Late Summer Skincare Guide: Embrace the Earth Element
As the vibrant buzz of summer begins to mellow and we inch closer to autumn, we find ourselves in a sacred in-between space. Late summer is a season unto itself, governed by the Earth Element, a transitional period that gently invites us to harvest the fruits of the season and begin a movement inward. In traditional Chinese Medicine, this is a time to ground, reflect, and nourish—physically, emotionally, and energetically, as we prepare ourselves for the shifting rhythms ahead.
Skin (& Self) Care Guide for the Late Summer Season
Reading our own face can give us subtle yet powerful insights into how we’re processing life physically, emotionally, and energetically. During this late summer – the Earth Element – season, the skin, especially around the mouth and eyes, can reveal where we may need extra support or nourishment. Here are a few ways our skin speaks to us:
White or yellowish coloration around the mouth, irritation at corners of mouth or dry, cracked lips may suggest imbalances in how you’re digesting life.
Redness along the inner eyeline may indicate overthinking, worry or ruminating thoughts. These patterns may be preventing you from enjoying abundance, trust or the sweetness of life.
Vertical lines above or below the lips may reflect unspoken needs, lingering resentment, or a pattern of overgiving without restoration.
These subtle signs are gentle invitations to check in and give yourself the support you need, inside and out.
You may want to ask yourself: How can I create balance between summer’s outward energy and the gentle inward pull of fall? Am I expressing my needs with clarity and compassion—without attachment or expectation?
Product Guide for Late Summer Skincare
This is the season to rebalance and replenish your skin. Here are some curated product recommendations to help restore your Late Summer skin. Editor’s note: All of these are available to purchase at Gretchen’s spa in Port Moody, where she can create a personalized skin care plan specific to your needs.
After an active, sun filled summer, the skin really benefits from using antioxidant-rich serums that hydrate, restore and fortify the skin. After cleansing skin is the perfect time to apply. Here are the serums I typically recommend to my clients:
Osmosis Beauty Replenish Serum is one of my go-tos. Packed with seventeen antioxidants, this serum acts like a multivitamin for the skin, giving it the balance it needs to prepare for Autumn
Osmosis Beauty Catalyst AC-11 Serum is a fantastic serum to strengthen sun exposed skin. This is a reparative, antioxidant-rich Vitamin C serum that lightens the appearance of sunspots, supports skin recovery, and helps prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s one of my post-summer essentials.
Biologique Recherche Amniotique VG, Colostrum VG or Extraits Tissulairs are all incredible serums for hydration.
Late summer is also a great time to balance and nourish the skin barrier for the season ahead with moisturizers that bring your skin back to a state of balance and prepare it for colder, harsher weather ahead. Here are the moisturizers I always recommend for this season:
Biologique Recherche Creme VG Derm is a soothing moisturizer that deeply hydrates and brings comfort to dehydrated or stressed skin.
Biologique Recherche Gel ADN Silkgen is a gel textured moisturizing fluid, enriched with antioxidant plant-based DNA and silk extract, that provides lightweight hydration to oily skin.
Osmosis Beauty Tropical Mango Mask is an incredibly soothing mango -enriched mask in a shea butter base that brings instant cooling, comfort and hydration. Use 2-3 x week to give the skin an end of summer plumping boost or to bring comfort to sunburnt skin. You’ll notice an instant difference.
Just as we notice the change in seasons in our physical bodies and emotional states, our skin is no different. Helping your skin transition into each season is not only a way to look more vibrant, it’s a great ritual for grounding and connecting with yourself as a whole.
Gretchen Oppenheim is a Holistic Skincare Therapist and Intuitive Practitioner. After working for years in luxury spas, she witnessed first hand how the beauty industry is often more disempowering than it is empowering. Today, she offers a unique blend of Qi Gong + Energetic Chinese Medicine with skincare therapy, to support radiance on all levels. Gretchen offers holistic facials at Wildflower Beauty Bar, all of which include a personalized skincare plan and intuitive facial reading. Learn more or book an Intuitive Facial.
⸻
