Sick of Pumpkins? These Skin Health Benefits May Just Change Your Mind

We get it…it’s Fall and there are pumpkins everywhere. Pumpkins on porches, smiling pumpkins, scary pumpkins, carved pumpkins, pumpkin soup, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin coffee. If you are suffering from pumpkin overload and have to bury the urge to smash each smiling jack-o-lantern you see by this time in October – then you may benefit from a little positive information about this seasonal fruit.

It may seem strange to put pumpkin on your face, since we generally think of pumpkins as food. Facials, peels and products that contain actual pumpkin enzymes and pumpkin oil can be beneficial to your skin health.

But don’t confuse pumpkin scented products with active pumpkin skin care products, especially this time of year. Remember, fragrance has nothing to do with it.

The seeds and the flesh of pumpkins are full of health benefits. You can get these benefits both through diet and topically in skin care products.  Due to the high content of antioxidants, pumpkin is especially effective if your skin is damaged from overexposure to the sun and other environmental conditions.  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.  Pumpkin facial masks, moisturizers and peels nourish your skin and promote the absorption of these nutrients.

Pumpkin enzymes gently exfoliate dead skin cells without the traditional scrubbing that is harsh on sensitive skin. Products containing these enzymes help remove dead skin cells and promote new cell production. Due to the high enzyme content, foot care products made with pumpkins are also very effective for hydrating, soothing and softening dry, cracked hands and feet.

If you suffer from acne or frequent breakouts, your skin will benefit from pumpkin’s ability to reduce inflammation and pore size while preventing the build up of excess oil and future blemishes.

D-I-Y Skin Solutions:
Acne: Cut a fresh pumpkin open and rub the fleshy side on your cleansed skin twice a day. This serves as a natural blemish-fighting toner.

Dry Feet: Combine 2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree (canned) with 2 tbsp. of Vaseline. Apply to your feet and heels and cover with cotton socks for a deep, overnight moisturizing treatment.

Exfoliating and Moisturizing Facial: Crush 6 almonds in a food processor or blender until fine in texture. Combine 4 ounces of canned pumpkin, 1/8 cup honey and a drizzle of olive oil in a medium sized bowl. Mix well and spread a thin layer of the mask over your face. Leave for 5 minutes. Rinse and towel dry. Mixture will keep approximately 1 week in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Not the do-it-yourself type? Look for products that combine pumpkin enzymes with other fruit acids for deep exfoliation.

For even more ways to get flawless, glowing skin contact the Shapiro Skin Klinic.


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