We usually associate pumpkins with Halloween and Thanksgiving, and while carving pumpkins and making pumpkin pies have become tradition, pumpkins themselves are actually good for your skin and offer many beauty benefits in addition to tasting good and creating decor.
Pumpkins are vegetables that belong to the Cucurbita family and they are closely related to muskmelons, squash and watermelons. They have become a staple in many households in the U.S. mainly because they are used to make pumpkin pies and carvings during Halloween.
At this time of year, when the weather affects your skin with the dry fall season, pumpkins might actually serve as a viable skin solution too.
Pumpkin Beauty Benefits
The benefits of pumpkin are useful for all skin types, particularly environmentally-damaged or sensitive skin. Here are the benefits of pumpkin for your skin.
- Treats dry skin: Pumpkins are packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that promote skin cell turnover. Try mixing 2 tablespoons of pureed pumpkin, 1/4 teaspoon of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of honey to use as a facial mask to rejuvenate your skin.
- Getting rid of dark spots: Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, which helps treat acne and promotes a brighter skin complexion. Add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to your face to help reduce dark spots.
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines: Pumpkins are a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps improve skin texture, tone and elasticity.
- Treats oily skin: Pumpkin seed oil contains zinc and selenium, which help with oily skin to make it look healthier and clean. Pumpkin seed oil also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors.
- Anti-aging benefits: Pumpkins help reduce signs of aging because they contain beta-carotene, which helps reverse UV damage while protecting the skin from the radical damage that is responsible for signs of aging and even skin cancer.
- Reduces acne: Pumpkins have a good source of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, B6 and folate, which help improve circulation and promote cell turnover and renewal.
- Promotes hair growth: Pumpkins have a rich source of minerals including potassium and zinc, which help keep hair healthy and improve re-growth. Zinc helps maintain collagen, playing an important role in promoting healthy hair. It also contains folate, an important B vitamin that stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation.
- Revives dry hair: Pumpkins restore shine and moisture to dry and damaged hair. Just mix 2 cups of cooked pumpkin, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of yogurt and leave it on your hair for about 30 minutes. Rinse your hair and you will notice how soft and revived your hair will feel.
