Tips and Tricks from an All Natural Diva!
In case you couldn’t tell from all of the colorful leaves and autumnal mums sprinkled around campus, fall has finally come! While it is wonderful how beautiful UConn looks this time of year, the fall can bring some unfortunate changes to our skin. The cool weather,higher levels of wind and stress of midterms can make the skin on your face dry, flaky and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are many natural (and even festive!) solutions to this irritating problem.
To combat dry facial skin, a good moisturizer is an absolute must. Look for something that has a high water content, and a low alcohol content as alcohol tends to dry things out. I am absolutely loving Say Yes to Carrots Daily Facial Moisturizing Lotion. It’s almost ninety-eight percent natural and packed with tons of vitamins and minerals that can help your skin recover from the cool fall weather. It smells amazing and leaves skin smooth with no waxy feeling due to the fact that tt’s paraben and petroleum free. And, to make it even more fall appropriate, it has pumpkin seed oil in it, which hydrates skin without clogging pores.
If your skin is prone to acne, the cold weather can be brutal on skin. Acne products are typically high in benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, add that to the hot shower water and whipping winds outside and you have a recipe for red, irritated skin. Switching to a less harsh acne wash can be a good idea during the cooler months when skin is less oily. Many natural brands have acne products out. Alba Botanica,Burts Bees and Say Yes to Carrots all have lines that are affordable and effective.All of the products have salicylic acid (usually around 1% as opposed to regular brands which can contain up to 8%) that is naturally derived from willow bark. The products clear up acne but tend to leave skin much less irritated.They are loaded with tons of organic extracts,which replenish vitamins and moisture,soothe irritated acne marks and leave skin clean and fresh. I personally use Burts Bees for my facial wash and scrub, and Alba Botanica Acnedote toner to prevent future breakouts. These work for me, but since everyone’s skin is different, it is important to find a regimine that work for you.
It’s easier than you think to achieve moisturized healthy skin while living in a dorm. The products above are awesome,but having a diet rich with hydrating foods is one of the best ways to avoid dry facial skin,drinking 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water each day is a great way to improve your skins hydration. Eating foods rich in minerals and nutrients can also help keep your skin fresh and there are tons of options around campus available every day. I personally love the organic mesculin and spinach in the South Marketplace, it is great in a salad and packed with the stuff your body needs to keep you and your skin healthy.Sleeping is also a must, as your skin regenerates and heals while your body is at rest.
As with anything in the realm of naturals, experimenting is the best way to find out what works best for you. Facial products that are devoid of abrasive chemicals are really the only way to go if you are looking for healthy nourishment, explore some of the brands available online and even at the bookstore to find what is right for you!