Hello friends,

The transition of the seasons can be harsh on the skin. We've got a few kitchen cabinet cures that restore moisture naturally. Try them and let us know what you think!

xoxo,

Sukey

This time of year, dry, itchy skin is par for the course. Soothe your skin with inexpensive, everyday ingredients that can double as natural and effective moisturizers. Try a few for yourself and find your personal favorite.

Oatmeal: Naturally calming to the skin, oatmeal helps lock in moisture, removes dead cells and treats minor irritations. Add a scoop to a warm bath or mix up a face mask with 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, a teaspoon of baking soda, a drop of vanilla and enough warm water to form a paste.

Raw Honey: We've touted the benefits of honey before; it practically does it all when it comes to skincare. The live and active enzymes in raw honey act as a mild antiseptic when mixed with warm water, while the alpha hydroxyl acids exfoliate, promote balance in oily skin and increase skin elasticity to prevent wrinkles. Want more? Honey delivers a healthy dose of amino acids to hold in moisture and antioxidants to help reverse skin damage from free radicals.

Avocado: Mash an avocado to slather on the skin as a face mask; the vitamin A will give your face a youthful glow. Likewise, apply avocado oil to your cuticles to soften and revive that skin around the nails that gets so dry in cold weather. Just apply the oil, pull on a pair of gloves and rest your hands under a heating pad for 10 minutes.

Olive, Coconut, Grapeseed and Sesame Oil: Found in many over-the-counter lotions, these oils are rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Avoid the added preservatives and fragrances by using the oil itself as a cleanser in the shower. Just rinse, towel dry as usual and wait about 10 minutes before getting dressed. Olive oil also does wonders for a dry face. Give yourself a mini-facial by massaging it into your skin and draping a warm, damp towel over your face. Leave the towel until it cools, then wipe away any excess oil.

Banana: Next time you eat a banana, don't throw away that peel; it can do a number on irritations and infections including acne, bug bites, warts, bruises, psoriasis and allergic reactions. Simply rub the inside of the peel on the affected area and feel the soothing effects as the potassium and antioxidants work their magic.

The Well Wisdom: Topical food remedies can be powerful healers for the skin, but don’t ignore the importance of healthy habits that create a glow from the inside out. Start with these tips.

• Drink plenty of fresh water to hydrate.
• Get regular exercise to promote natural oil production.
• Eat fatty fish like wild salmon to prevent aging.
• Use spices like cumin, turmeric and coriander to stimulate digestion, detoxify the skin and reduce inflammation.