We all know that pumpkin is super-good for you. Just one 1/2 cup serving touts a whopping 200% of the recommended value of Vitamin A. (Hello, sharp eyesight!)
But did you know that you don’t have to eat pumpkin to receive all of it’s awesome benefits? It turns out that applying it topically has some advantages as well. Pumpkin’s abundant antioxidants and vitamins are great for your skin. Not to mention that literally every part of the pumpkin has a use. The flesh, seeds, and even the peel can all be transformed into skin-care products.
So don’t throw away those jack-o-lanterns just yet. Instead, recycle your leftover pumpkin into your beauty routine with these 3 easy ideas. Clear, smooth skin is right around the corner- or outside your front door.
So here’s what you have to do…
First, grab your pumpkin and peel it. This does not have to be precise. Just use a sharp knife and cut down the sides of the pumpkin until no skin remains. Set skin aside.
Next, cut up the pumpkin. Scoop seeds out and place on baking sheet. Cut up pumpkin and place on separate baking sheet. Roast pumpkin flesh until tender (at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes), and puree in a food processor until smooth. Meanwhile, roast seeds until dry (at 350 degrees for about 6-10 minutes) and grind in a coffee grinder or a food processor.
Now that you’ve prepared the pumpkin components, you’re ready to create your Moisturizing face mask:
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (you can also use pure canned pumpkin if you don’t want to create your own)
– 2 tbs. coconut milk
– 2 tbs. raw agave nectar
– 1 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
– Combine all ingredients very well
– Coat whole face in a thin layer of mixture and leave on for about 10 minutes, or until dry
– Clean off with washcloth
– Place leftover mask mixture in a sealed container and store in the fridge.
* This mask can also be used as an overnight spot-treatment. Just apply a small dab anywhere that you see a pimple forming.
If you are dealing with dry, flaky skin and need something a bit more abrasive, you can make this Gentle Exfoliating face scrub.
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 2 tbs. coconut oil
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup ground pumpkin seeds
Directions:
– Combine all ingredients very well
– Cleanse face and then apply scrub, rubbing gently in a circular motion
– Clean off with washcloth
– Place leftover scrub in a sealed container and store in fridge
And if you have breakout that just won’t seem to disappear, then gather those pumpkin skins that you set aside so long ago. Rub them over your skin wherever acne is appearing. Pumpkin peel has clarifying components and can even neutralize your pigment. If you do this a few days in a row, you will notice that your skin will become clearer in no time!
Also in all natural Beauty: DIY Banana Clay Face Mask
Washing with Gentleness: An Experiment in Oil Cleansing Method
Also by Quincy: How to Exercise When You’re Short on Time
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Photo: Quincy Malesovas
