Autumn Dryness Comes, Are You Ready?
As autumn winds gradually rise, the air becomes increasingly dry, and many people start to feel tight skin, a dry throat, and even persistent coughing. This is actually what traditional Chinese medicine calls "autumn dryness." Autumn dryness harms the lungs, and since the lungs govern the skin and hair, both internal and external dryness will occur simultaneously. To pass through this season comfortably, just drinking more water isn't enough—you need to learn "internal regulation and external care," adjusting your diet and skincare according to nature's rhythm, so that your body and skin can remain moisturized and comfortable.
Internal Regulation: Eating According to the Season to Moisturize and Nourish the Lungs
1. White Foods are Most Beneficial for the Lungs
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "white enters the lungs," and eating more white-colored foods in autumn can effectively relieve autumn dryness. For example:
- Pears: Raw pears have a cooling effect, while cooked pears can moisten the lungs and stop coughing. Adding a bit of goji berries and silver ear fungus makes a classic pear soup.
- Cauliflower: Raw cauliflower cools the blood, while cooked cauliflower strengthens the spleen. It goes well with soups or stir-fries.
- Chinese yam: It nourishes the stomach and intestines as well as moistens the lungs. It can be steamed or made into porridge.
2. Reduce Spicy and Increase Sour to Balance the Organs
In autumn, it's advisable to eat less spicy food (such as chili peppers and ginger) to avoid increasing dryness; appropriately increase sour-tasting foods (such as lemons and hawthorns), as sour flavors can help contain lung energy and assist the body in adapting to seasonal changes.
3. A Cup of Warm Honey Water in the Morning
Honey can moisturize and nourish the stomach and spleen. Each morning, drink a cup of warm honey water (the water temperature should not exceed 60°C to prevent destroying its active ingredients). It not only hydrates but also enhances beauty.
External Care: Moisturizing Care to Lock in Moisture
1. Gentle Cleansing, Don't Over-Remove Oil
With the drop in autumn temperatures, sebum secretion decreases. If you still use a strong oil-control facial cleanser from summer, it may damage the skin barrier. Switch to an amino acid-based facial cleanser, or simply wash your face with water in the morning.
2. Three Steps for Moisturizing: Water, Serum, Cream
After washing your face, immediately apply moisturizing toner, then use a serum containing hyaluronic acid or squalane, and finally use a cream to lock in moisture. Oily skin can choose a gel-like lotion, while dry skin should use a nourishing cream.
3. Use a Moisturizing Mask Twice a Week
Choose a simple ingredient moisturizing mask and apply it for 15 minutes. Do not wait until it dries before washing it off. After removing the mask, gently massage to aid absorption.
Daily Habits: Moisture from Within Outwardly
- Humidifier: Keep indoor humidity between 50% and 60%, and avoid direct air conditioning airflow.
- Drink More Warm Tea: Chrysanthemum and goji tea, or loquat fruit tea, are all suitable for autumn.
- Early to Bed and Early to Rise: Autumn is the time for "receiving," and early bedtime helps the qi and blood to consolidate, making the skin more rosy.
Summary
Autumn dryness is not scary at all. As long as you follow the natural rhythms, regulate your diet to moisturize the lungs internally, and take care of your skin externally by keeping it hydrated, you can easily get through this dry season. Remember, health preservation is not a quick fix, but a gentle care that needs to be done day after day. Start today by drinking a cup of warm honey water, giving your skin extra protection, and letting your body and mind smoothly and comfortably welcome winter.