Pumpkin spice lattes, changing leaves, crisp cool air, and cinnamon broomsticks are finally amongst us again because it is officially fall. While all those things are mighty important and certainly worth celebrating, let’s not forget *drum roll please*... the benefits of pumpkin skincare! Yes, you read that correctly, pumpkin skincare.
1. What Makes Pumpkin So Special?
2. Benefits of Pumpkin Skincare
Pumpkin skincare products should not be seasonal because the benefits of pumpkin skincare are out of this world, trust me. And if you don’t believe me, keep reading to find out.
There are few fruits that boast as many helpful skincare benefits as pumpkin does. According to Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary, pumpkin and pumpkin seed extract have the best-rated ingredient rating.
The fruit is an extremely rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants. One of the notable antioxidants found in pumpkin is carotene. Carotene maintains skin health and helps protect against UV radiation. Additionally, pumpkin oil contains linoleic acid and vitamin E.
Pumpkin skincare is an excellent ingredient choice if you are looking to avoid fragrances as it naturally does not contain any fragrance chemicals. Some look to pumpkin for exfoliation due to enzymes found in the fruit, however, no research substantiates the efficacy of pumpkin for skin exfoliation.
Paula’s Choice Dictionary categorizes pumpkin seed extract as follows:
Antioxidants: Antioxidants can be defined as substances that help protects the skin’s surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors” (Kiehl’s Skincare)
Skin-Replenishing: skin-replenishing ingredients can be defined as “ingredients that help enrich the skin’s surface, drenching it with revitalizing hydration and keeping it there” (Paula’s Choice)
Emollients: Emollients = moisturizers
In 2019, researchers conducted a study to determine whether or not pumpkin facial masks increased skin moisture. The study was conducted on adult woman aged 35-40 who had dry facial skin.
The study found that pumpkin facial masks, in comparison to the control yam mask, resulted in a higher increase in moisture content of the skin. Emollient status, check!
A study conducted in 2018 evaluated the efficacy of pumpkin seed oil for facial acne treatment, specifically treating those with acne vulgaris. The study defines acne vulgaris as a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles with dead skin cells and oils from skin. As a result, white heads, black heads, inflammatory acne, non-inflammatory acne, and acne scars can occur.
After three months of treatment, participants saw an 82-84% reduction in acne scarring. Moreover, after three months participants saw an 84% reduction in acne and after two months participants saw a 57% decrease in active acne with pumpkin seed oil treatment.
Pumpkin, prebiotic, glycerin galore! Bliss’s pumpkin powerhouse resurfacing and exfoliating enzyme mask is a fan favorite and for good reason.
The product is packed with great ingredients to hydrate and restore the skins protective barrier. Buyer beware through, if you like to steer clear of fragrance additives, this product is not for you!
Elemis’s Superfood is multipurposeful serving as a a daily cleanser, deep cleansing mask, and makeup remover. Key ingredients include fermented pumpkin, mango butter, and fermented rice water.
After conducting an independent clinical study in 2019 of 129 participants, 95% of participants agreed the product helped remove makeup when used as a makeup remover and 93% of participants agreed their skin was not left feeling stripped or dry when used as a daily cleanser.
Tula’s known for their probiotic skincare and their So Pumpkin Sugar Scrub does not disappoint. Probiotic extracts, pumpkin, and sugar work together to clear excess oil and and build-up, gently exfoliate, and soften the skin.
The products formulated without synthetic fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, and more. Moreover, Tula is a cruelty-free company.
You don’t have to go to the beauty store to reap the benefits of pumpkin skincare. Creating your own pumpkin skincare is as easy as 1,2,3!
Face Mask
This DIY mask will surely leave your face feeling hydrated!
Ingredients:
½ tsp Honey
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
½ tsp Milk
Directions:
Pumpkin Body Scrub
Who said pumpkin skincare was only for the face? #bodycarematterstoo
Ingredients:
1 cup raw sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp sweet almond oil
Directions:
The benefits of pumpkin skincare cannot be beat. I mean seriously, the fruit is packed with almost everything our skin needs. Hydration, antioxidants, vitamins, there’s not much the pumpkin cannot provide.
Pumpkin skincare should not be left to only the fall, because everyone could use the benefits of pumpkin skincare year round. With that being said, it’s time to stock up!
Written by Lauren Conklin
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