Thanksgiving is just around the corner and you might not know it, but many of the common, seasonal ingredients used to create your holiday meal also have benefits for your skin. While indulging in some of your favorite foods this Thanksgiving, indulge your skin at the same time! Here are 7 Thanksgiving ingredients our skin can be thankful for this holiday season.

1 / Pumpkin

Pumpkin is first on our list, and deservingly so! This fruit (yes, fruit) is jam-packed with nutrients that benefit the skin. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin C, which helps protect the skin from free radicals and promotes collagen production. Carotenoids, which are the antioxidants responsible for giving pumpkins their orange hue, help to improve skin texture and prevent UV damage. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which helps protect cell membranes, maintain collagen, fight acne, and promotes skin renewal. Lastly, pumpkin is a good source of most of the B vitamins, including niacin and folate. Niacin helps treat acne and improve circulation and folate also helps to improve circulation, which increases cell turn over and renewal.

2 / Cranberry

3 / Cinnamon

In addition to adding flavor to many of your favorite foods this season, cinnamon is one of nature’s greatest antibacterials. The antimicrobial properties found in cinnamon can help eliminate acne blemishes and when added to your exfoliant, cinnamon helps remove dead skin cells and restores skin’s suppleness and shine. Cinnamon can also help in giving your skin a fuller, more plump appearance because it bring the oxygen and blood to the outer surface of the skin.

4 / Apple

An apple a day…keeps the wrinkles away! In addition to an abundance of vitamin C (which we’ve read helps collagen production), apples are also a great source of copper. Copper helps you make melanin, the brown-black pigment that colors your skin. Melanin is what protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays and being able to produce it provides natural sun protection, important for keeping skin wrinkle-free.

5 / Carrot

Carrots are most well-known for their beta-carotene content, a carotenoid that is converted into vitamin A inside the human body that is helpful in repairing skin tissues. Carrots are an abundant source of vitamin A, antioxidants and vitamin C, all of which contribute to healthy, vibrant skin. But what you may not know is that carrots are a rich source of potassium. Dry skin is found to be caused by a deficiency of potassium, so daily consumption of carrots can lead to naturally more hydrated skin.

6 / Rosemary

The scent of rosemary alone should provide incentive enough to apply to your skin. You can purchase rosemary essential oil at your local health food store or extract the oil from the leaves yourself. When applied directly to skin, this herb increases elasticity and the anti-inflammatory benefits are key to eliminating puffiness from lack of sleep or consuming too many sugary cocktails. Rosemary contains iron, calcium, and phytonutrients which help to protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and sun exposure.

7 / Sage

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without this savory herb, but sage has benefits beyond making your stuffing aromatic. The antioxidants found in sage protect skin against free radicals and reverse the signs of aging. Battling an oily complexion? Applied directly to the skin, sage oil acts as a toner by regulating sebum production. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties found in sage have been found to help cure acne and even relieve the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Participate in a Research Study

Austin area residents: are you or someone you know struggling with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or rosacea? Participating in a research study provides an opportunity to be involved in the process of discovering new treatments while receiving compensation for time and travel. Inquire about eligibility by calling DermResearch at 512-349-0500 or view our current studies.

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@dermresearchTX wants to know:
Which items typically found in the kitchen do you use in your skincare regimen?