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 skin care benefits of this autumnal staple and some pumpkin skincare products we can try this season.

The Skincare Benefits of Pumpkin

• Pumpkin has numerous vitamins — Vitamins A, B, C, and E to be exact! With this 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 it stimulates 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 use of pumpkin is in facial masks and as a scrub. There are plenty of options for purchasing and some are suggested below. However, if you are more of the do-it-yourself type, you can make your own! 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

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 skin that appears smoother, younger, and radiant.

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 any other impurities and restores 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.