Is your mouth watering already just at the idea of what you'll eat for Thanksgiving this year? We can taste it already too! But consider leaving a bit of the raw ingredients to the side for beauty leftovers. Check out what makes each of these dishes not only delicious, but also nutritious for skin.
Cranberry - These tasty little berries aren't just for making sauce and skin care guru Margina Dennis agrees. "Cranberries contain Omega 3, 6, and 9, vitamin E, and has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-septic qualities," she told BeautyPress. The oil is not only great for protecting the skin from free radicals, but in the treatment of acne, eczema and psoriasis. Fresh cranberries when mixed with brown sugar make for a fantastic seasonal body scrub to leave skin glowing and smooth. A perfect holiday pick-me-up!
Butternut Squash - A staple at the dinner table, pumpkin's popular cousin also has great ways to improve the look of skin. Cook up some this orange veggie to create a great facial you can combine with honey to maximize its exfoliating benefits. Other facial recipes include adding the yolk of an egg to hold the mask together and help draw out oils from the skin. Butternut squash contains a rich source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and E for elasticity and clarity.
Sweet Potatoes - Did you know sweet potato make great face masks? Our friends at BeautyPress tell us their potency helps to boost collagen production, make them a perfect ingredient for your at home beauty recipes. Just boil the sweet potato for around 20 minutes, mash it up with a fork and mix with plain yogurt. The mix of yogurt and sweet potato will leave your face smooth and glowing. Sweet!
Greens - Before you pass on that green bean casserole, consider the beauty benefits of those veggies. Broccoli and carrots both contain Vitamin C, which helps to ward off the damaging effects of free radicals that can harm collagen and bring on the wrinkles. Beets are also a rich source in skin clearing vitamins and antioxidants. And kale, considered one of the ultimate vegetable superfoods acts as an anti-inflammatory to prevent redness as well as dry, flaky skin.
Pumpkin - We've been raving all about pumpkin this fall, but it's time to rave a little more. We love a good pumpkin facial, or a fabulous pumpkin perfume, but Dennis breaks down what makes this seasonal veggie so great. "Pumpkin is rich with vitamins A, C, E, and K, fatty acids and zinc," she explained. "The oil found in the seeds can be used in eye creams to help to decrease dark circles by increasing circulation and to help the skin retain water; enzymes from the pulp are great for removing flaky skin and for treating acne." Time to "pump" up your skin care with this one!
Ready to feast on these beauty tips? Let us know which you plan to make your main skin care entree with a note below!
