October's Mask of the Month: Orchard Dreams

Fall is definitely here. The leaves are on their way to being in their full, multicolored glory. Makes me want to pick apples at the orchard or snuggle up with a hot cup of spiced cider. This is the inspiration for October's Mask of the Month - Orchard Dreams! This mask is great for any skin type, but is especially lovely for those with oily skin or dull, dry skin in need of a pick-me-up. It is loaded with natural fruit acids that give you almost a little, gentle mini fruit acid peel.

Orchard Dreams

1/2 apple with skin on (I used a Jonagold)
1/2 pear with skin on (I used a Starkrimson - the perfect shade of red!)
A few seeded grapes (I used some yummy dark purple ones - the darker the fruit, the more antioxidants)
1T honey
A dash of cinnamon

Blend all ingredients in a blender, scraping down the sides as needed until everything is nice and mushy. Apply to freshly cleansed skin (avoiding the eye area)  and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off gently and apply your favorite toner and moisturizer. Voila! Orchard-perfect skin! This recipe makes enough for several applications, so share with a friend or use the extra on your neck, decolletage and hands. Or you can eat the rest! Just be sure keep it in the fridge and use it within a few days.

Why is this stuff good for your skin?

• Apples contain natural fruit acids (malic acid) which help to clear away the "glue" that binds dead, unneeded skin cells so that they can be washed away!
• Pears offer yummy antioxidant vitamins.
• Grapes also provide antioxidant protection and pycnogenol (in small amounts), which is a natural ingredient that tones and tightens skin. They also contain tartaric acid, another wonderful natural fruit acid.
• Honey provides moisture and antibacterial properties.
• Cinnamon is mildly astringent and encourages circulation (which sends nutrients to skin cells).

Now you are ready to throw on your fall boots and denim jacket and head to the cider mill!