I'm a big fan of do-it-yourself regimens for several reasons. First, home remedies are usually very inexpensive, which I love. Second, you always know exactly what kind of ingredients goes into each recipe, which is great for those who are conscious of their chemical and toxic overload. And, finally, fresh, homemade ingredients usually work better than most store-bought products.
This month, I wanted to share about two incredible autumn-inspired ingredients that your skin will absolutely LOVE during these colder months... pumpkin and turmeric!
Pumpkin contains Vitamin A, which helps to boost collagen production, and Vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It also contains copper and zinc which helps to fight blemishes while reducing redness and inflammation. Pumpkins contain enzymes that can break down dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking smoother and brighter. Finally, the beta-carotene reverses UV damage and skin pigmentation.
Turmeric is packed with powerful antioxidants, such as curcumin, that can slow skin cell damage and lighten pigmentation. Turmeric is also known to help even out the skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture. It's a great winter skincare ingredient because of its ability to retain moisture. In addition, turmeric is often used for acne because of its powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Below are five autumn-inspired DIY skincare recipes for you to try:
Gentle Turmeric Face Scrub
I love adding a bit of baking soda to my cleanser because it is an excellent skin exfoliator. Added with turmeric, this gentle face scrub can help to remove dead skin cells, fight acne and soothe inflammation. This recipe should only be used once or twice a week, as it can alter the skins pH and oil levels if used too often.
Ingredients:
1/2 tsp ground turmeric or 1 drop turmeric essential oil
1 tbsp almond milk
2 tsp baking soda
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together. Apply to clean, moist face with gentle, circular movements. Rinse. Follow with moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. Use 1-2 times per week.
Pumpkin Spice Face Mask
This face mask is perfect for dry skin because the honey helps your skin to absorb and retain moisture. It's best to use a raw honey that has not been processed in order to get the most skin-loving benefits. I personally love using Manuka honey or buying raw honey from a local farmer.
In addition to honey, this face mask uses cinnamon which is great for acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and redness. Cinnamon also stimulates blood flow which can make your skin appear more even-toned.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp organic pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp turmeric powder or 1 drop turmeric essential oil
1 tsp raw honey
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together. Apply to face and neck. Let sit 15-30 minutes. Rinse.
Pumpkin + Oats Exfoliating Mask
Sweet almond oil has been used for centuries to soothe and soften the skin. It is known to help reduce puffiness, improve skin tone, treat dry skin, improve acne, and reverse sun damage, scarring, and stretch marks. The ground oats help to slough away oil, dirt and dead skin cells while acting as a natural moisturizer.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp organic pumpkin puree
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1 tbsp ground oats
1/2 tsp raw honey (optional)
Directions:
Ground the oats with a blender, food processor, or a mortar and pestle to reach a powdery consistency. Combine all other ingredients together with the grounded oats. Apply to face and neck in gentle, circular movements. Let sit 15 minutes. Rinse.
Pumpkin Glow Hydrating Mask
Yogurt face masks are making a comeback right now and for good reason. Yogurt helps to increase moisture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens and evens out the skin. The lactic acid found in yogurt can help to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, which stimulates faster growth and cellular turnover. This means brighter, younger skin! I always use plain, greek yogurt, because it has the most vitamins and minerals, which your skin loves.
Ingredients:
2 tsp organic pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp raw honey
1/4 tbsp plain greek yogurt
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together. Apply to face. Let sit 15-30 minutes. Rinse.
Tightening Turmeric Mask
This recipe uses skin-loving essential oils and coconut milk to help tighten and rejuvenate the skin. Coconut milk is known to maintain skin elasticity, prevent wrinkles and age spots, and lock in moisture among other things.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric or 2 drops turmeric essential oil
1 tsp raw honey
1 tbsp coconut milk
1 drop wild orange essential oil
1 drop frankincense essential oil
Directions:
Combine all ingredients. Add additional milk if necessary to create a thin paste. Apply to clean face. Let sit 20 minutes. Rinse.
I hope you've enjoyed these recipes! For more recipes, you can visit my essential oil page on my website or my Wellness Tips & Recipes board on Pinterest.
With Love,
Kelsey
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