When you think of October, instantly your mind draws towards Halloween; costumes, makeup and of course pumpkins (not just the latte!) But you may not have stopped to think about the benefits that pumpkin can have on the skin. They are rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants providing several natural beauty benefits.
Amanda Von Hagen, skin expert and international educator at Glo Skin Beauty UK, provides us with 10 fantastic pumpkin skin and hair benefits that will prepare us just in time for the cold winter snap.
1. Banishes oily skin
The proteins immersed in pumpkins have been known to remove toxins and any other impurities that may be clogging our pores leaving us with oily, acne prone skin. For treating oily skin, simply mix one tablespoon of pumpkin puree with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply the paste onto your damp face and rinse off followed by moisturiser. Regular application of the paste will leave your skin feeling super smooth and soft!
2. Treats dry skin
Pumpkin works as a great skin exfoliator, perfect for removing the dead and dry skin cells on the surface of our skin that can be the cause of a dull complexion. For treating dry skin, you need to add two teaspoons of cooked or canned pumpkin puree with a half teaspoon of honey alongside a quarter teaspoon of heavy whipping cream and mix together. Apply the paste evenly on the skin (avoiding the eyes) and let the mask set for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and moisturising.
3. Fights off Acne
If you are prone to acne breakouts, products that contain pumpkin extracts are great as they are packed full of vitamins E and T. The ingredient promotes healthy skin by reducing the pore size and preventing the appearance of pesky pimples. For a natural acne fighting toner, rub the inner flesh side of fresh pumpkin on to your face twice daily after washing for maximum results and full-face coverage.
4. Radiant skin
Pumpkins are packed with antioxidants that brighten the skin and produce radiant skin cells. Being a good source of Vitamin C, it can help protect the skin from wrinkles and in addition, consuming the pumpkin can improve skin tone and elasticity.
5. Restores dry hair
The winter weather can leave your hair lacking lustre. The compounds found in pumpkins such as minerals and flavonoids can make pumpkins one of the best natural hair conditioners. To create the paste, take two cups of chopped pumpkin, one teaspoon of coconut oil, one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of yoghurt. After turned into a puree using a blender add coconut oil or honey to make it smooth. The paste can be applied on damp shampooed hair. Once left for 15 minutes rinse off with water and enjoy your gorgeous locks.
6. Reverses UV damage
The beta-carotene in pumpkin helps reverse UV damage which brightens and smooths the skin. The carotenoids in the plant pigment that gives the pumpkin their orange hue slows down cellular ageing. Maintaining pumpkin at good levels through your diet can help to protect against damaging UV light and reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
7. Treats dark spots and blemishes
Pumpkin can be a great oxidant for removing dark spots and maintaining supple skin. Add one tablespoon of pumpkin puree, one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of vitamin E oil together and mix them thoroughly. Apply the paste to your damp face and let it dry for 30 minutes before washing off with water.
8. Lip nourishment
Pumpkin is in fact one of the best natural lip balms. The mixture is known as ‘plumping pumpkin spice lip balm.’ Place 6 teaspoons of coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of grated beeswax in a double boiler, once melted stir in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin puree, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well and allow time to cool before application to the lips.
9. Nails of steel
Rather than investing in costly strengthening polishes, pumpkin seeds work wonders for your nails. They are rich in Vitamin E, protein, zinc, fibre and are alkaline forming which fights inflammation in the body. Eating pumpkin seeds that are rich sources will keep your nails looking and feeling stronger.
10. Bathe with pumpkins
Oil that has been extracted from the pumpkin seed can be added to your regular bath providing a natural supplement which leaves skin soft and supple with no added extras.
