It's Labor Day weekend, and I know many will have plans. Family gatherings, a pick-up game of football with friends, maybe getting in that last camping trip of the season... It's truly a time to go out and appreciate nature and the bounty that this year's harvests have (and will) bring us. Not only is it sustenance for our bodies, with the shmorgousboard of fruits and veggies available to us, but also for skincare. I always say that some of the best skincare recipes are those that our great-grandmothers grandmothers used. Nature gives us most anything we could need, and as my "thank you" to Mother Earth, I thought I'd share the skincare uses of some of the things growing at this time of year!
- PUMPKIN contains a wide spectrum of vitamin A derivatives with an outstanding effect on the skin's cellular turnover, meaning you're left with younger-looking skin. It also contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals with strong antioxidant protection. The natural fruit acids, along with Vitamins A, C, E, minerals and replenishing enzymes make it a great exfoliant, breakout inhibitor, and pore refiner for your skin. Pumpkin also decreases oxidation and free radical stress in the skin. It is extraordinarily effective for dull, sluggish skin as it stimulates circulation, promotes healing, and provides vitamin nutrition leaving skin glowing and healthy looking. If this isn't enough, it further helps to restore elasticity while allowing ingredients to better penetrate the skin. So, try some pumpkin this fall and use it all year long for radiant, silky smooth skin!
- APPLES help treat and control acne breakouts to improving your complexion. Applying the fruit to your face as a mask gives your skin a healthy dose of Vitamin A, B, C and E. This will act as a gentle face scrub and will clean your pores from deep within! If you suffer from acne, apple cider vinegar is a must. Soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and then apply lightly over your face and neck (I'd start with alittle and go from there; you want to test your skin first, as anyone can have allergies to anything). Let it stay on a few minutes then wash off with warm water. This will help to get rid of impurities, as well as excess oil on your skin.
- BERRIES contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in numerous fruits, vegetables and nuts, (but especially raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and pomegranates), which can protect the skin against UV damage. Strawberries in particular are high in alpha-hydroxy acid, a great little substance that helps us slough off dead skin cells so that new, youthful skin is revealed. It's also a natural exfoliant, as are all berries. Berries also help the body to manufacture collagen, which helps keep the skin looking supple, smooth & wrinkle-free.
- GRAPES are full of antioxidants, reservatrol (found in the skin of the grape), and are very nourishing for your skin. Grapes can be used as a tonic, and are wonderful for mature or dehydrated skin.
- AND FINALLY... Masks of peaches and tomatoes are excellent for oily skin care for removing grease and to shrink pores.
This is going to be the start of a new series! Through October, I'll be featuring a home spa recipe using these and other ingredients you can easily find at your local farmers market, etc during this time of year! I hope everyone enjoys it, and finds this series useful.
Wishing everyone a wonderful, restful Labor Day weekend!
Candace
