As the chill of fall sets in, it reminds us that yes…winter is coming. And while it might seem like these cooler months are still far away, there’s no time like the present to begin prepping our systems for what’s to come.

Read on to see what powerhouse ingredients we love for our skin AND our immune system.

Elderberry Extract

Elderberry is a time-honored ingredient rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support immune function. Whether taken as a syrup, tea or infused into skincare, elderberry helps fight off winter woes by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation.

For your diet: Elderberries can be consumed in a variety of forms, including jams, jellies, pies, crumbles and teas. Cooking yourself? Never eat elderberries unripened and/or raw, as the berries, leaves and stems could cause stomach upset. If you’re interested in planting these yourself, check out this YouTube Video from The Urban Harvest for helpful tips and tricks.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known for its immune-supporting properties, but did you know it’s also a skincare superhero? Derived naturally from Kakadu Plum — one of the richest sources of Vitamin C — this nutrient helps stimulate collagen production, brighten dull winter skin and fend off environmental stressors.

For your diet: There are any number of ways to consume Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables – like citrus fruits, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, berries, broccoli and others – are the easiest and most convenient way to up your Vitamin C intake. Pro tip – cook gently and don’t overcook – this will help preserve the Vitamin C these ingredients contain!

Manuka Honey

This golden ingredient isn't just sweet — it's smart. Manuka honey is packed with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal immune booster during flu season. It also hydrates and soothes dry, cracked winter skin, making it an excellent addition to skin care formulas and recipes.

For your diet: Manuka or otherwise, we love adding honey to our favorite hot beverage, whether that’s tea, coffee or even warm water. It’s also an easy ingredient to add to smoothies, yogurt, toast, pancakes or dressings. Try this Honey Vinaigrette salad dressing from Joyfullymad.com for a sweet addition to your meal routine.

Echinacea

Often found in teas and herbal remedies, echinacea helps reduce the severity and duration of colds. But it's not just for sipping — this flower’s extract also contains compounds that promote skin renewal and calm inflammation.

For your diet: As mentioned above, echinacea is often present in tea varieties and herbal remedies, but it can also be consumed via tablets, capsules or liquid extracts. While use of this ingredient is very popular, always consult a medical professional when adding any supplement to your healthcare routine. Interested in adding this as an ingredient to your garden? Learn how to harvest it via this article.

Turmeric

This golden root is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating benefits. It helps regulate immune responses, reduce redness, and support the body’s natural healing process — inside and out.

For your diet: Tumeric is a commonly used ingredient in several cultures and types of food and is easy to incorporate into curries, soups, stews and sauces. It can also be added to teas and is a main ingredient in “Golden Milk”, a popular, anti-inflammatory drink, often used for healing and/or its sleep-related benefits.

At Real Purity, we carefully cultivate formulas that use only the highest quality ingredients that will treat your skin well, inside and out. Shop sitewide to see what ingredient we're using to give your body — and your skin — the nurturing protection it deserves.