Thanksgiving Day is not the healthiest day of the year, not by a long shot. It is a day of indulgence, a time for loose-fitting clothing that allows the stomach to expand. Just because the Thanksgiving meal is not healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t establish little tricks to make it slightly healthier. Not only will these tips keep you from entering an uncomfortable food coma, but they will also keep you from becoming one with the couch all night. 

A lot of people usually pack on at least one pound during the holidays. Statistically, that weight tends to stay on the body and accumulates as the years go by. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to sabotage your weight, nor does it have to make you feel like a slob. With a little knowhow, you can build a healthier meal for yourself this year, and for years to come. 

Start With Soup

Now, soup isn’t always at every Thanksgiving table, but you can change that by making a pot. That can be your contribution to the big meal, if you are not already covering other aspects of the meal. When you go to get food, pour yourself a large bowl of soup, which should be made from seasonal vegetables. A simple butternut squash soup, potato and leek soup, or even a broccoli and carrot soup with thyme. By starting the meal with soup, you will slow down while eating and may even reduce the amount of calories you consume throughout the meal. 

Go Crazy With The Veggies

This is a rule that everyone should live by: fill up at least 50% of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Mashed potatoes and candied yams do not count, as they are loaded with butter, sugar, dairy, and other ingredients. Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, roasted bell peppers, or even a green salad count toward that 50%. Dietitians recommend sticking with smaller portions of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, winter squash, and green peas to reduce caloric intake. 

Scoop Sides Sparingly

The majority of calories actually come from the side dishes, as they contain the most carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. We are talking about Mac n’ cheese, dinner rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, candied yams, and green bean casserole. If you take a serving of these sides, it should be no larger than half of a baseball. Also, you don’t need a dinner roll. We all know what bread tastes like!

Fill Up On Skinless Turkey Breast

Compared to most other classic Thanksgiving dishes, the turkey itself is relatively low in calories. That is especially true if you stick to skinless white meat, such as the turkey breast. Nutritionists generally recommend three ounces of protein (about the size of a deck of cards), but they say it’s acceptable to eat a little more than that on Thanksgiving. You definitely do not need five times that serving amount on your plate, as that is not an appropriate portion size, which you have to keep in mind if you want to be healthier this year. 

Practice Portion Control With Your Dessert

It is difficult to adhere to correct portion sizes when presented with a giant buffet of delicious foods you only eat once per year. Yes, you should watch your dessert portions, but keep portions in check for the entirety of the meal as well. In regards to dessert, most nine-inch pies are designed to be cut into eight slices. Most people cut six slices, and those portions are way too large. Limit the variety of desserts you eat, if the dessert table is your weakness. Stick to one slice of your favorite dessert and don’t add additional calorically-dense, sugary items like ice cream or whipped cream to your dessert. 

Lastly, you should enjoy the Thanksgiving meal with the people you love. Savor the bites you take and don’t waste your calories on foods that you find “just ok.” Eat foods that you cannot get any other time of year, such as homemade cranberry sauce, specialty sides, and pumpkin pie. Skip the mashed potatoes, chips, and rolls because you can get those any time you want.

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Making your own face serum is fun and simple, not to mention beneficial for your skin. A face serum can add moisture and high concentrations of nutrients for your skin. Basically, a serum is a thin-viscosity topical product that will penetrate the skin’s surface more effectively. Due to the higher concentration of active ingredients, it may take a shorter amount of time to see visible results. 

Wondering why you cannot just use a moisturizer or face cream in place of a serum? First and foremost, there is no rule saying that you have to use a serum. A serum just happens to be lighter and delivers more active ingredients to the skin quickly, after you’ve cleansed the skin. You also have to seal the serum in with a moisturizer or face cream. Think of a serum like a secret weapon for your facial skin, especially if you want to target dullness, fine lines, or acne. 

How To Select A Carrier Oil

There are a few things to consider when choosing a carrier oil. Some of the best options are grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, rose hip oil, sweet almond oil, and tamanu oil. The reason that those are great is because they do not clog pores and enhance moisture in the skin. We will detail a few benefits of each of those oils below:

• Grapeseed oil: Great for all skin types, but it is most beneficial for oily skin because it helps reduce the risk of breakouts. 
• Jojoba oil: This oil helps support the skin’s pH balance and is very lightweight. Its molecular structure is similar to sebum, the oil that the skin naturally produces, making it great for all skin types. 
• Rose hip oil: With a subtle aroma, rose hip oil is great for tissue regeneration and dull or aging skin. You can combine it with other carrier oils at a 10-20% ratio, and it can be used on all skin types, especially mature skin.
• Sweet almond oil: Soothing, nourishing, and offering a light aroma, sweet almond oil helps create an even skin tone with its light texture. It is greatly beneficial for dry skin. 
• Tamanu oil: Known for its wound-healing properties, tamanu oil helps form new tissue because of the rich antioxidant content. It also works to reduce the appearance of acne scars and is commonly used for oily or acne-prone skin.

How To Select The Right Essential Oils

Essential oils can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive skin. Beauty experts agree that frankincense, blue tansy, and lavender essential oil are great for any skin type. All of those oils will work beautifully in your DIY face serum. Should you want to choose others or select a combination of them, consider the following when selecting the oils:

• Sensitive skin: Frankincense, rose, helichrysum, and copaiba oils are great for those with sensitive skin.
• Mature skin: Ylang ylang, helichrysum, sandalwood, and rose oils are excellent choices. 
• Dry skin: For those with dry skin, royal Hawaiian sandalwood, myrrh, jasmine, clary sage, and cedarwood oils are the top picks. 
• Oily skin: Many essential oils benefit oily skin, but the best ones are lemon, grapefruit, ylang ylang, cypress, tea tree, and geranium essential oils.

You may want to mix and match different oils for your skin type. You can also select many other essential oils that are quite refreshing. Just keep in mind that citrus oils may cause photosensitivity when out in the sun. Should you want to use citrus essential oils, apply them at night or when you are not going to be in the sun. 

Before you make the serum, figure out which carrier oils and essential oils work best for your skin type. Once you figure that out, you are all set!

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces carrier oil of choice
• 15-20 drops essential oils for each ounce in the bottle

Instructions:

• After selecting your carrier oil, pour it into a small dropper bottle and then add the essential oils. Ideally, only use two essential oils in this glow serum. 
• Screw on the dropper lid and shake until fully mixed. 
• When ready, use five to eight drops on your face and massage gently.

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Fall and winter invite many different squash types. They are gorgeous in color, unique in shape, and are quite versatile. You can steam them, roast them, boil them, puree them, and even add them to foods such as breads and pies. Although the more unique and seasonal varieties show up at local farmers’ markets, you can typically find a good variety at most major grocery stores during fall and winter. 

Squash is very dense and packed with flavor and nutrients. Most squash tends to have an orange flesh, such as pumpkins, butternut squash, or kabocha squash, which means it is rich in carotenoids. Those plant compounds benefit eye health, skin health, and immune function. They also contain complex carbohydrates and make great alternatives to classically unhealthy starches. Continue reading to learn more about winter squash and how to use them. 

Butternut Squash

A popular winter squash that is typically available year round, butternut squash is the sweetest and most flavorful during the fall and winter. It has a deep, orange-colored flesh that is sweet, nutty, and rich. You can use it in both sweet and savory recipes, such as soups, salads, vegetable medleys, baked goods, casseroles, and pies. You have to peel butternut squash and cut it in half to remove the seeds and stringy bits. 

Acorn Squash

An acorn squash is typically showcased in a themed, decorative box when you enter a grocery store during fall. It has a dark green skin and the shape resembles an acorn, hence the name. The flesh is either bright white or orange. This squash is perfect for roasting. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it cut-side down until you can easily pierce it with a knife. Serve it as a side dish or stuff the center of a roasted half with quinoa and diced vegetables.

Delicata Squash

This is a cylindrical squash with a delicate, cream-colored skin that has splashes of orange, green, and yellow. The delicata squash, also referred to as the peanut squash or Bohemian squash, can be sliced into rounds or half-moons. It is best roasted, but make sure to scoop out the seeds prior to cooking. It makes for a great side dish, but it can also be a main course if you want to stuff it with different things, such as rice, quinoa, or meat. 

Sugar Pumpkin

The sugar pumpkin, or pie pumpkin, is potentially the most popular winter squash. It is the type of pumpkin that you use if you want to make pumpkin pie from scratch, or if you want to make your own pumpkin puree. They have a bright orange skin with bright orange flesh and tend to be much smaller than traditional carving pumpkins. The rich, buttery flavor lends itself to both sweet and savory recipes. If you roast the pumpkin, you can also add it to a blender and blend with other ingredients to make a pumpkin soup. 

Spaghetti Squash

We saved the most unusual for last, as this oblong winter squash has a stringy flesh that resembles spaghetti once you cook it. Make sure not to overcook the squash or else it will just become mushy. When cooked properly, the strands come apart and you can use it as a pasta substitute. It has a mellow flavor, so it easily takes on a variety of herbs and spices, or even sauces. Cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down until you can pierce the skin easily with a fork.

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Face masks, not to be confused with those old COVID facial coverings, should belong to anyone’s skin care regimen. Applying a face mask is an amazing self-care ritual that helps you recharge the batteries. Aim to do a face mask two times per week to make your skin look and feel great. The only problem with face masks is that they can make a dent in your bank account if you enjoy them regularly. 

That’s all going to change when you start making your own face masks, like the one in this article. Not to mention, a lot of people already have the necessary ingredients for face masks at home. Most of them contain ingredients you keep in the pantry, minus some essential oils and clays or powders. This recipe contains bentonite clay, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and cedarwood, sweet orange, and frankincense essential oils. 

Powdered vs. Liquid Face Masks

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. In order to apply a powdered face mask, you need to mix it with water or another liquid. Liquid face masks don’t require any additional liquids and you can easily apply them out of the bottle. Depending on the liquid face mask, though, it may or may not contain preservatives in the formulations to combat the increased risk of bacterial growth. Some synthetic preservatives can irritate the skin, but not all liquid face masks are created equal. Continue reading to learn why we love the face masks in this article. 

Honey

Incorporating honey into your skin care regimen can help calm inflammation on the skin. Many people say that they experience notably calmer and smoother skin after using honey. Additionally, honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may help clean out the pores. Some studies found that honey can kill several types of bacteria, but it has not been effective at killing the type of bacteria that causes acne. It may help soothe or reduce the intensity of a breakout, as opposed to getting rid of it entirely. One study found that combining honey with cinnamon bark may offer enough antibacterial properties to fight the primary bacteria that causes acne. 

Bentonite Clay

According to researchers, bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the skin. It does this by sticking to the molecules or ions in the bacteria, and as you wash clay away from the body, it removes those impurities. Bentonite clay also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, which may provide additional benefits. The clay works to remove sebum from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the severity of breakouts. There are many anecdotal reports that say bentonite clay helps to clear up the skin and make it appear younger, but research is needed on this matter. The important thing to remember about bentonite clay is that you should never use metal bowls or utensils to mix bentonite clay with other ingredients. Use glass bowls and wooden utensils because the clay can adsorb some of the metal’s properties over time. 

DIY Honey Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: raw honey, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops each: sweet orange, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay

Instructions:

• In a glass bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and the different essential oils with a wooden utensil. 
• While you’re stirring, pour in the bentonite clay and continue stirring until you get a smooth, thick consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and scrub away with a gentle exfoliant. Pat your face dry.

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Whether you use fresh or canned pumpkin, incorporating pumpkin into your meals is never a bad idea. That is especially true when pumpkins are plentiful during fall. Even the seeds, which you should not throw away after scooping out the stringy flesh, offer beneficial nutrients. The actual pumpkin flesh, though, is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene and contains other nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, copper, potassium, iron, and more. 

What Is Pumpkin?

The pumpkin is considered one of  the oldest domesticated plants. Historians suspect that tribes native to North America grew them since at least 5,000 BCE. Pumpkin is technically a fruit, but people commonly think of it as a vegetable. Fruits are edible, seed-bearing, flowering plants, which makes all squash fruits. The pumpkin is technically a winter squash that comes from the Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita maxima plants. It is related to watermelon, zucchini, and cucumber, among other fruits and vegetables. The entire pumpkin, minus the string flesh and skin, is edible.

Pumpkin flesh and seeds are rich in a wide variety of nutrients. They contain everything from zinc and vitamin A to healthy fats and fiber. We hope that you don’t reserve pumpkins just for carving this year and that you enjoy them for all their health benefits. If you choose to use canned pumpkin, make sure it is 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The former is real pumpkin, while the latter is rich in processed ingredients, added sugars, and unhealthy oils. Continue reading to learn why you should eat more pumpkin. 

May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin provides more than 12% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte found in bananas, avocados, squash, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Most adults lack sufficient potassium in their diets, which is a shame since potassium may help regulate blood pressure. It works to counteract the effects of sodium, which most Americans consume in excess regularly. Additionally, the fiber in pumpkin may help promote healthy cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease. 

Provides Manganese And Copper

These two minerals may not receive as much attention as other nutrients, but they are integral to overall health. Manganese helps protect against bone density loss and fractures. The anti-inflammatory properties of manganese may also help encourage optimal metabolic, joint, and brain health. Copper, on the other hand, helps promote the formation of hemoglobin and collagen. It also aids with the synthesis of enzymes and proteins involved with respiration, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. 

Helps Maintain Healthy Vision

Pumpkin’s vibrant orange color is attributed to the impressive beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and essential for maintaining healthy vision as you age. Several studies indicate that beta-carotene may help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two common age-related causes of vision loss. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two other carotenoids in pumpkins and they work to protect the eyes from oxidative stress and UV light. 

Supports Healthy Skin

Pumpkins contain vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to zinc, all of which contribute to healthier skin. Vitamin C works to enhance collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which helps reduce the signs of aging. Zinc aids inflammation reduction and may help people with acne-prone skin. Lastly, research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claimed that beta-carotene works to protect the skin from UV rays.

Lots Of Vitamins C & E

A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin contains 13% of the RDI of both vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin C, as we mentioned previously, supports collagen synthesis and helps protect cells from tissue damage. It is also an integral antioxidant for optimal immune function and neurological health. Vitamin E also offers antioxidant effects, and a diet rich in vitamin E has been linked to a reduced risk of PMS symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, acne, wrinkles, and hormonal problems. Vitamin E also works to prevent free radical damage, which may help to decrease the risk of several cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer.

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If you, like millions across the nation, enjoy the warming fall aromas, then you are going to love this recipe. And if you love pumpkin spice everything, this is the nourishing lip scrub you never knew you needed in your life. It only contains natural ingredients that cater to the skin on your lips. Your lips will look more luxurious than ever!

What Is A Lip Scrub?

Just like a body scrub or facial scrub, a lip scrub contains particles that help slough away dead, dry, or flaky pieces on the lips. Lip scrubs naturally, not chemically, remove these dead cells, allowing your lips to better absorb moisturizing agents and protectants. If you ever apply lip balm and have to reapply 15 minutes later, your lips probably require exfoliation. DIY lip scrub recipes like the one in this article, are very simple to make and even easier to use. 

What’s In A Lip Scrub?

More often than not, a lip scrub will contain an exfoliant, such as sugar, a carrier oil, vitamin E oil, and some flavoring or scented ingredients. This pumpkin spice lip scrub in this article contains both brown and granulated sugar, sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and pumpkin pie spice. If you know that your lips are sensitive, consider just using brown sugar because granulated sugar can be a little intense for those with sensitive skin. 

How To Use A Lip Scrub

Wet your lips just as you would wet your face prior to cleansing. By wetting your lips, you help prevent abrasive friction. Apply the lip scrub directly to your damp lips and use small, circular motions with your fingertips to massage it in. Do this for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This process is highly beneficial if you want to soften and smooth your lips before applying lip balm or lipstick, or even if your lips are flaky from cold weather. If your lips are sunburned or have open cuts, please do not use a lip scrub because it may cause unwanted irritation. 

What Do You Do After Using A Lip Scrub?

After you scrub your lips, you have to then apply a repairing lip balm. Some people like to use pure petroleum jelly because it seals in moisture, which soothes your cleansed lips. Providing the lips with moisturizing ingredients post scrub can rehydrate the skin’s outer layer, sealing in as much moisture as possible. If you don’t like petroleum jelly, which is completely understandable, you can use this DIY lip balm. 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil

Instructions:

• Whisk the sugars and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl until they are thoroughly combined. 
• Pour the vitamin E oil and sweet almond oil into the bowl and stir to combine. The mixture should be thick, just like a body scrub. 
• Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to three months. 
• If your house is hot, it’s possible that the scrub may appear oily on the surface when you go to use it. Just make sure to mix it up if you see a layer of oil on the top. Then you can use it as you please.

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Please allow us to talk about breasts for a minute. Not in the inappropriate way, but in a real grown-up, lived-in body way. Between raising children, entering a new mid-life chapter, or dealing with the bodily changes that come with aging, it can be hard to take care of yourself…and your boobs. 

Why Use Castor Oil For Breast Health?

By applying castor oil to breast tissue, you can help support overall breast wellness. A castor oil pack on the breasts can promote circulation and lymphatic flow, both of which help nourish and detox breast tissue. The theory, then, is that castor oil may help repair and maintain breast tissue. As of now, though, there is no scientific evidence that supports these claims. They are merely anecdotal and women have been applying castor oil packs to their breasts for centuries. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is an all-purpose bag that can help nourish the skin and hair, regardless of the time of year. It works to soften, protect, and smooth, and is suitable for almost everyone. Many women find shea butter to be a great hypoallergenic balm to help maintain breast firmness. You can apply it liberally to the breasts as a natural firming treatment. Due to the moisturizing nature of shea butter, it may help reduce stretch marks, itching, and skin tightness. In fact, it helps preserve skin elasticity when used regularly. 

Beeswax

There are many beeswax nipple covers intended for breastfeeding mothers, as the beeswax helps protect the nipples from irritation. Beeswax is an emollient, humectant, and occlusive, so it soothes and softens the skin by filling in gaps and smoothing the surface. It also attracts moisture to the skin and helps the skin retain that moisture. That’s why it is highly effective for preventing nipple pain and cracking. It is highly beneficial for the skin, but no evidence suggests that it will increase breast size or firm up sagging breasts. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Commonly used in aromatherapy applications, geranium essential oil may help to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. It may also enhance concentration, cognitive function, and help balance hormones. In cosmetic applications, geranium essential oil has a reputation for eliminating dead skin cells and tightening the skin. It may also promote the regeneration of new skin cells and diminish the signs of aging. Studies confirm that the astringent properties in geranium essential oil work to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging or wrinkling. 

DIY Firming Castor Oil Breast Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed castor oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a small saucepan with about one to two inches of water and place over low heat. 
• Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan and then add the shea butter and beeswax pellets. Allow them to melt, stirring occasionally with a clean spoon or small silicone whisk. 
• Once the shea butter and beeswax are fully melted, pour in the castor oil and remove from heat. 
• Add the essential oils, mix well, and then carefully pour the mixture into a clean jar or tin. Allow it to firm up at room temperature (about an hour). 
• Once firm, screw on a lid and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. When ready to use, warm a small amount between your hands. 
• Gently massage the balm into a clean chest and the under-breast area using slow, upward motions. Use two to three times per week, or nightly if desired.

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Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? If you do, you are not alone. Although there is no general recommendation that will cure every person’s sleep issues, there is usually a remedy or two that can work for one, some, or many people. Sometimes, the simplest remedies can make the biggest difference. 

This DIY lavender chamomile sleep salve is a helpful tool to naturally support more restful sleep. The herbs in this sleep salve help naturally calm the mind and body, helping you get more relaxed and in the right headspace for better sleep. Not only is it easy to make and gentle on the skin, but it is also full of skin-nourishing ingredients, including coconut oil and beeswax. Keep a little tin by your bed and use it nightly as part of your bedtime wind-down routine. 

Why Use A Sleep Salve?

This sleep salve recipe uses lavender and cedarwood essential oils, in addition to chamomile and lavender flowers. When applied to your body, the oils release their aroma to encourage relaxation and help the nervous system activate rest mode. Both lavender and chamomile work to soothe the nervous system and prepare the body for sleep. Cedarwood essential oil has exhibited sedative effects that support melatonin release. 

How Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

A trial from 2020 found that breathing lavender essential oil for 30 minutes helped reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. A 2019 study suggested that lavender may improve the body’s melatonin levels, which may improve overall sleep. That is why a lot of people find it easier to unwind before bed and fall asleep faster when they inhale lavender aroma at night. Some people drop some lavender essential oil under their pillow to promote sleep, while others use lavender-scented balms or creams at night. Keep in mind that lavender alone will not fix sleep problems. You have to maintain good sleep habits, such as avoiding screens before bed, keeping the bedroom cool and quiet, and following a bedtime routine, to improve sleep. 

How Does Chamomile Promote Sleep?

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile was able to improve sleep quality. Researchers consider it to be a mild sedative, which is why it helps relax the nervous system. One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day. Apigenin, a flavonoid in chamomile, is believed to cause a sedative effect. It binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Prescription drugs that bind to those receptors typically treat insomnia, seizures, or anxiety. Studies suggest that chamomile is one of the richest natural sources of apigenin. 

DIY Sleep Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lavender flowers
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup strained herbal oil (instructions below)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the lavender and chamomile flowers to a clean jar and cover with avocado oil. Let the jar sit for four to six weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain oil when finished. 
• If you are short on time, you can gently heat the herbs and oil in a double boiler for about three to four hours over low heat and then strain the oil. 
• In a double boiler, combine 1/4 cup of the infused oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Stir occasionally until fully melted. 
• Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils. 
• Pour the mixture into tins or jars and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Screw on the lids and store in a cool, dark place. Use within six months for best results.

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There are many skin care products that promise to clear up your skin and keep it blemish-free. Seldom do these products keep their promise. In fact, many of them can cause dryness, skin irritation, or other skin complications that detract from the overall health of the skin. Instead, it is better to use more natural ingredients to make a skin care product that can help cleanse and nourish the skin. 

This homemade cinnamon and honey anti-acne mask uses powerful ingredients that can help reduce breakouts and improve overall skin health. It may seem weird or different to lather honey and cinnamon on your face, but these ingredients exhibit acne-fighting abilities. Researchers claim that the compounds in these ingredients may benefit overall skin health and combat breakouts. 

Honey’s Antimicrobial Properties

Honey exhibits natural antibacterial activity that helps inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. The presence of bacteria on the skin can clog pores and lead to inflammation, which results in acne. Honey also acts as a humectant, which means that it helps the skin retain moisture. That enhanced hydration can help the skin from overproducing oil, which can lead to future breakouts. If you use honey regularly, it can also help minimize the appearance of acne scars, all while keeping the skin healthy. 

Cinnamon’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cinnamon contains lots of antioxidant compounds and has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated skin. That is particularly beneficial for people suffering from acne, as inflammation tends to worsen the condition. When you apply cinnamon topically, it can help increase blood circulation to the skin. The increase in circulation helps bring more nutrients to the skin’s surface, which helps promote clearer complexion. Some of the compounds in cinnamon also exhibit antimicrobial effects that can target multiple strains of bacteria that contribute to acne. 

Working Together

If you want to address acne, you have to tackle the root cause, which tends to be bacteria, inflammation, excess oil, or all of the above. Together, cinnamon and honey create a powerful anti-acne face mask. It is a very easy mask to prepare and you don’t have to worry about melting shea or cocoa butter in a double boiler. Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon and two tablespoons of honey until well-combined. Before you apply the mask, make sure to. That step helps the skin better absorb the cinnamon and honey. 

DIY Cinnamon And Honey Anti-Acne Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons raw honey

Instructions:

• In a small mixing bowl, add the cinnamon and honey and stir well to combine. The mixture should look like a uniform paste and should spread easily. 
• It is optional, but you can add a few drops of lemon juice for added exfoliation benefits. Just make sure the mixture isn’t too runny before you apply it. 
• Before applying the mask, wash your face and pat it dry. Use a clean brush or your fingers to spread the mask evenly on your face, ensuring you avoid the eye area. 
• Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with lukewarm water. Once your face is clean, apply a hydrating moisturizer to help maintain moisture balance.

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There is a common misconception about breast cancer, and it is thinking that you aren’t at risk if you don’t have a family history of it. The simple fact is that only 12% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are other risk factors that you should be aware of, including a sedentary lifestyle and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Health experts estimate that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time for women to focus on prevention, education, and early detection. When you are knowledgeable about breast cancer, you can help reduce the risk of developing it and detect early issues. Continue reading to learn about five things every woman should know about breast cancer. 

Know Your Risk Factors

As is the case with many forms of cancer, risk factors vary from person to person. Family history, aging, and more are beyond your control, but understanding them can help you develop preventative measures. Statistically, women with close relatives (sister, mother, or daughter) who have had breast cancer have a higher risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genetic mutations, also significantly increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are other risk factors to consider. When you know your risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan.

When To Start Screening

Ideally, you should have annual breast exams at the doctor’s office starting at the age of 18. Annual mammograms should begin between the ages of 35 and 40. Health experts also encourage women to examine their own breasts monthly at the end of their period when breasts are the most tender. You should know your breasts better than anyone, so you should alert your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, nipple discharge or inversion, or any other changes. 

Pay Attention To Breast Rashes

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer that presents itself as a rash. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and/or itchiness
• Severely enlarged pores on the breast(s)

Doctors tend to misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer as dermatitis (a common skin infection) or mastitis (breast tissue inflammation) because it looks like a regular rash. If your rash does not respond to antibiotics within five days, your doctor may need to take a skin sample to test for cancer. 

Lifestyle Choices Make A Difference

Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Statistically, people who consume a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds have a lower risk of cancer than those who consume a lot of processed foods, saturated fat, and refined carbs. Additionally, regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Finally, health experts urge women to maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause, because excess body fat can increase estrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk. 

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most women know to look for lumps, as that is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture (dimpling) can be red flags. It’s also possible for some women to experience redness or swelling of the breast, which could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (as we mentioned earlier). Early detection of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. If you notice something, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about it. 

At Dherbs, we believe that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to value the importance of early detection. That said, we don’t think that women should just focus on their health during October. Maintaining overall health and wellness is a year-round endeavor. Should you want to help cleanse the female reproductive system and optimize female health, consider our Female Cleanse.

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