to prevent skin cell dry out, Herb Rich Cream will blanket your skin with rich nourishment, while naturally providing protection. 

Herb Rich Balm – is the ultimate skin protector from winter harshness. Its dense consistency regulates inflammation and maintains barrier function. It is ideal for cracked lips, fragile eye area, dry split nail beds, and for facial skin that needs enhanced moisture. Apply all over the entire face before bed.

 Comforts | Herb Rich Tea as a beverage offers a comforting light, subtle, floral flavor. 

The unique blend of herbs naturally reduces symptoms related to inflammation while supporting your immune system. We recommend drinking two to three cups a day. Be sure to take deep breaths and inhale the aroma of the tea so your respiratory system receives the care it needs.  

Nature is full of transitions.  Winter invites you to retreat into wellness through the best paired foods, mindful self-care, and De La Terre Skincare products.   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.