Simple Tricks to Treat Your Skin
with This Halloween
[DIY Exfoliating & Moisturizing Mask]

For those who love to celebrate the kid within, October can be the most wonderful time of the year. The larger than life attitude that comes with a costume-heavy and makeup-thick celebration such as Halloween allows many to let their wild side shine. Unfortunately, your skin might suffer the consequences and Halloween can prove to be a scary sight for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

With all the makeup, candy, trick-or-treating, dancing, and lack of sleep that surrounds Halloween, the conditions for the skin to break out are perfect. We don’t want all of the fun to catch up with your skin, so when preparing for the festivities this year, remember to be mindful of these common threats to clear skin.

Oil-based face paint.

If you have acne-prone and/or oily skin, it’s best to avoid oily face-paint even in the name of a great costume. These thick oil based products are not formulated for sensitive or acne-prone skin and it’s shocking how quickly they will clog your pores and create breakouts, even if worn for only one night. Even with thorough cleansing, they’re extremely difficult to remove from the skin and residue is left behind on the surface of the skin, exacerbating any current acne outbreaks and rapidly creating a breeding ground for new acne.

Sweat and bacteria.

With all the running around, whether it be with your kids from house to house, or your friends to house parties, your skin has ample opportunity to collect and gather sweat and dead skin cells. Top this with a rubber or silicone mask, and you are creating the perfect conditions for pore-clogging bacteria to thrive, a major player in the formation of acne symptoms.

Sugar.

Halloween can be a real treat for those with a sweet tooth. However, for those with acne, the increase in sugary candies and chocolates can speed up the process of glycation. During glycation, the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins and forms harmful new molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) which damage the proteins in your tissue, including your skin. Additionally, sugar can trigger hormonal acne with the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that can go on to clog pores, leading to breakouts.

AcnEase® is a unique treatment designed around the principle of addressing BOTH the causes and symptoms of acne. It is a safe, natural, and gentle way to help prevent your skin's response to excess hormones without actually affecting the hormone levels.

Just because you have sensitive or acne-prone skin doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines on a night like Halloween and miss out on all the fun. Stick with these simple tricks to make this holiday a real treat!

Out with the old.

While it may be tempting to use leftover makeup from Halloween’s past, using old or expired makeup can lead to major irritation and breakouts. It’s always important to check the expiration date on any formula, especially if you are planning to apply it to the face. If you are going to take a chance and use old makeup, be sure to disinfect it with a spritz of isopropyl alcohol (not too much, as you don’t want to dry the skin out). If oily skin is a problem for you, skip the Halloween store face paint and opt for more traditional makeup, which is designed with lighter formulas, many of which are intended for use on oily or acne-prone skin.

Stay hydrated. The cooler, fall air tends to dry the skin, which can lead to breakouts. Adding a layer of moisture between your skin and any makeup you apply will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. It can also work as a protective barrier from ingredients that may irritate, such as oily formulas or glitter. By working from the inside, drinking water throughout the festivities will keep skin plump and glowing.

Curb cravings. The carbohydrates found in sugar trigger the natural release of serotonin, the pleasure chemical produced by the brain. While indulging in a sweet treat or two is certainly something everyone should enjoy this Halloween, resist the urge to go overboard. You can do this by curbing the cravings with other feel-good carbs such as nuts, fruits, or even chewing on a stick of gum.

As with any good skincare practice, don’t forget to remove any and all makeup before bed, and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Following the festivities, make some time to treat your skin to an exfoliating and moisturizing mask featuring pumpkin, which is loaded with skin benefiting ingredients. Containing enzymes that help to dissolve dry skin cells, pumpkin works as a natural and mild exfoliator, suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Vitamin A, and alpha and beta-carotenes offer skin a golden glow. Vitamin E and minerals including magnesium, potassium, and iron are essential elements in maintaining healthy skin. For those with Rosacea-prone skin, vitamins C and K work to help capillaries stay healthy and strong, as well as aid in repairing damaged skin, fading sun and age spots. A potent antioxidant that combats age-accelerating free radicals, pumpkin will awaken a dull complexion, aging skin and reduce hyper-pigmentation.

Pumpkin Exfoliating & Moisturizing Mask

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tbsp pureed pumpkin. Don’t let the insides of that jack-o-lantern go to waste! Pumpkin is great for acne-prone skin as it contains zinc, which helps control oil production, as well as assist with the healing of existing breakouts as it combats inflammation. The molecular structure of pumpkin is small and can penetrate deeper into the skin when used topically, so grinding a fresh puree in a food processor or blender will work best for this mask (canned pumpkin can be substituted, but get organic if possible)
• 1 tbsp organic honey. Rich in antibacterial properties, organic honey is a natural moisturizer, and can be found in many DIY facial mask recipes.
• Containing enzymes and lactic acid to exfoliate, hydrate and soothe the skin, the probiotics found in Greek yogurt can improve the health and appearance of the skin. Use fat free for oily skin, or 2% for dry skin.

For very oily skin you may add 1 tsp of lemon juice, which works as an astringent, using natural antiseptic properties to restore the skin’s pH balance.

Preparation:

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and apply to damp skin. The enzymes work better if skin is slightly damp, so its ideal to apply post-shower or just after washing the face. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water, using a washcloth to gently remove the mask (do not rub). This mask can safely be used once a week, however, you will want to make a fresh batch each time, as leftovers don’t keep well. May cause a slight tingling (especially when lemon juice is included,) which is normal. If the sensation becomes strong or uncomfortable, remove the mask immediately! May be used on decolletage and shoulders as well.

You may not win any costume contests, but this mask will leave your skin glowing and healthy, a much-needed reprieve for that heavily made-up complexion.

As great as pumpkin works to treat skin from the outside, the benefits can be seen even when including pumpkin in your diet. Pumpkin contains a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to fight bacteria and inflammation of the skin. Just as pumpkin works from the inside out, AcnEase® follows the same principles, using a high-grade, 100% herbal formula to treat acne at its source and it works to prevent the outward symptoms of breakouts. It's the first step in creating the beautiful, healthy skin you're looking for!

We want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite acne-friendly solutions for keeping your skin safe at Halloween? Tell us in the comments below!