Thanksgiving Foods with Skincare Benefits
Did you make too much turkey on Thanksgiving, or are finding your fridge overflowing with too many trays of sweet potato casserole?
Although you may want to put your delicious holiday leftovers onto elaborate sandwiches or even turn them into some kind of soup, you may want to think twice.
It turns out that some of your Thanksgiving ingredients, like pumpkins and sweet potatoes, not only have great health advantages but also some amazing skincare benefits - specifically pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and cranberries.
"Perhaps one of the most popular Thanksgiving foods, pumpkins are a 'great source of natural exfoliating enzymes that can improve the complexion by removing dull skin cells and smoothing skin,'" Dr. Murphy-Rose told DailyMail.com.
The fruit is also 'rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and C and zinc to nourish skin and fight signs of aging,' explained Dr. Murphy-Rose.
"Similarly, cranberries 'contain alpha hydroxy acids which can provide exfoliation to brighten and smooth skin,'" according to Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Cranberries can also help fight damage from free radicals, which is a cell-damaging molecule found naturally in the human body but also externally from things like cigarette smoke and X-rays.
Beauty Brands Catching On
It seems like some beauty brands are catching on to these benefits as they've introduced these ingredients into their products. Cult-favorite Peter Thomas Roth created a Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, while Kiehl's offers a Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque.
Is It Safe?
"The benefit to using all-natural foods like these on your skin is that they generally are non-toxic and may provide great skin benefits," Dr. Murphy-Rose told DailyMail.com.
'Of course,' she added, 'you cannot bottle them for extended use because they do not contain preservatives against microbial contamination.'
Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Application Tips
"I would recommend using a well-designed skincare product that contains pumpkin before trying pure pumpkin on your skin," Dr. Murphy-Rose admitted to DailyMail.com.
If you're inclined to try it directly from the source: apply pumpkin or sweet potato puree as a mask for only 1-2 minutes initially. If any itch or discomfort develops, remove it immediately without delay.
Cautions with Cranberries
"For those with sensitive skin, topical use of cranberries could irritate skin which could increase risk of a breakout," Dr. Murphy-Rose told DailyMail.com.
If allergic reactions occur or if concerned about staining effects from cranberry juice residue—it's best reserved for culinary uses rather than facial applications!
A Final Word From The Expert
"Just because ingredients are found in your kitchen doesn't mean they're perfectly safe used on your face," warned Dr.Murphy Rose."
'They may cause redness/irritation/dryness—or worse.'