pUMPKIN sKINCARe rECIPES - dIY

The delightful pumpkin has numerous skin enriching benefits. These benefits include:
• Contains fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which increase cell turnover, to brighten and smooth the skin.
• Contains antioxidant Vitamin A and Vitamin C to help soften and soothe the skin and boost collagen production to prevent the signs of aging.
• Zinc in pumpkin seeds is beneficial for acne sufferers. Zinc helps control hormone levels and oil production, as well as assists with healing of the skin.
• Pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are necessary to maintain protection of the skin. They also regulate sebum (oil produced by the skin).
• The molecular structure of pumpkin is small and therefore can penetrate deeper into the skin when used topically. This is amazing for treating a dull complexion, aging skin and pigmentation.
Pumpkin Face Mask Recipe
Want to brighten and smooth your skin? Try this simple recipe for an at-home pumpkin face mask:
Pumpkin Face Mask
- 2 Tbs cooked pumpkin
- 1 Tbs honey
- 1 Tbs. of finely ground oatmeal
1. Mix well and apply all over your face avoiding the eye area.
2. Leave for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing to remove.
3. Reveal smooth, hydrated, glowing skin.
Pumpkin is great for acne-prone skin as it is composed of zinc and potassium, which fights redness, reduces skin inflammation, and helps in treating acne. The increased production of collagen will also further improve the tone of your skin. As pumpkin can help control the production of oil, it is a great choice for those suffering from acne.
Pumpkin can also help with hair loss or thinning. It is full of minerals like potassium and zinc which work to keep hair healthy and promote re-growth.
Pumpkin is also a good source of folate, a B vitamin that helps improve blood circulation which stimulates hair growth.
pUMPKIN sUGAR sCRUB
- 1 TBSP Pumpkin Puree
- 1/2 TBSP Raw Honey
- 2 TBSP Sugar
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together. Gently rub on skin. Rinse with cool water and tone and moisturize as usual. This scrub can be used as your cleanser. Honey has wonderful cleansing properties.
Here are a few more dIY recipes that you can whip up in no time:
fACIAL mASK fOR oILY sKIN
Put pumpkin’s alpha hydroxy acids to work. Combine 1/4 cup pumpkin puree with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and a whole egg. Mix the ingredients until smooth and apply to face. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
fACIAL mASK fOR dRY sKIN
Combine 1/4 cup pumpkin puree with 1 teaspoon olive oil, t teaspoon honey and a whole egg. Mix the ingredients until smooth and apply to face. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
fACIAL sCRUB
Mix together one cup of pumpkin, two tablespoons of brown sugar, one tablespoon of honey and a half cup of yogurt. (The sugar and yogurt are to exfoliate, the honey is a humectant.) Spread on to your face and let sit for 10 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
pUMPKIN hAIR mASK
For great shine and lusty luster, make a pumpkin hair mask by mixing together one cup of pumpkin with one-half cup plain yogurt and one tablespoon of honey. Mush it into your scalp and out to the ends of your hair and wrap your head with a shower cap or towel; let sit for up to 30 minutes. Cleanse hair as usual.
pEDICARE fOOT wRAP
To pamper your pups, combine 1/2 cup pumpkin puree with a whole egg and a teaspoon of honey. Massage into your feet and ankles and then wrap in plastic or throw on a pair of old socks. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
sALT fOOT sCRUB
If your feet are suffering from dry skin or callouses, a scrub may be in order. Using salt gives a little more exfoliation than sugar, which your feet should be able to take. Mix together 1/2 cup pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons olive oil and enough salt to make a loose paste. Over a bowl or the tub, lump it on to your feet and massage well, paying special attention to heels and other dry areas. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
hAND mASK
Hands get so ignored, but they love pumpkin too! Give them a treat by mixing together 1/4 cup pumpkin puree with 1 teaspoon almond or olive oil and 1 teaspoon of honey. Massage the mixture into your hands over the sink for as long as it feels good, then rinse with warm water.
- Danielle Lasit