It's decorative gourd season, which means pumpkin-infused everything. Why limit yourself to pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin-lined porches when there are oodles of amazing benefits pumpkin skincare products can bring you. Once you read through this, you will obviously be dousing yourself in winter squash on the daily! OK, maybe not dousing — smearing? You get the point.
I freaking love pumpkin and use it in everything from vegan pumpkin spice latte cupcakes to more savory squash recipes. In fact, true story, I once ate too much pumpkin and carrots and the palms of my hands turned straight up orange. Apparently you can overdose on carotene? Cray.
I'm clearly not alone in my pumpkin love, because pumpkin spice hair is even a thing now! Who knew? Pumpkin is also an obvious choice for fall decorating, delish fall drinks, and a slew of cozy winter desserts. But I didn't need to tell you about that, did I?
Adding pumpkin to your beauty routine might sound a little wacky, but it's full of benefits for keeping your skin nourished and glowing. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and even good-for-you fats in the seeds, I say pumpkin is right up there with coconut oil, acai, and kale in terms of being a health and beauty superhero.
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Benefits of Pumpkin Skin Care Products
Pumpkin is no longer just an ingredient you use to make pies on Thanksgiving. When you're carving a jack-o'-lantern on Halloween, you're probably not thinking about the skin-care benefits of pumpkin. You may not have realized that pumpkin is rich in important essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy and radiant skin. If you prefer natural skin-care products, try making your own homemade skin-care treatments using fresh or canned pumpkin.
Rich in Vitamins
Pumpkin is excellent for use on all skin types, but especially if your skin is damaged from environmental conditions such as overexposure to the sun. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which soothes and softens your skin, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help to remedy damage produced by free radicals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pumpkin facial masks, moisturizers and peels nourish your skin and promote the absorption of these nutrients.
Dissolves Dry Skin
Skin-care products containing pumpkin such as exfoliators and moisturizers can be used on all skin types to help remove old surface skin cells and promote new cell production. Pumpkin contains natural enzymes that help to dissolve dry skin cells, according to skin care expert Sue Dolan in her book "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes." Due to the high enzyme content, pumpkin foot-care products are also very effective for hydrating, soothing and softening dry, cracked hands and feet. To make your own dry heel treatment, combine 2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree with 2 tbsp. of Vaseline. Apply nightly to your feet, and put cotton socks on for a deep moisturizing treatment.
Anti-Acne
If you suffer from acne, blemishes or frequent breakouts, your skin will benefit from pumpkin anti-acne products. Pumpkin contains the acne fighting vitamins E and T, more commonly known as torulitine. Pumpkin skin toners, peels and anti-acne masks promote healthier skin by fighting inflammation, reducing pore size, controlling excess oil and preventing the appearance of pimples, blackheads and blemishes. Try rubbing the fleshy side of a piece of fresh pumpkin on your face twice a day after washing for a natural blemish-fighting toner.