Most of us think of pumpkin as an ingredient in food and your favorite spiced latte. However, pumpkin is a beneficial addition to skincare products as well. Read on to learn the skincare benefits of this autumnal staple and some pumpkin skincare products we can try this season.
The Skincare Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a skincare powerhouse, especially valued for its anti-aging properties. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin promotes skin regeneration and protection, helping to reduce fine lines and improve skin tone. Vitamin A, known for its retinoid properties, boosts cell turnover, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, fights free radicals that contribute to skin aging while brightening the skin and enhancing collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, giving a firmer and more youthful appearance.
Pumpkin is also packed with beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body, further aiding in skin repair and providing a natural glow. Its natural enzymes gently exfoliate, sloughing away dead skin cells and promoting a smoother texture. Additionally, the zinc in pumpkin helps regulate oil production, making it beneficial for those with acne-prone or combination skin.
The natural moisturizing benefits of pumpkin make it excellent for hydrating dry skin, especially in cooler months. Including pumpkin-based products in your skincare routine can bring long-lasting hydration, a brighter complexion, and overall skin rejuvenation, making it a valuable ingredient for skin health and anti-aging.
Additional benefits include:
- Pumpkin has numerous vitamins — Vitamins A, B, C, and E, to be exact! With these many vitamins, is it any wonder that pumpkin helps brighten our skin? It also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and other pigmentation.
- Pumpkin contains many minerals and enzymes. Minerals, such as zinc and potassium, help clear skin of blemishes. The enzymes in pumpkin also help eliminate dullness because they stimulate cell turnover.
- Pumpkin also has anti-inflammatory agents. These agents help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling.
Pumpkin Skincare Mask Recipes
The most common uses of pumpkin are in facial masks and as a scrub. Plenty of options are available that offer a slew of easy skincare benefits for every budget. However, if you are more of the do-it-yourself type, you can make your own!
This is the perfect time of year because pumpkins are in abundant supply, and many of us already have one on hand for Halloween. This year, after you’ve carved your pumpkin and used it as a fun decoration, instead of throwing it out, utilize it for your skincare routine. It’ll save you some money, and you can have fun trying out something new (and get the crafty credits, too!). Here are two very easy recipes…
Pumpkin Mask
You’ll need:
- ¼ cup pumpkin (canned or fresh)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp of honey
Mix together and apply with a face brush. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse.
Pumpkin Scrub
You’ll need:
- ¼ cup pumpkin (canned or fresh)
- 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp honey
Mix together and apply in small circles. Rinse clean and gently towel dry.
Pumpkin Skincare Products
If you’re interested in exploring the various pumpkin-based skincare products on the market, we’ve selected some of our favorites to get you started. Whether you’re looking for a new face cleanser or a resurfacing mask, we’ve found something for just about any want or need.
This mask addresses the look of a dull, aging complexion by exfoliating with Pumpkin Enzyme, peeling with Alpha Hydroxy Acid, and polishing with Aluminum Oxide Crystals. It also helps even the look of skin tone and smoothes the look of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal smoother, younger, and radiant skin.
Osmia’s facial soap contains organic pumpkin and tomato for a gentle yet effective enzymatic exfoliation. It also contains essential oils of carrot seed, carrot root, rosewood, and geranium to promote a brighter complexion.
This pumpkin latte mask is formulated with pumpkin puree and orange pulp to fortify your skin with vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. You may also see fine lines and wrinkles diminished, thanks to the avocado oil and soy milk.
This cleansing oil removes makeup, dirt, and other impurities and restores the skin’s natural moisture. It contains pumpkin oil (rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids) to keep the skin youthful and radiant.
This natural body lotion is formulated with pumpkin extracts and glycolic acid to nourish skin and improve elasticity. Simply apply a thin layer once a day — the benefits will start to show with continuous use.
Pumpkin Seed Oil is Another Skincare Option
Most of us probably haven’t even heard of pumpkin seed oil, let alone actually use it. While it isn’t as famous as other plant or flower oils, it is just as beneficial for hair and skin. The oil is rich in antioxidants, which are excellent for having a youthful appearance by fighting free radicals. Pumpkin seed oil helps fight acne, heals skin wounds, and improves skin tone. The most common use is to add a few drops of this oil to your skin cleanser or lotion. However, it can also be taken as a supplement.
Ladies, let’s remember when thinking of fall, keep in mind that pumpkin is not only good for you to eat, it looks good on you as well. So, when you head off to the stores to grab your favorite fall items, remember to grab some pumpkin skincare products to help maintain that beautiful skin!
Are you using a retinol product? Here are three reasons why you may want to incorporate this product into your skincare routine.
Read Next:
Your New Secret Anti-Aging Ingredient: Pumpkin Seed Oil
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