An Apple a Day Beauty Tips

The rose is a rose,

And was always a rose.
But the theory now goes
That the apple's a rose,
And the pear is, and so's
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only knows
What will next prove a rose.
You, of course, are a rose -
But were always a rose.

   Robert Frost

Autumn is apple season and the time to take advantage of the many varieties, best prices and various ways to enjoy these members of the rose family, Rosaceae. Try to buy from orchards local to your area. No need to purchase apples that were shipped across the country during a time of year when they are abundant locally.

There is much symbolism of beauty and long life associated with the apple. In Chinese culture, apples are a symbol of peace and the blossoms are a symbol of feminine beauty. The apple has long been associated with immortality, as the habit of eating an apple a day is said to bring good health and keep the doctor away.

The Mediterranean diet is well known as the model for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Without fail my daughter's Yiayia (grandmother in Greek) insists she eat her milo (apple) a day. 

The Greek women do have a reputation for flawless, wrinkle free skin. Attribute it to a healthy lifestyle which includes healthy fats such as olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables and often the work or walk to obtain them. If you've ever had the privilege of visiting the Mediterranean islands you'll quickly observe that the locals either grow their own food or purchase directly from fresh outdoor food markets.

Apples have been proven to be one of nature's best antioxidants and a plus for healthy hair and skin. Antioxidants prevent cell and tissue damage, help maintain youthful skin and due to a compound called procyanidin B-2, help promote hair growth. Granny Smith and Red Delicious are two varieties especially high in collagen and elastin, needed for great looking skin. Since heat destroys vitamin C, try to eat your apples raw. 

Eat your apples for a beautiful smile as well.  Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva.  By lowering the levels of bacteria in your mouth, you are reducing the risk of tooth decay.

As part of your beauty routine, a very simple recipe for an apple facial mask uses just two ingredients, applesauce and wheat germ.
Mix 1 tbsp. applesauce with 1 tbsp. wheat germ and apply the smooth paste to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes and wash off with warm water. The applesauce helps remove fine lines and the wheat germ adds a bit of exfoliation.

Another way to get the benefits from apples is through apple cider vinegar, preferably raw apple cider vinegar. For further information, read this post on the health advantages of adding raw vinegar and raw honey added to a glass of water as part of your daily diet.

Apple cider vinegar can be used to fight blemishes, revive a dull complexion, and help eliminate a funky scalp.

Blemish spot treatment

This herbal vinegar contains the healing and nourishing qualities of apple cider vinegar, soothing witch hazel, and various infused herbs such as lavender, chamomile, yarrow, calendula, roses, lemon balm and sage. Just apply to a cotton ball or cotton square and spot treat those blemishes.

Elderflower n' Rose toner

Roses and elder flowers have long been used by women for gentle, effective home skin and beauty care.  This facial toner consists of an apple cider vinegar floral infusion, diluted in distilled water to be a bit more gentle than the above blemish treatment, and added aloe, witch hazel and glycerin, all bring balance to skin pH.

Herbal vinegar hair rinse for light hair

Herbal vinegar hair rinse for darker hair

Both of these hair rinses utilize apple cider vinegar infused with nourishing herbs such as nettles, chamomile, calendula, sage and rosemary. Great for returning shine by eliminating residues from hair products, and to maintain a healthy scalp.



Enjoy your apple a day!


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