Keep Calm and Get Your Pumpkin Skincare On!

The leaves are beginning to change color. The crisp morning air is a reminder that fall is finally here. As autumn reemerges, so does our love for all things pumpkin.

Pumpkins have made their way into everything we love. It is in our morning coffee, evening dessert and so much more. Now it’s making an appearance in skincare—and for good reason too.

As it turns out, pumpkin is an excellent addition to a daily skincare routine. Don’t bother with the over-priced pumpkin products on the shelves. You can just as easily make these products at home. This blog will break down why you should be using pumpkin on your skin and how to do-it-yourself. 

There are many benefits to using pumpkin on your skin, because pumpkin:

- Contains fruit enzymes and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (or AHAs). Enzymes and AHAs are effective exfoliants. They gently rid the skin of dead cells, leaving it looking brighter and smoother.  

- Is vitamin rich. Our skin loves the combination of Vitamins A, C and E. Together they boost collagen production to help reduce the appearance of aging skin. Vitamin E is also important in regulating oil production which protects the skin.

- Deeply penetrates the skin. The molecules in pumpkin are so tiny they penetrate the skin incredibly deep. This makes fighting dark spots and aging skin a much more efficient effort.

- Contains zinc which helps regulate hormone levels. The skin is affected by the hormones in our body. Zinc helps regulate hormones which affect the skin. Hormones control oil production and aids in the skins healing process.

At Alert1, we tested out recipes to find the perfect additions to a fall skin care regimen. We absolutely loved the way our skin felt after these mixtures! Here is the compilation of Alert1’s favorite pumpkin skin care recipes for you to try. 

Pumpkin Facial Scrub

Rough skin and bumpiness are things of the past with the Pumpkin Facial Scrub. Sugar helps to remove dead skin cells while the pumpkin seed oil helps reset oil production. Together they leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

• 1 ½ tbsp. pureed pumpkin
• 3 tbsp. organic sugar
• ½ tsp. pumpkin seed oil

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix them together to make a thick paste. Apply it on your face and gently scrub using circular motions. Rinse off after a few minutes with lukewarm water. A wash cloth is recommended to remove any remaining scrub from your face.

Vita-Rich Pumpkin Masque

Your skin will love this vitamin rich anti-aging masque. Honey mixed with pumpkin and vitamin E are great for your skin. Don’t be alarmed if you feel some tingling. This is actually good for your skin. Bringing a little bit of redness or erythema to the skin helps circulate out dead skin cells and skin waste. All this helps to replenish the skin and help in the anti-aging process.

• 1 tbsp. pumpkin 
• 1 tsp. raw honey
• 1 tsp. vitamin E oil

Apply a thin layer and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water and a soft wash cloth.

Use for oily skin: substitute vitamin E for Apple Cider Vinegar

Pumpkin Body Scrub

Now that you have mastered the pumpkin facial routine, let’s take it a step further. Dry and aging skin doesn’t just occur on our face. Our bodies are susceptible to the same fate as the skin on our face. Combat this by exfoliating with the Pumpkin Body Scrub. Mix the two ingredients up and bring in the shower for silky soft skin.

• ¼ cup cooked pureed pumpkin
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your body with your hands or a damp cloth. Scrub your body using circular motions and wash off with warm water.

Dry Feet Pumpkin Night Treatment

Don’t forget about your feet! Dry and cracked heels are no match for the Dry Feet Pumpkin Night Treatment. This easy to make treatment is a no brainer in the fight for happy toes. Go to sleep with the treatment and wake up with softer, smoother feet.

• 2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp. of petroleum jelly

 Apply nightly to your feet then put on cotton socks for a deep moisturizing treatment. The next morning, remove any residual product and notice how soft your feet feel!

Tips: Be sure your canned puree is pure pumpkin and not pie filling. Your pumpkin skin care shouldn’t be stored for later use because they won’t be as effective. So, mix them up as you go. 

It’s no wonder pumpkin is such a great addition to skin care routines. It feels great, smells delicious and there are many benefits. Take these recipes and have a spa night with a couple of friends. The recipes each create enough for 2-3 applications. Your friends will enjoy getting into the swing of fall with you.  

You may enjoy these similar articles:

• "Pumpkin Pie" Oatmeal Perfect For Seniors
• Fall Gardening Tips
• Fall Home Decorating Ideas for Seniors