How to Feed the Skin Seasonally
Everything about the body is intentional; nothing is left to chance. From the shape of the head, the position of the eyes, the location of the gut and the direction of the muscle fibres at different segments of the arms and legs, everything has been tested through millions of years of evolution to optimise four basic human functions: eat, sleep, survive and reproduce. Only once these basic needs are consistently being met can human beings began to consider the more esoteric ideas of life like finding pleasure and planning for the future. However, progress has led us away from some evolutionary needs.
Our largest organ is the skin, which makes up (on average) 15% of our total body weight. That’s a lot of skin in the health game! Skin is thicker is some places than others; the skin of the soles of the feet and palms of the hand are the thickest as they experience a lot of wear, while the skin of the lips and eyelids are the thinnest. Every month, skin cells regenerate themselves and naturally flake off - thought some gentle exfoliation can help the process along. There are three main layers of the skin, the outer epidermis, followed by the dermis with hair follicles, and the inner dermis with oil glands that produce Vitamin E, blood circulation and fatty tissue. Melanin, which is what gives skin its pigment or depth of colour, is also produced in the inner dermis layer. The amount of melanin a person has determines how tan their skin is. This evolutionary tint comes from adapting to areas with plenty of sunlight, where melanin acts as a natural sunscreen and antioxidant.
One of the primary nutrients the skin ‘digests’ is sunlight. When it does, it’s colour changes because melanin production responds to sun exposure - they evolved together and have a dynamic relationship. While a balanced diet contributes to maintaining the skin microbiome, it’s important to keep skin healthy with the right amount of sunlight. Too much can cause inflammation, but too little (which has become far more common as people spend more time indoors, or migrate/travel) is just as harmful. From the Ayurvedic perspective, a lack of sunlight can lead to weakened digestion, low bone strength, increased congestion and mucus, and dysregulation of the nervous system which causes low mood, dullness and sleep issues.
Good skincare includes syncing up with enough sun exposure for the local geographic location and season, as well as individual skin colour. High altitudes and working at sea level increase light exposure, while winter months and time indoors mean less sun. Keep in mind that modern windows are fitted with glass that blocks out most UV light. Smartphones have a weather app which shows the UV Index; a measure of sunlight on a scale of 1 - 11+. When the UV Index is 3 and above, a short amount of time outdoors is sufficient for most people to receive enough sunlight. However, the UV Index varies significantly in seasonal locations. For example, in Victoria, Australia, it typically falls below 3 from May to August, which makes this a key period to brave the cold and get enough time outdoors. Use the guide below to support your skincare routine and find natural remedies for skin issues and nutritional deficiencies.
Skin-Sunlight Guide
UV Index Time needed outdoors Skin care priorities and remedies
3 and above 10 - 30 minutes ideally in the morning Fluids - water, fresh juices, aloe vera, leafy greens
Below 3 40 minutes - 2 hours around midday Warmth - good fats, oil massage, sauna, exercise
*Add more time on if you have more melanin; always notice how you feel
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”
