As fall approaches, the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier and the temperature cools considerably. The change in temperature can affect our skin and moisturizing is the best deterrent to keep healthy, glowing skin. Here are some of the products that I found to tone and combat any dry skin areas, minus the preservative paraben. Many of the items can be found in your own kitchen!
If you have sensitive skin, consult with your doctor or other qualified health care professional before using any product discussed within this article.
1. RAD American Beauty Cream Youth Preserving Cream: RAD is a locally owned company that you may have seen at the Troy or Schenectady farmers’ markets. RAD is opening a new retail store in Stuyvesant Plaza soon. The company offers many great soaps and lotions with wonderful, calming scents. I started using American Beauty Youth Preserving Cream approximately a month ago and it kept my skin glowing, smooth and hydrated all day long. In addition to being skin quenching, this product acts like a primer for your foundation. You can purchase this on line at the Troy or Schenectady farmers’ markets and the Stuyvesant Plaza location in the fall. radsoap.com/american-beauty-cream-4-oz/; 4 oz.; $40.
2. Aquaphor Lip Repair: As the weather cools, our lips get dry, red and chapped. After testing many products, I found Aquaphor Lip Repair to be a very good moisturizing, emollient lip balm. The fragrance-free formula, in a squeeze tube, is gentle and does an excellent job of correcting dry, chapped lips. This product is silky and smooth and does not feel oily or sticky. Various retail stores; $4.99
3. New England Shea Butter: I discovered this company at the Saratoga Jazz Festival and have been using it for five-plus years. The Raw Shea Butter applies very smoothly and absorbs into the skin quickly. I apply this at night to my hands and arms prior to going to sleep but it can be used as an all-over body lotion. Per the product website, shea butter “closely resembles our body’s natural oil which makes it more prone to get absorbed deep into all seven layers of our skin. It has natural medicinal properties, and is naturally high in vitamins A, E, and F. These properties aid in healing wounds, scars, stretch marks, blemishes, eczema, and psoriasis. It naturally repels insects and has 15 SPF to aid in sun protection.” You can purchase this at www.nesheabutter.com/default.html; 2oz.; $7.99.
4. Apple cider vinegar (unfiltered or with the mother in it—strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky, cobweb-like appearance): I started using this in the last few months as a toner, every other day, after I cleanse my skin. I have noticed that my pores are smaller and my skin seems a bit fresher.
Apples are loaded with potassium, pectin, malic acid and calcium, and fermentation fortifies it with even more beneficial acids and enzymes. While it may seem odd to put apple cider vinegar on your face, it’s antiseptic and antibacterial, an added bonus when dealing with skin infections and conditions like acne and eczema. Apple cider vinegar facial toner made from raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar balances the natural pH of the skin, and breaks up the bonds between dead skin cells (exfoliating) to keep skin pores open. It also can lighten sun and age spots and can improve acne and acne scars. And lastly, it’s great for freshening and removing excess oils and make up that may have been left behind. It’s very affordable and contains no added conventional chemical craziness. I keep this right in my bathroom as it does not need to be refrigerated.
For sensitive skin: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 4 parts water. For normal skin: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water.
For oily skin: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water. You can purchase at grocery stores for $3.50, such as Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar unfiltered.
5. Lemon sugar exfoliator: After you cleanse your face with warm water, place a few drops of either fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice on a cotton ball and add a sprinkle of granulated white sugar. Rub all over your face, neck and lips. Your face and lips will feel smooth and refreshed.
