The 5 Pillars of Skin Health
What We Use
You will have seen in Mind nourishment there was a note on streamlining your options something the Danish do which in turn makes them happier.
Pop to the space in your house where you keep all of your skincare products and take a box with you.
In the box place everything you haven’t used in 12 months.
Now look at what lies in front of you, do you know what all of these products do, which order to use them in or if they are actually suitable for your skin?
If the answer is no, divide your products into two piles, one pile will have everything you know how to use, you know its working for your skin and you love love love it.
The other pile are products you’ve used recently but need a little help fitting them into your routine and knowing if they are right for your skin.
In order to find these things out you can
Contact the company and ask the question, browse the FAQs just in case you can find your answer in there, if youre specifically asking about the compatibility with your skin send a photo.
If you understand them, know what they do, but are unsure if they are right for your skin add then into your routine one product at a time for 6 weeks that way you will see if you notice a difference in your skin
This is all a bit overwhelming and you would like some help. Hi, I’m a holistic skin coach and i’m happy to guide you through the process and much more click here to read more about it.
Mind Nourishment
As we move from Summer to Autumn, granted this summer has definitely felt more like autumn, it always feels like a new chapter, the children’s summer holidays come to an end, pencil cases are being bought, summer dresses are spending more and more time in the wardrobe as snuggly jumpers in the evening start to make a come back. The seasons always make me think of the hormonal cycle of those with the female reproductive system, Alissa Vitti - author of women code describes the Luteal phase as the Autumn of the menstrual cycle
“This phase can last 12-16 days and is symbolised by the season of autumn, a time for being creative and reflective. Oestrogen and testosterone levels decrease and the follicle that released the egg will start to produce progesterone, which raises your temperature and is a natural sleep aid. You may feel more inclined to nest and organise your home. The second half of the Luteal phase is when you might experience PMS symptoms and so this is the time to go to bed early or lie in (if you can), eat healthy comfort foods, get a massage, organise your home or office, take a relaxing yoga class and watch a movie or read a book. You may also feel more creative so harness that at home nesting time to work on a creative project.
Next time you notice a dip in your energy levels or a shift in your emotions, check in with your own cycle. We expect to have the same energy levels throughout the month but by recognising where we might be in our cycle, we can be more accommodating and kinder to ourselves.”
I love the way she describes it as a time for being thoughtful and reflective, the peri menopause often gets lumped into the autumn phase of life but with some women experiencing peri menopause symptoms as early as their late 30s I would say the peri menopause is firmly in the summertime of life, with life expectancy longer, some women are spending up to half of their lives either peri menopausal or menopausal for that reason we’re keeping it firmly in the summer. I do thing it mirrors the luteal phase in terms of a time for reflection. As a business as we move into quarter 4 with the craziness of every massive sale under the sun and Christmas its a time to reflect on what’s gone well this year so far, how things went last year and make a good solid plan so your mental health remains intact by January 1st. If youre not a business owner something I used to do was start planning early, whenever I stuck to this I seemed to have time to make cards and gifts and actually enjoy the winter months, I had already looked at events I wanted to go to so booked in early - always great because you often get an early bird ticket price too.
As I was pondering this month, I found myself reflecting on the book I recommend the most, which was recommended to me and its called ‘The Year of Living Danishly - Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country’ by Helen Russell. It gave me everything I wanted from a book, a witty perspective, some amazing facts you cant help but find someone to tell in awe, an overwhelming urge to move to Denmark and the inability to put it down.
This month I’m going to pay more attention to these 10 things, you will see how similar they are to the Kyushi pillars of Skin health too.
Top Ten Tips for Living Danishly by Helen Russell
Trust (more) This is the number one reason the Dames are so damned happy - so try it.
Get Hygge - Remember the simple pleasures in life (Kyushi ritual time) make yourself a cuppa.
Use your body - Shake whatever you have got.
Address the aesthetics - Make your environment beautiful
Streamline your options - Danes specialise in stress free simplicity and freedom within boundaries.
Be Proud - Celebrate success, wave flags and seeing at every available opportunity
Value Family - Family comes first in all parts of Danish living. Don’t forget your chosen (friends) family too
Equal respect for equal work - There isn’t ‘women’s work’ and ‘mens work’ there’s just work.
Play - Danes love an activity. Just do and make things as often as possible.
Share - Life’s easy this way, honest, and you’ll be happier too according to studies.
Movement & Energy Flow
I have recorded a free 10 minute sound bath meditation for you, simply pop on some headphones, get comfy and allow yourself a few minutes to relax and de stress.
Whats on this Month in the World of Kyushi Wellness?
Sound Baths
Kyushi Studio in Gayton West Norfolk, on 18th September a lovely small intimate group. Click here to book your space
1-1 sessions and group sessions also available
Other Offerings In Norfolk & London
Holistic Facials & Reiki sessions available in the Studio
Treatments available in London at the Well Garden on Saturday September 25th Click here to Book your space
Physical Nourishment
Cacao Husk Tea
I first discovered Cacao husk tea in L.A during some very jet lag early mornings, my absolute favourite is called ‘Husk” its super high in Flavanols, which a photo chemicals which activate our anti inflammatory in the body. It’s a great source of magnesium which is one of the most calming nutrients on our stress systems, and is used in over 700 different enzyme reactions in the body. Restless Legs? Unable to dose off? You’re probably a little magnesium deficient - and this is my favourite way to get my magnesium in!!
Here’s a little information from the lovely Founder Charlotte herself:
Where Husk Cacao Tea from?
Our Cacao husk tea is a single origin Columbian Cacao Husks. Single Origin means we can trace back our tea to bean! It comes from Tumaco which is on the southern pacific coast of Columbia.
Once we receive the husks, the husks are placed carefully into a high quality Japanese Tea bagging machine which seals them into these wonderful pyramid tea bags.
It's all then boxed up on Columbia Road in London.
It makes me think it was all meant to be that the tea is from Columbia and comes to Columbia Road in London.
This year I am hoping to visit our farmer in Columbia and make a short film about our Bean to Tea journey, so please watch this space!
What does Husk Cacao Tea Taste like?
When you have your first cup of Husk Cacao Tea the first thing that hits you is the intense chocolate smell which smells like melting rich dark chocolate.
The taste of the tea is a rich but a light chocolate flavour specifically which has a caramel undertone (it's sugar free) with an almost smokey whisky taste.
The tea is light and extremely comforting, perfect for whenever you need a moment to step away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Get your box of deliciousness here:
How We Show Up in the World
The world always feels like a heavy place, and I could write a list of 1000 things here but here are a few if you would like to do any further reading
How to help the Afghan refugees coming to the UK.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/27/afghan-refugees-arrive-uk-what-can-you-do-help
Understanding the Texas abortion ruling:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/02/texas-where-to-get-abortion-legally
How to help New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Ida
https://nola.eater.com/2021/8/30/22649109/how-to-help-resources-new-orleans-louisiana-hurricane-ida
Be kind to yourselves,
Thank you for joining me
Sending Love
Alice x
Any Skin questions you can reach me directly on alice@kyushi.co.uk