The fall equinox is a moment of balance, equal day and night, warmth fading into cool, abundance turning toward rest. It’s a reminder that our bodies, like the seasons, thrive when we honor cycles of change. As the leaves turn, so does our skin. The crisp air can bring a glow, but it also brings dryness, chapped lips, and the need for a little extra care.
Seasonal Nourishment From the Inside Out
On the East Coast, autumn is generous with foods that are as good for your skin as they are for your body:
Pumpkins & Winter Squash: Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A, these support cell turnover and give your skin that healthy, vibrant tone.
Apples: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, they protect collagen and keep skin firm.
Beets: Their deep pigments are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds that boost circulation, giving skin a natural flush.
Brussels Sprouts & Kale: Both bring vitamin K and vitamin C, strengthening skin and reducing inflammation.
Carrots & Sweet Potatoes: Beta-carotene superstars that not only support eyesight but also help prevent dry, flaky skin.
When you eat with the seasons, you’re not just nourishing your body you’re giving your skin the building blocks it needs to stay strong, supple, and resilient.
Good Skin Begins Within and Without
We often think of skincare as what we put on our skin, but true radiance is a partnership between diet and topical care. Antioxidant-rich vegetables support collagen production, while healthy fats help skin maintain elasticity. Pairing that with gentle, nutrient-dense topical products like grass-fed tallow, jojoba, and rosehip oil creates a whole-body approach.
At My Neighbor’s, we always say: food and skincare are two sides of the same coin. Just as you wouldn’t want additives and fillers in your meals, your skin doesn’t benefit from them either.
My Annual Curse: The Chap Gods
Every fall, without fail, I’m cursed by what I call the chap gods. The cold arrives, and suddenly I look like I’ve gotten lip fillers except it’s just painfully chapped lips. The swelling, the cracks, the never-ending cycle of balm and disappointment.
But this year, things will be different. We’ve created tallow lip balms that bring together the same philosophy of inside-out nourishment: rich in naturally occurring vitamins A, D, E, and K, deeply moisturizing, and protective against the elements. Instead of fighting the chap gods, I’ll finally have a shield.
Welcoming Autumn With Care
As we step into this new season, the equinox invites us to embrace balance: hearty foods and quiet evenings, glowing skin and cozy layers, nourishment from the inside and out. With the harvest in your kitchen and tallow on your lips, fall can be less about dry skin and more about thriving in the crisp beauty of the season.