Calling All Pumpkin Lovers
Just curious, how many pumpkin fans are with me right now? Fall is my season to recognize fellow pumpkin lovers, no matter their pumpkin preference. Maybe you love carving pumpkins into scary sculptures. Perhaps you prefer creamy pumpkin spice lattes or freshly baked pumpkin pies. Whatever your preference, it’s officially time to get excited about everything pumpkin.
Pumpkin Is More Than a Fall Favorite
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention pumpkin’s potential skincare benefits. Pumpkin extracts can be excellent ingredients in professionally formulated face masks. They contain natural fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids. These ingredients can help remove dead skin cells while exfoliating and smoothing the skin. Of course, I’m not suggesting you smear mashed pumpkin onto your face. Instead, consider what else your body and skin might need this October.
Listen to Your Autumn Instincts
Our physical inclinations and cravings can sometimes remind us to prioritize self-care. When you think about the arrival of fall, what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine warm baths or sipping hot beverages. Perhaps you picture snuggling beneath a cozy blanket beside a crackling fire. If that sounds appealing, you’re already thinking about some comforting fall rituals.
Make Your Warm Bath Skin-Friendly
Cooler air typically contains less moisture, which can leave skin feeling dry. Long, hot baths may make that dryness worse. Instead, try a 15-minute soak in warm, rather than extremely hot, water. Consider adding a soothing ingredient like colloidal oatmeal, honey, or bath oils. Afterward, lightly pat your skin with a towel instead of completely drying it. Immediately apply your favorite body cream or oil. This can help lock moisture into your skin.
Hydrate While You Get Cozy
Warm beverages can also become part of your fall hydration routine. Non-caffeinated beverages can contribute to your overall daily fluid intake. Then wrap yourself in that cozy blanket. It feels wonderful and may help you stay comfortable without turning up the heat. Home heating can also affect how your skin feels. Forced-air heating can contribute to a drier indoor environment. That environment may increase moisture loss from your skin. Fires can also reduce moisture in the surrounding area. Their drying effects are usually strongest closer to the heat source. So enjoy that crackling fire, but don’t sit too close!
Protect Your Skin During Outdoor Adventures
Maybe staying indoors isn’t your idea of fall fun. Perhaps you prefer exploring outdoors and leaping into piles of colorful autumn leaves. If that sounds like you, your skin may need additional protection. Cold air generally holds less moisture than warm air. Lower humidity can encourage water to escape from your skin. This process is known as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL. Cold wind can make matters worse. It can disrupt the skin barrier and contribute to dryness and irritation. That makes your daily moisturizer especially important. Apply it consistently, particularly before spending extended time outdoors.
Sink Into Your Favorite Fall Rituals
Let’s face it, October is a wonderful time for getting cozy. I invite you to “sink in,” rather than “lean in,” to your favorite comforting rituals. Listen to what your skin needs as temperatures change. Small seasonal adjustments can help keep it comfortable, hydrated, and healthy.
Happy Halloween, and enjoy creating your perfect pumpkin pleasure!