Spring Awakens

On March 9, Canada moved into daylight saving time, shifting the clock forward an hour to make the most of the daylight. Yet, despite the change, cold rains persist, and spring still feels distant. But beneath the soil, new life is already stirring.

Crocuses, one of the first flowers to push through after the long winter, are now in full bloom. Their symbolic meanings,` joy of youth` and `longing`, perfectly capture the anticipation of spring. Seeing these resilient flowers return to the same spots year after year, without anyone planting them, is a quiet reminder of nature’s steady rhythm and strength.

In Japan, the phrase `三寒四温` san-kan-shi-on (three cold days, four warm days) describes the gradual shift into spring. This cycle of warming and cooling reminds us that the new season is near. Right now, winter lingers, reluctant to let go, even as spring begins to peek through.

This in-between season is a time for renewal - refreshing our spaces, letting go of winter’s weight, and preparing for the more active months ahead. Our skin, too, enters a phase of transition. As pores that tightened in the cold start to open, it’s the perfect time for a reset.  Mugwort, long cherished in Japan for its detoxifying properties, offers both internal and external benefits. In skincare, it encourages renewal, soothes irritation, and restores balance - making it the perfect seasonal ally.

At SHIKI natural, we are transitioning to a fresh batch of Mugwort Facial Oil this April. Harvested by hand from wild-growing mugwort on a rustic farm in the Discovery Islands, its infusion glows with the deep green of Canada’s pristine lakes.

The moment it touches your skin, its earthy, bittersweet aroma brings you back to nature. If mugwort could be summed up in one word, it would be purification.

As the seasons shift, so does our skin. Like crocuses breaking through the thawing earth, let’s strengthen our skin’s foundation and step into spring with a fresh, radiant glow.