You might have seen red light therapy masks on your Instagram stories—they’re the grown-up version of the clay masks you might have used at a Year 6 sleepover. 

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light. Red light, in particular, stimulates collagen production, encourages healing, calms redness, and evens out skin tone, making it an all-around excellent treatment.

The first red light therapy mask was introduced in 2013. Since then, at-home red light therapy has grown in popularity, inspiring other brands to develop similar products. But be careful, as expected there are many brands out there trying to join in on this wellness trend so make sure to look out for masks that are effective. 

Key qualities to consider:

100-200 LEDs or more for adequate coverage
Red light (630–660 nm) and near-infrared light (800–850 nm) 
Comfortable, lightweight design with eye protection
FDA-approved for safety
Reliable power source and warranty (portable is great for ease of use but a plug-in will provide you with consistent power) 

Collagen Production & Anti-Aging
With age, collagen levels decline, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. By stimulating fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen), red light can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Improvement of Skin Tone and Texture
Red light helps enhance the overall texture and tone of the skin. It can reduce roughness, smooth out uneven skin, and even reduce the appearance of scars over time. You might even notice a brighter/healthier looking complexion. 

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
One of the well-researched benefits of red light therapy is its ability to accelerate wound healing. It promotes faster cell regeneration and tissue repair, making it useful for treating cuts, surgical scars, or other skin damage.

Reduction of Inflammation & Redness
Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects that can calm skin conditions associated with inflammation like rosacea and eczema. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, making it useful for sensitive or reactive skin.

Increased Circulation
Red light therapy improves blood circulation in the skin, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This enhanced circulation supports skin vitality and encourages a more radiant complexion.

Reduction of Sun Damage
Red light can reduce the effects of sun damage such as hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and fine lines caused by prolonged UV exposure. It helps in skin repair and reversing the visible signs of photoaging.

Functional Mushrooms

Incorporating functional mushrooms, wait, let’s start again… what are functional mushrooms? 

Functional mushrooms are a category of mushrooms that are valued for their potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Unlike common culinary mushrooms, functional mushrooms are often used in traditional medicine and supplements due to their bioactive compounds, which may support immune health, cognitive function, stress reduction, and more.

So, incorporating functional mushrooms into your routine during autumn can be particularly beneficial for several reasons. 

As the weather changes, the body experiences shifts in immunity, energy levels, and mood, and functional mushrooms can help support overall well-being during this transitional season. Here’s why functional mushrooms are great for autumn:

Stronger immune system to prevent colds and flu

Stress relief during a busy and transitional season

Improved energy levels to combat autumn fatigue

Mood and cognitive support to fend off seasonal dips in mental health

Anti-inflammatory effects for joint and muscle health

Better sleep quality as the nights grow longer

Improved digestion to handle heavier autumn diets

How can we actually incorporate functional mushrooms into our diet? 

Powders (to mix into smoothies, coffee, or foods)

Capsules or extracts (for a concentrated dose)

Teas and tinctures- Incorporated into snacks or functional beverages (like mushroom coffee or hot chocolate)

Gut Feeling 

Autumn offers plenty of foods that are great for skin health, thanks to their nutrients and antioxidants. 

Here are some autumnal foods to incorporate into your diet for glowing skin:

Pumpkin: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, pumpkin helps boost collagen production, improves skin texture, and gives your skin a healthy glow.

Sweet Potatoes: Packed with beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, these help promote skin cell turnover and repair.

Pomegranates: Full of antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, pomegranates protect the skin from environmental damage and promote skin healing.

Apples: High in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, apples help rejuvenate and hydrate the skin.

Brussels Sprouts: These contain vitamin C, which helps with collagen formation, and vitamin K, which promotes skin healing and reduces inflammation.

Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts keep your skin moisturised and reduce inflammation, making them great for combating dry, autumn skin.Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, cranberries fight free radicals and prevent premature aging of the skin.

TikTok’s New Wellness Trend: “Save The Day”

We love this trend, for its simplicity and for the impact it can have on our every day. Reaching popularity via TikTok with an original video surpassing 4m views, other users have now taken to #savingtheday and sharing their life hacks.

The concept is simple. “My friend and I came up with this thing we call ‘saving the day,’” Merz, who describes herself as a holistic healer and transformation coach, says in the video. “If we spent the whole day working, we do one thing that reclaims the day as our own.”

Merz explained that “saving the day” can be any activity and doesn’t have to be time-consuming. She listed examples like calling a loved one, making a meal, going for a walk, making a cup of tea or reading your favourite book.

With all the natural stressors that come with everyday life, it’s comforting to highlight that time you save just for you.

It’s obvious why this wellness trend has gained popularity. It highlights how simple and easy it can be to improve our self-care routines. Ultimately, we all seek happiness, and incorporating intentional moments into our daily lives allows us to pause and clear our minds, helping us return to our tasks with renewed focus.

Okra Water

Okra water is a drink made by soaking okra pods in water for up to 24 hours.

Its proponents claim that it boosts weight loss and improves blood sugar management, among other health benefits. It’s also considered a convenient alternative to eating okra, especially for those who don’t enjoy okra’s unique texture and taste.

8 pods of raw Okra contain:

Calories: 31

Protein: 2 grams

Fat: 0.2 grams

Carbs: 7 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Manganese: 33% of the Daily Value (DV)

Vitamin C: 24% of the DV

Thiamin: 16% of the DV

Folate: 14% of the DV

Magnesium: 13% of the DV

Vitamin B6: 12% of the DV

Copper: 12% of the DV

It’s common to drink okra water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Proponents claim that this maximises its potential health benefits.

However, no research supports the claim that okra water is more beneficial in the morning than at other times of the day. Therefore, you can enjoy okra water whenever works best for you.

For best results, pair okra water with a well-rounded diet rich in nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Rich in Nutrients: Okra is high in vitamins C and K, as well as folate, magnesium, and antioxidants, which support overall health.

Hydration: Okra water can help keep you hydrated, which is essential for bodily functions, including digestion and metabolism.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that okra may help stabilise blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes.

Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fibre, okra can help you feel full longer, potentially aiding in weight management.

Skin Health: The vitamins and antioxidants in okra may promote healthy skin and support wound healing.