Good news for fridges already full to the brim: Leftover pumpkins from Halloween can be put to a second use on your face! While pumpkins smell and taste delicious during the fall season, they’re even more effective as a natural skin care ingredient. While many think the pumpkin is a vegetable, the gourd is actually a fruit because it grows on a vine and has seeds. This autumnal icon comes in various shades of green, yellow, and red, but we most recognize its bold and bright orange hue. And while many spas and skin care companies offer fancy pumpkin enzyme peels, you can re-create your very own tangerine-tinted treatments with ingredients from your fall pantry.
Pumpkin provides the skin with a natural barrier to help reduce the affects of over-exposure to 
harmful environmental elements such as sun and wind. It contains high levels of vitamin A that helps soothe the skin and provides relief to sun-damaged skin. Pumpkin is rich in zinc, a very powerful antioxidant that acts as a shield to help protect the body against free radicals. Whereas the vitamin C present serves as a repair agent, treating any damage produced by harmful rays including fine lines and wrinkles. According to researchers, they contain over 100 ingredients to help make your skin look and feel younger. Instead of throwing away your Jack O Lanterns, get one more use out of that old pumpkin, and make yourself beautiful!
Skin Repair
Pumpkin is an excellent ingredient to help maintain great looking skin; it is suitable for all skin types and will help to restore moisture, elasticity, and natural glow to the skin. Because of the natural exfoliates and enzymes present it is especially effective for treating dry skin, these exfoliating enzymes help to remove dead skin cells and excess build-up of dirt and impurities. The natural properties of pumpkin also help stimulate circulation and healthy cell growth, which helps to promote healing of the skin and improving its overall condition.
Acne Treatment
Pumpkin contains vitamins E and T that are extremely effective to help treat and control acne. If you have acne prone skin and suffer from regular breakouts, then try pumpkin based skin care products to help promote healthy skin Pumpkin contains beneficial properties that fight inflammation, reduce pore size, and prevent breakouts by controlling excess oil in the skin.
Pumpkin soothes, nourishes, and moisturizes the skin; it acts as a carrier agent and assists other beneficial ingredients to absorb deeply into the skin, further intensifying results. Try out these simple homemade recipes to experience the benefits for yourself.
To do so, chop your pumpkin into several blocks; boil the blocks in hot water for up to 10 minutes. Make sure the pumpkin is soft enough to mash up, and then follow these easy steps:
HOMEMADE PUMPKIN BEAUTY TREATMENTS:
Pumpkin Pie Face Mask
2 Tbsp cooked pumpkin
1 Tbsp raw honey
1/8 tsp cinnamon
OPTIONAL: 1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream For dry skin
OPTIONAL: 1/4 tsp cranberry juice or apple cider vinegar For oily skin
I know this looks like a Thanksgiving pie recipe at first glance, but we promise this yummy beauty recipe feeds your face, not your mouth. The pumpkin and cinnamon invigorate and exfoliate, while the honey acts as a humectant. First, combine all of your primary ingredients in a small bowl. Then, if you wish, add heavy whipping cream, cranberry juice, or apple cider vinegar depending on your complexion. Blend the mixture gently, and then apply a thin layer of it onto your face, avoiding the eye area. Relax for 15 minutes as you enjoy the amazing aroma wafting from your skin. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Pureed Pumpkin Scrub
1/4 cup cooked pumpkin puree
1/4 cup brown sugar
The enzymes in this simple and delicious sugar scrub will slough dead winter skin off your body. Combine your ingredients in a small bowl, and then apply the mixture to your body in the shower. Scrub your skin gently in circular motions, and rinse off with warm water.
Pumpkin Pedicure
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 raw egg
1/2 tsp raw honey
Plastic wrap
Soften dry, cracked feet with this natural enzymatic concoction. Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl and apply to clean feet. Wrap your feet with clear plastic wrap and let your tootsies marinate for 15 minutes (don’t forget to wrap in between your toes!). After time is up, rinse with lukewarm water and slather feet with your favorite foot cream.
Pumpkin Body Scrub:
1/2 Cup- Cooked Pumpkin
1/2 Cup- Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon- Cinnamon
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and stir. It’s a good idea to lay out some newspapers on your bathroom floor because this could get messy. Take your mixture and massage into your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and your skin will be exfoliated, healthy and glowing!
Pumpkin Face Masque:
3 Tablespoons of cooked or canned Pumpkin
1 Teaspoon of Honey
1/4 Teaspoon of Milk
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and massage into your face. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Wash your face with your normal cleanser, if needed.
