We’re making a case for holding onto autumn.

Once November hits, it’s easy to rush into the next season and get swept up in the holidays that continue to creep up on us.

But with more than a month left before winter begins, there is still plenty of time to incorporate fall ingredients into your bath and body routine.

And these autumn-inspired scrubs will keep your skin nourished and radiant.

Soon enough, the idea of spare time may become a thing of the past; but for now, while we’re still enjoying the crisp, cool air and harvest flavors of autumn, these easy-to-make recipes can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. And they’ll leave your skin feeling refreshed for days!

At flourish, we’re holding onto autumn just a little bit longer. So, why not give your skin the TLC it needs before the holiday craziness ensues?

You deserve it, lovely.

1) Sweet Potato Scrub for Sensitive Skin

Now, we know what you are thinking. Sweet potatoes belong in my grandmother’s famous Thanksgiving casserole … not my skin products.

However, sweet potato has been disregarded for too long when it comes to its beauty benefits, so we are here to set the record straight. This superfood actually contains a nutritious cocktail of Vitamin A, C, and E which works wonders on skin.

Vitamin A protects skin from UV rays while also repairing damaged cells due to overexposure to the sun. Collagen, which is produced by Vitamin C, reduces signs of aging by improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. To top it off, Vitamin E blocks free radicals to keep skin looking fresh and youthful.

And, when paired with the enticing aroma of cinnamon, this sweet and spicy scrub will have you falling for fall – all over again!

You Will Need:

-1/2 cup mashed or pureed sweet potato

-2 tablespoons coarsely ground oatmeal

-1 tablespoon honey

-1/4 cup olive oil

-1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)

-Pinch of cinnamon 

To Make: 

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl, and mix well.

To Apply:

Wet your skin with lukewarm water and apply scrub in a gentle, circular motion.

It’s so gentle; you can keep it on for 5 – 10 minutes, if you want to achieve maximum benefits, before rinsing it off.

Prep Notes:

We chose to bake our sweet potato, to retain more of its nutrients, until it was soft enough to peel its skin and mash.

You can also boil it, but be sure not to over-do it. Remove the sweet potato as soon as it’s fork tender to minimize the amount of nutrients that leech out into the water.

Bonus: Save the strained water to store in the refrigerator. Once cooled, it makes a great natural toner, to help absorb impurities and soothe irritated skin. Discard after seven days.

Using a spice or coffee grinder, pulse oatmeal until you achieve a coarse grind that is not too fine. You want some texture here. If you don’t have a spice grinder, use a mortar and pestle to break down the oatmeal to the desired consistency.

* Tip: If you don’t have any sensitivity to it, consider adding 2 drops of Nutmeg Essential Oil to enhance the fall fragrance.

Shelf Life: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.

2) Pomegranate Sage Sugar Scrub

Pomegranate is a fruit to be reckoned with.

The powerful antioxidants found in pomegranate offer anti-aging benefits including protection against sun damage, promotion of cell regeneration, and reduction of age spots and inflammation. Pomegranate is also rich in collagen-producing Vitamin C to keep your skin looking oh-so smooth.

The sage leaves add a woodsy, autumn element to this scrub as well as another boost of damage-fighting Vitamin A and antioxidants.

You Will Need:

-1/4 cup mashed pomegranate seeds

-1 teaspoon dried sage leaves (crushed)

-1/2 cup granulated sugar

-1 tablespoon (olive oil or coconut oil)

To Make:

Combine seeds, sage leaves, sugar, and oil. Mix well, apply, and enjoy!

Shelf Life: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

3) Invigorating Vanilla Chai Scrub

Nothing says fall like cozying up to the fireplace with a warm, Vanilla Chai Latte. It’s our go-to drink for the season and inspiration for this next delicious scrub.

Not only do they smell heavenly, vanilla and chai both reduce skin inflammation. Vanilla also contains multiple B vitamins and antioxidants to help maintain your skin’s radiance. Get ready to shine on sister!

You Will Need:

-1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

-6 Chai tea bags (contents removed)

-1 cup sugar (brown or white)

-1/2 cup almond oil

To Make:

Remove contents of Chai tea bags and combine with vanilla extract, sugar and almond oil. Mix well and apply.

Shelf Life: This scrub will keep up to one month, if sealed in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to sunlight.

 

***We recommend always using organic ingredients in your recipes to reduce the amount of pesticides that can be absorbed through your skin. Also, when applying and washing off scrubs, be sure to place a filter over your drain to avoid unwanted clogging.

NOTE: Always test a small area of your skin, first, to check for sensitivity. Please avoid contact with eyes and approach all ingredients with extreme caution if you have any skin allergies.

 

The information provided on flourish is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat any medical condition. Content is based on personal research and experiences and is meant for entertainment purposes only. We are not licensed nutritionists or medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor.

 

What’s your favorite part of autumn? Let us know in the comments below!