Harvest Magic
Seasons change. Bodies age. Autumn brings chamomile, sunflowers, hibiscus, yams (sweet potato), apples and the notorious pumpkin! Also, depending on where you are, cucumbers are in season until December. Long summer days gradually shorten until we get more moon than sun. Maybe it’s the reverse for you. Maybe the rains begin to fall. Whichever fall you experience, the changing seasons are magical. Like the brief moment you’re in flight when falling.
Shallow waters. Skin deep. Beauty starts from within, literally. Before you reach for the next trending beauty curative, breathe. Breathe again. Drink some water. A little water (and breath) goes a long way. Don’t let yourself shrivel up like a neglected houseplant.
Dark circles? Raccoon eyes? “Nourishment” reduces eyes shadowed by exhaustion, time, stress, puffiness, poor blood flow and other superficial causes. Nourish your eyes by hydrating the affected area, and resting the face and body with focus on the eyes.
An old school beauty trick is to place cool cucumbers over your eyes during a facial. Why cucumbers? They have a high water content and the juice can lighten pigmentation and reduce swelling. Did you know you can also use yams? A root vegetable used in African and black American medicinal practices, yams promote cell turnover (shedding dead skin so new, younger skin grows) and collagen production. Helping with that “snap back.” Leaving you with firm, yet elastic skin.
Yams and cucumber slices can be used as a natural eye mask, and placed on other areas of the face that need attention. Brow, cheeks, nose and chin. A good “rule of pinky,” (because a pinky promise is more attractive imagery, than a man beating his wife,) is to leave the plants on for the duration of your facial.
Apply your favorite, or on hand, facial mask. Make sure to avoid under the eye and brow bone (eyebrow). These areas are sensitive and it’s where you will apply the veggies.
Or apply veggies to freshly washed skin. Place yams and/or cucumbers on eyes, brow, cheeks, nose and chin.
Relax for a minimum of 15 mins. Take three deep breaths. Try to inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Soften the body and face. Focus on the eyeball, lids, brow and cheeks. Feel the tension in and around your eyes. Feel the constriction, the twitching, the tension.
Breathe.
Consistency will give you faster and better results.
Every “body” is different. Listen to your skin and what it has to say!
Before the shift into holiday madness, recalibrate with yourself. What does your skin want, need, have too much of? Awareness is preventative.
Love, peace and hair grease
Be safe. Always spot test!
Please consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before introducing any new ingredients or products into your skincare routine, especially if you have any sensitivities or allergies.
Discontinue any use that causes adverse reactions.
