In the fall our skin undergoes a bit of a change as the weather gets colder. You may notice more dryness, redness, or general discomfort. If you have fall allergies you may even notice itchier skin than in the summer months. Dryness may also cause itchiness.
It’s important to protect our largest organ because it is the first barrier from toxins and free radicals. Also, it can be hard to be comfortable with dry, flaky skin. To do this, there are few things we can change with the seasons.
Of course it will become extra important to support your skin from the inside out with supplements like omega-3 and collagen, as well as focus on a diet rich with antioxidants and nutrient-dense foods.
When it comes to supplements, starting your day with a collagen smoothie can help to replenish the skin with collagen peptides, and also stimulate collagen production. We lost collagen as we age, which leads the skin to dry out and form wrinkles. Increasing your collagen intake is one way to support your skin in the colder months.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in certain foods like fatty fish and walnuts. They help to keep the skin oil production balanced which helps lock in moisture when your skin is feeling dry.
Foods that boost your skin health are:
- Fatty fish
- Avocado
- Sweet potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
So now that you’re supporting your skin from the inside out, there are also topical ways to control dryness and irritation during the colder months. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a ton of money on expensive skin care products. Actually, most of the ingredients needed to support your fall skin you probably have lying around the house.
The goal of this article is to go through items you may have in your panty (or fridge) and explain how they may help prevent your skin from dying out and becoming irritated as the wind gets colder and the air dries out. Let’s dive in!
Pantry Items You Can Use On Your Skin
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is good source of healthy fat. It’s super hydrating and may even help fight free radicals in the skin. Many people use coconut oil for makeup removal, as a moisturizer, or on their hair to increase moisture.
You can use coconut oil right out of the jar and apply it to your skin when it feels dry. The medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil may even help protect the skin from colder wind and harmful bacteria.
Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium among other vitamins and minerals. Potassium helps regulate water balance in your body which may help to keep your skin hydrated. In fact, dry skin is a tell tale sign that you may be deficient in potassium.
The best part about bananas as a skin care solution is that they are super easy to mash up and apply straight to the skin. Combine with oats, honey, coconut oil or olive oil to create a hydrating mask.
Honey
You may notice that honey is actually in a lot of store bought beauty products. That’s because honey is known to help your skin absorb and lock in moisture. You can use it as an ingredient for a mask, or you can use it on its own. Simply apply to the areas you notice dryness and leave on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off.
Avocados
So many these aren’t exactly in your pantry, but if you have avocados lying around the house, they can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Just as you would with a banana, you can mash ripe avocados and apply them directly to your skin. Avocados are super moisturizing and promote soft, smooth skin.
Apple cider vinegar
You may be familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar when it comes to the gut, but did you know that it may also improve your skin? When applied to the skin, ACV acts as a toner to break up dead skin cells and remove flakiness.
It’s best to dilute the ACV with water before using it on your skin. A good rule of thumb is to use 2 parts water for every 1 part of ACV. Simply pour your solution onto a cotton ball and apply to the areas of your skin that have cause for concern.
Oats
Oats are not only a fiber-packed breakfast cereal, but they can also be used to create a soothing face mask. Oats contain a nutrient called avenanthramide which acts as a natural inflammatory response booster. In other words, this active nutrient may help with redness and puffiness.
The best way to apply oats to your skin is to grind them up into a powder form (or blend in a blender) and combine with honey. This paste you can put on your skin and let it sit like a face mask. You can use it all over your body in areas of dryness, redness, or itchiness.