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Autumn Harvest

by Sandra Ramani

As the Weather changes, so does our skin, which is why it’s important to give it some extra love during these warm-to-cool transitional months. “In fall and winter, skin may no longer be exposed as much to the sun, but the lingering effects of summer are still visible, including dehydration, loss of radiance, PH imbalance and slower cell renewal,” explains Rita Teixeira, International Trainer for Sothys spas. At the same time, increased exposure to central heating and cooler air can lead to dry, itchy or flaky skin.

Teixeira recommends a daily or weekly facial mask, which can help balance the skin’s physiology during weather shifts. She also suggests looking for “more active ingredients to help strengthen the skin,” including fruits, vegetables and spices from the fall harvest. Apples contain polyphenols that act as natural anti-oxidants and reinforce the skin’s protection barrier, while pumpkin is rich in fruit enzymes and AHAs to boost healthy cell turnover and essential fatty acids to help regulate oil production and balance dry skin.

Many spas across the country are offering seasonal treatments that feature autumn’s bounty. Sothys is launching a brightening Apple and Blackberry Facial, and the Chill Spa at Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is offering a regenerative Yam & Pumpkin Facial that Spa Manager Sara Dolentz says is “ideal for fighting the effects of aging, while also hydrating the skin.”

Here are some of our favorite at-home face masks inspired by the season.

QUINCE

Ilike Quince Apple Gel Mask This certified organic skin care line uses whole fruit and herb pulps to make products that are both active and nourishing. Designed to brighten the skin, tighten pores and help decrease swelling around the eyes, this mask also contains honey, lemon oil, paprika, vitamins A, B and C and fruit acids. szepelet.com

 

APPLE

Elemental Herbology’s Facial Glow Radiance Peel features non-abrasive exfoliants like apple serum, orange peel and jojoba beads, while green tea and pomegranate protect against damage, kombucha brightens, argan and olive oils hydrate and Manuka honey soothes inflammation. elementalherbologyUS.com

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel The potent combination of organic apple, lemon, aloe leaf juice, grape juice, raw cane sugar and willow bark extract dissolves dead skin and cellular build-up, increases circulation, and improves skin tone and texture. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of organic peptides and vitamins A, C and E. juicebeauty.com

 

PUMPKIN

Dr. Alkaitis Universal Mask A health-food store for your skin, this mask contains organic pumpkin, oat, barley and flax seeds, hemp protein, sea vegetables, juice from organic grasses like wheat and kamut, and a vegetable complex packed with ginger, sweet potato, kale, brussel sprouts and more. The potent combo works to calm irritation and sensitivities, and add nourishment and moisture. It’s also great for use after in-office peels or microdermabrasion. www.alkaitis.com

MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel For deeper detoxification and hydration, the mask uses three forms of pumpkin (including pumpkin wine), honey, ginger root oil, clove leaf, cinnamon, nutmeg and other circulation boosters. mychelle.com

 

GRAPE

Kimberly Sayer Hydrating Anti-Oxidant Facial Mask A trained esthetician and daughter of organic farmers, Kimberly Sayer’s namesake line is beloved for its visible results. Her mask contains olive extracts, grapeseed oil, oat protein, shea butter, lavender water, rose and calendula essential oil and more to tighten and firm skin and help boost collagen and elastin production. kimberlysayer.com

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