As Autumn slowly begins to creep in, it’s time to give your skin a new lease of life!

The arrival of cold weather and the lack of natural light can damage and dry out your skin; both blood circulation and the protective epidermal layer, the “hydrolipidic film”, are compromised and dead skin cells struggle to regenerate. It is essential to clean, exfoliate and nourish your skin to combat dryness and to help it repair.

Long before beauty creams arrived on our store shelves, seasonal fruits and vegetables were very often used. Here is a 100% natural, affordable and ‘home-made’ beauty routine that you can easily test out for yourself.

Using leeks, turnips, grapes and squash, you can concoct a skin lotion, an exfoliator and a face mask, all of which effectively accompany your skin deep into the winter months. You will also need some sugar, honey, yoghurt and a glass of milk.

Leeks and turnips to moisturise and purify

Leeks and turnips are among the best sources of beta-carotene which helps us in maintaining a healthy glow long after summer has passed.

The combined use of leeks and turnips is also effective in preventing irritation caused by changes in temperature or due to acne.

My lotion:

Extract the juice from the leek and turnip, ideally with a juicer machine, and set aside. Pass the juice through a filter, add a large glass of milk (plant, dairy or other) and your lotion is ready. 
Using a cotton pad, clean your skin morning and evening using circular motions.

Grape pulp, seeds and grape seed oil to exfoliate

Known for its use in Autumn Mono diets, grapes are a source of polyphenols, including resveratrol with its anti-aging properties.

Grape seeds are powerful antioxidants, essential for both fighting against signs of tiredness and for encouraging the production of collagen and elastin.

Grape seed oil regulates the production of sebum for a plumped up and well-hydrated skin.

My exfoliator:

Once squashed and their skin removed, use the grape seeds and pulp as a natural exfoliator. Add a drizzle of grape seed oil and honey to protect your skin and for added softness. Rinse your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Using squash to remove dead skin cells and nourish your skin

Pumpkins and squash both belong to a family of vegetables rich in antioxidants and the flesh of the squash helps to regenerate and soothe damaged skin.

Whether in preparation for Halloween or simply to pamper your skin, make sure to carefully store your pumpkins and butternuts, most important is the flesh!

My Mask:

Skin removed, boil/steam cook one large squash and blend both the flesh and seeds to obtain a smooth puree texture. Leave to cool, then add one pot of yoghurt, a teaspoon of honey and two generous tablespoons of sugar. After thoroughly mixing together, slowly exfoliate your face and neck with the help of the grape seeds and sugar. Apply the mask in a generous layer and leave it to act for about ten minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Your beauty products can be stored in the fridge, wrapped with cling film, until your second or third use.

Lathering up your skin in autumn fruits and vegetables will allow you to obtain a beautiful, glowing skin – and one that is definitely ‘to die for’!