We all know that we need a nutritious diet, an adequate dose of exercise, clean air, and a feeling of safety in our home in order to thrive. But did you know that our bodies also yearn for nature in very real and concrete ways? By understanding these needs, we can give ourselves the deep satisfaction of communing with Mother Nature in our own homes, where a connection to nature can improve our overall health.
It helps us understand where we come from. Our body is essentially the same as the one our Stone Age ancestors walked with, even though our living environment has changed dramatically since then.
Our Paleolithic ancestors adapted to daily solar cycles, monthly lunar cycles, and annual seasonal cycles. They lived among rolling fields of grass, dense groves, crystal clear water, clean air, birdsong and breeze, with their bare feet on the ground and gathering around the fire at the end of the day.
Today's homes and cities are drab and over-stimulating by comparison, and we are generally unaware of how much that affects us.
But a growing number of studies show that modifying the basic elements of our environment can restore our vital relationship with it, making us happier, healthier and more productive.
- Water
Of course, drinking water is necessary for our survival and health, but immersing ourselves in it or simply looking at it is beneficial for us as well. The mere sight of clean, moving water sends the strong message of "Here I can thrive" to our Paleolithic soul.
Studies show that soaking in warm water can balance the nervous system and reduce stress. In the study, patients with anxiety disorders felt less tension and nervousness after just 15 minutes of soaking in warm water. Do you have insomnia? A warm foot bath can reduce stress and help you fall asleep.
Tip: For the outdoors, install a pond, a fountain or a large water dish in your garden or terrace. Indoors, a tabletop fountain can satisfy our primary need to see the water.
- Sun
Numerous studies have confirmed the physical importance of exposure to sunlight. Expose yourself to sunlight in a regular and prudent It can improve heart health, blood pressure, muscle strength, immune function, and cholesterol levels. Sunlight also increases the production of melatonin, which helps us sleep, and Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. Daily sunlight just on the face and hands can ease winter blues.
La vitamin D It is produced on the skin from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. A daily sun exposure of 8 to 15 minutes is enough to generate the vitamin D that your body needs.
Allowing the sun to shine inside your home has also been found to improve well-being and performance at school and at work.
- The plants
Surely you already know that there are many plants in nature that are beneficial for our skin. Many of these you already know, use or have used.
Next we are going to talk a little about some plants and their benefits for your skin.
- Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)
This ancient herb often used in Asian cuisine is now part of skin care due to its benefits for rapid wound healing. The chemicals in the plant increase the blood supply to the injured area and strengthen the skin. The researchers found that when skin lesions in rats were treated with Centella Asiatica, the injured area showed increased scarring. The combination of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids and phytochemicals Helps speed healing time, making it a useful way to treat wounds.
An example of a Centella product that you can include successfully in your beauty routine is the Macadamia & Centella Oil Eye Contour Serum, with 97% natural ingredients.
- Green Tea
The relationship between drinking green tea and its benefit in improving health has been suggested for years, but using the plant can also help the skin. "Green tea has good results in terms of sun protection and anti-aging benefits," says Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. "The polyphenols in green tea have antioxidant and soothing properties that help treat sun-damaged skin and offer a way to address the signs of sun damage ”declares
As an example, you can start your morning or end the day using the Shower Gel with Green Tea, with 98% natural ingredients, or with the Step to Nature Soap with Green Leaves with 97% natural ingredients.
And during the day you can always have these in your bag Matifying papers - Green Tea to be able to enjoy for many hours a skin that is always fresh and without excess sebum
- Tea Tree Oil
Antimicrobial, fights blemishes. The herbal remedy derived from the leaves of the tea tree has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help fight a wide variety of germs, fungi and bacteria.
The fact that tea tree oil helps fight acne caused by bacteria means that it can help reduce certain types of inflammatory blemishes: tender pustules or inflamed pink papules.
However, topical treatment does not have a great effect against cystic acne deep or comedones. Also be aware of the potential for irritation when using tea tree oil on the skin.
A trusted friend can be the Roll-On with Tea Tree - being able to have it located, as long as it is necessary.
Also, the tea tree for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help fight dandruff and lice. In this sense, we recommend the Rosemary Tea Tree Shampoo
-Shea Butter
Derived from the walnut shea tree, shea butter is an ingredient with many moisturizers. These nutrients have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
Clinical studies using shea butter as a treatment for eczema in children showed less itching in four weeks and another study with adults showed improvement in two weeks. Frequent use of shea butter does not appear to cause skin allergies, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
- Oats
Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant chemicals called avenanthramides. It also has hydrating beta-glucans and starches. It's why oatmeal baths are so effective for conditions like eczema and rashes. But not all oats are the same. Colloidal oatmeal is a powder that is obtained by grinding and preparing oats in very small and specific sizes. This size and quality of the oatmeal is what makes the ingredient so therapeutic and capable of forming the soothing paste when diluted in water.
In this sense, if you have dry, damaged or mature skin, we recommend a Mask with Honey and Oatmeal with 99% natural ingredients.
- The night / the dream
Yes, it is true, sleeping well, apart from keeping us fresh and active during the day, also has an impact on the health of our skin.
Good sleep helps increase blood flow to the top layer of the skin, particularly our face, which can reduce puffiness under the eyes. Poor blood flow causes accumulation under the eyes, causing dark circles under the eyes.
When we go to sleep, our body produces growth hormones and also repairs collagen-producing cells. Collagen is necessary to prevent the development of wrinkles.
While we sleep, our body also produces chemical melatonin, which acts as an antioxidant that fights dark spots, fine lines, etc. Melatonin also helps cell repair by keeping skin looking vital and radiant.
Likewise, it is very important to help the skin with a night cream suitable for your skin type and your needs.
Night creams they generally have a thicker consistency than day creams and tend to have a higher concentration of ingredients that stimulate cell regeneration, hydration and circulation. A night cream not only soothes and hydrates the skin after a long day, it can also help induce repair by increasing cell renewal. While daytime moisturizers generally protect against pollution, dryness, cold, heat, and UV rays, night creams better target the skin rebuilding process.
Collagen production and the fight against free radicals take place while we sleep, so it is important to include ingredients that strengthen it. Additionally, a good night cream will have a moisturizing property to re-stabilize the skin barrier by promoting hydration.
Nature heals.
A simple walk in the woods or a walk on the beach on a sunny morning can awaken the most intimate feelings of happiness and peace.
Staying close to nature, observing all the small and significant elements of it and appreciating it in all its essence, is therapeutic and self-healing.
Even without saying or doing anything, we can learn a lot by connecting with our natural environment. It gives us the prospect of a healthier life, the motivation to keep going, and the energy to keep trying. Because there is no bond more primitive and ingrained in us than our love for nature and the care we obtain from it.
What do you think? How does nature influence your body and your skin?
