Sure, pumpkins are high on demand this season as people need it for their pumpkin pies, pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin decorations for Halloween, but are you aware that your skin could also benefit from it?
Pumpkin has many nutritional benefits, according to Nutrition Data, as it contains alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins A, D and E - all of which are great for the skin, especially when the cold autumn weather makes skin drier. Pumpkin seeds have zinc, which works effectively against acne breakouts, too.
Many skin care products have pumpkin in their ingredients, but why buy those when you can make your own natural pumpkin skin care treatments at home? If you have leftovers after carving that jack-o-lantern, don't throw them away! Save the gourd innards for these skin care recipes below.
PUMPKIN FACE MASK FOR DRY SKIN
What you'll need:
2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon of honey
1/2 teaspoon of skim milk
One whole egg
Procedure: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. With your face dry, clean and free of makeup, gently apply the mask with your fingers. Let this set in for about 20 minutes and then wash with warm water. The honey and skim milk helps to moisturize dry skin, while the egg tightens it.
PUMPKIN ASTRINGENT FOR OILY SKIN
What you'll need:
2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
One whole egg
1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice
Procedure: As usual, mix the ingredients and then apply on to face gently. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse off with water. The acids in the juice or apple cider neutralizes the skin so that it doesn't become too oily.
PUMPKIN FACE MASK AS EXFOLIANT
What you'll need:
2 cups of pumpkin puree
Two eggs
One cup of cooked oatmeal
Procedure: Simply mix ingredients altogether and apply on the face. Let it set for 20 minutes and then wash it off. This recipe is good for at least two to three more uses, as exfoliation is recommended two times a week, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Keep the extra batch in the fridge to use the next time.
For more pumpkin face masks, body scrubs and foot buffers, click here!
