Thanksgiving Recipes for Your Skin
This time of the year is the beginning of a season of indulgence. Pie... potatoes... pumpkin... cranberries... You can make smart choices when it comes to eating during the holidays. You can also use these delicious fall ingredients to make some great Thanksgiving recipes for your skin! We are feeling a lot of gratitude for the good things in life right now!
A few things to keep in mind as you approach Thanksgiving this year:
Hydration
A good fall skin care routine is usually different from a summer one. Skin tends to be drier during the colder months of the year, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Keeping your skin hydrated helps it to stay healthy and younger looking. Your skin also may be more sensitive because of the cold. Planning a trip, coordinating family events and work parties may contribute to your skin feeling a little neglected this time of year. So, take a bottle of water with you and stay hydrated.
Think Fall Beauty
Here are some beauty basics to keep in mind this Thanksgiving to help reduce stress and keep you looking your best to celebrate the season with friends and family.
- Give yourself a facial and take time to relax. Soak in the moisture and enjoy the holidays. See some ideas of ingredients and DIY recipes for a facial to suit your skin type below.
- Be mindful of your skin care routine. You may be exhausted, but don’t skip steps and definitely avoid sleeping with makeup on!
- Look for fall colors in lipstick and nail polish. Don’t be afraid to go darker and bolder this year.
- Your skin may have lost some of its summer sun, so consider adding a natural shade of bronzer to add some color and dimension to your skin.
Eat Smart
It’s no secret that what we eat impacts our skin and this time of year we are surrounded by yummy food. But there are some traditional Thanksgiving dishes that can be great for your skin. Here are some examples:
Turkey
Low in carbs and high in protein that your skin needs to produce healthy skin cells makes this meat a beneficial Thanksgiving staple. Just go easy on the gravy.
Pumpkin
The natural enzymes in pumpkin assist with digestion and help to break down toxins in the body. It’s also loaded with beta-carotene and Vitamin A which help fight against damage from free radicals helping to prevent aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie; just try to eat in moderation. For more reasons why it's great to love pumpkin, check out this video from Foods4Health!
Pumpkin seeds
Loaded with zinc to help protect cell membranes, build collagen, diminish acne and generate new skin growth are some of the many reasons to consume pumpkin seeds. They taste great roasted with a little salt and make a great snack food when you’re on the road for a long drive.
Eggs
Deviled or otherwise, eggs rich in antioxidants help boost elasticity in your skin. Also a great source of protein to help repair damaged skin, eggs are a must for Thanksgiving dinner.
Green beans
Your aunt’s green bean casserole she makes every year may be a family favorite, but did you know the benefits of green beans? Bring on the Vitamin C to repair damage caused by free radicals and slow the signs of aging.
Sweet potatoes
Oh the sweetness of sweet potatoes at a Thanksgiving feast bringing with it Vitamin A to promote new skin growth. I’ll have a helping of healthy, glowing skin please!
Pecans
Always Grandpa’s favorite, pecans are high in antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Help to prevent the fine lines and wrinkles with a little slice of pecan pie or topping your salad with these nuts.
Cranberries
An extra helping of cranberry sauce just for extra healthy skin – resveratrol in cranberries is great for fighting acne. The antiseptic properties of cranberry juice can contribute to thorough cleansing when applied directly to the skin. Plus, the Vitamin C in cranberry juice helps boost collagen production to give your skin a more youthful appearance.
Apples
Melanin helps to protect your skin from UV rays and the copper in apples helps your body to make more melanin. Apples are also a potent source of malic acid which helps to detox metals that accumulate in our bodies. The Vitamin C is also beneficial to help boost your immune system and fight back that cold you may feel coming on.
Carrots
Known for helping to build skin tissues, carrots are packed with Vitamin A. Another key component to carrots is potassium. Low levels of potassium can lead to dry skin, which is more common during the colder months anyway. Carrots make a great snack or contribution to any Thanksgiving meal.
Pomegranate
Load up on Vitamin C and antioxidants by adding pomegranates to your holiday feast. Fun fact: The level of antioxidants in a pomegranate is three times what they are in green tea or red wine.
Cinnamon
Fight bacteria with cinnamon – one of the greatest antibacterials found in nature. Helps to fight acne, remove dead skin cells as an exfoliator and restore skin’s shine by bringing oxygen and blood to the surface of your skin makes adding cinnamon to just about anything this holiday season a good idea.
The scent of rosemary always reminds me of Thanksgiving. It’s an herb commonly used in roasted turkey. But the skin benefits are undeniable. Helping to improve elasticity, eliminate puffiness from too many late nights and protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV rays are some of the reasons rosemary should be on your shopping list this season.
Sage
Another in the herb family, savory sage is aromatic when used in traditional stuffing. But the antioxidants in sage are effective in protecting skin against free radicals and helping to reverse the signs of aging skin.
Now that we’ve dissected your Thanksgiving spread, let’s talk skin care!
Thanksgiving Skin Care Recipes
Set aside some of the ingredients you plan to use to prep your Thanksgiving dinner and incorporate some of your feasts leftovers to create skincare treatments that will help to relax and enjoy this holiday season with smoother, healthier, younger looking skin. Here are 10 DIY skin care recipes using fall ingredients you can make at home:
Lemon and Fennel Toner
- 2 raw bulbs of pureed fennel
- Juice from half a lemon
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Water
Mix pureed fennel, thyme and ¼ cup water together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Let steep for 15 -20 minutes. Strain out the solids using a cheesecloth and transfer to a jar. Keep covered and let it cool completely. Apply toner using a cotton ball under the eyes to help diminish the appearance of dark eye circles. Toner can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Apple Cider Peel
- 1 tsp. organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- T Tbsp. applesauce, organic or homemade preferred
Stir together the apple cider vinegar and applesauce in a small dish. With clean hands or brush, apply a mask to your clean face avoiding the eyes. Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes and remove with warm water and a gentle wash cloth. Because the scent of apple cider vinegar can stick around, this mask is best used at night time before bed. And discard whatever mixture you don’t use – this should not be stored for multiple uses.
Pomegranate Clay Mask
- 1 Tbsp. bentonite clay
- 1-2 Tbsp. pomegranate juice
Mix together clay and juice to form a paste. Apply all over your face and neck and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and gentle wash cloth for additional exfoliation.
Apple Pumpkin Face Mask
- ½ green apple
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. milk
- Dash of cinnamon
Peel and chop the apple before place in a blender with the pumpkin and puree until you have a smooth consistency. Add the honey and milk. Apply to your face and neck avoiding the eyes. Let it sit for 15-25 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gentle wash cloth. Formula may be stored in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Pumpkin and Honey Face Mask
- 2 Tbsp. pumpkin puree
- ½ tsp honey
- ½ tsp milk
Combine the ingredients and mix well. Lather on your face and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and gentle wash cloth for additional exfoliation.
Brown Sugar Scrub
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Almond or olive oil
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
First, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Slowly add oil until the mixture sticks, but isn’t runny. Continue stirring to get the right texture. Add the vanilla and it’s done! Best used as an all over body scrub, so try applying in the shower. It can also be used as a face scrub, but be gentle not to cause irritation by scrubbing too hard.
Nutmeg Facial Scrub
- 1 Tbsp. whole milk
- ½ Tbsp. nutmeg
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and using your fingers, gently massage in circular motions on your face avoiding around the eyes. Concentrate on areas that are especially dry. Follow massage by rinsing with warm water and applying your favorite daily moisturizer.
Honey Cinnamon Face Mask
- 2 Tbsp. raw honey
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
*This mask can be very sticky. Mix ingredients together and apply to your face, avoiding around the eyes. If heat gets overwhelming, rinse immediately. Otherwise, leave mixture on for 10 minutes before rinsing well with warm water, followed by your favorite moisturizer.
Carrot Eye Mask
- 1 egg white
- 1 Tbsp. finely shredded carrot (use a regular carrot instead of a baby carrot)
- 1 tsp. aloe vera
Combine egg white, carrot shreds and aloe in a small bowl. Mix together with a fork until frothy. Using clean hands, apply mixture to your face concentrating around the eyes, but avoid the eyelids. (You can apply the mask to your entire face, but composition of ingredients is especially effective for fighting wrinkles under the eyes). Let the mask sit for 15 -20 minutes. Use a soft, wet towel to remove and lastly, apply gentle eye moisturizer.
Cucumber and Sage Face Mask
- 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
- 2 Tbsp. pureed cucumber
- 2 Tbsp. dry oats
- 1 tsp. chopped sage
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix together. Massage using clean hands onto a clean, damp face. Allow mask to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. If you are experiencing dry or irritated skin, this is the mask for you.
Cranberry Scrub
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Combine the cranberries and honey in a blender. Mix until well pureed and move ingredients to a small bowl; Add in brown sugar. Stir until sugar is slightly dissolved. Apply the mixture to your face and massage gently for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Scrub can be stored in airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Relax and Enjoy the Holidays!
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with an impending visit from the in-laws or just excited to try out a new pecan pie recipe this year, don’t forget to take care of your skin!
Stress can make a good complexion go badly very fast and the added pressure of deadlines, end of the year goals, the memorable work parties and experiences with those you love can be an especially stressful time.
Your skin needs extra love and care. Using the ingredients in a traditional Thanksgiving feast is a fun, seasonal way to keep your skin feeling healthy and cared for while embracing the festivities around you. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Also in Geneva Naturals
What Is A Retinoid Oil? Retinoid Oil Benefits, Uses, Effects & More
DIY Clay Mask Recipes for Clear Skin
