It’s that time of year and pumpkins are in season! These bright orange, bodacious fruits are good for more than just Halloween fun and fall decorations. You may be happy to know that you’re in for some great beauty DIY along with that jack-o-latern competition you’ve conducted. Pumpkins are rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, anti-inflammatory benefits, natural UV protectors and are a great exfoliator.
I’d say this is probably one of the most ideal skin ingredients. So next time you get to carving out a scary cat face in that pumpkin, save the insides (including the seeds -they make a yummy healthy roasted snack) steam or bake them until mashable, and then get ready to make some scrumptious beauty treats. As an alternative, if you don’t happen to be pumpkin carving a pumpkin anytime soon, no worries. A can of pumpkin puree will suffice. Take a look at these DIY pumpkin beauty treats!
Pumpkin Pie Face Scrub
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of cooked and mashed pumpkin
- 3 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 1.5 tablespoons of ground oats
Directions
- Mix the pumpkin, yogurt, and oats together.
- Apply to your face.
- Allow to sit on the skin for 5-1o minutes.
- Lightly massage your face in circular motions (stay away from your eyes).
- Rinse with cool water.
Why it works: The yogurt is full of lactic acid and the oats will be a great natural exfoliant. The combo of both the pumpkin and yogurt will soften the skin and loosen the dead skin cells
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Pumpkin Body Mask
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup of cold-pressed coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Directions
- Mix pumpkin, coconut oil and cinnamon together.
- Apply a generous amount to the skin while in the shower.
- Massage all over the body.
- Allow it to sink in for about 10-15 minutes.
- Shower off with warm water.
Why it works: The coconut oil is great for both its moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties, and the cinnamon is full of antioxidants. Not to mention, it smells and tastes yummy, too!
Pumpkin Hair Conditioner
For great shine and lusty luster, make a pumpkin hair mask by mixing together one cup of pumpkin with one-half cup plain yogurt and one tablespoon of honey. Mush it into your scalp and out to the ends of your hair and wrap your head with a shower cap or towel; let sit for up to 30 minutes. Cleanse hair as usual.
Pumpkin Pucker Lip Enhancer
A pinch of pumpkin for the pout does wonders. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin puree with 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon fine sugar. Rub on lips and massage gently to gently exfoliate and moisturize. Feel free to lick off (wink, wink).
Pedal Pumpkin Pedicure
To get your dogs (feet) to stop barking (looking crazy), pamper your toes with this recipe. Combine 1/2 cup pumpkin puree with a whole egg and a teaspoon of honey. Massage into your feet and ankles and then wrap in plastic or throw on a pair of old socks. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Pumpkin Papaya Mousse Body Wrap
If you’re skin is so dry that it looks like you were rolling around in flour (trust me, it happens during the winter), it’s time for a moisturizing body wrap! This is especially nice to use after exfoliating your skin, so that the nutrients are readily absorbed. It’s simple to make:
Ingredients:
¼ cup organic heavy cream
1 ½ tbsp. organic pumpkin purée
2 ½ tbsp. organic papaya purée
1 tbsp. organic, raw honey
1/8 tsp. organic ginger powder
1/8 tsp. organic cinnamon powder
Mix and apply generously. Wait until completely dry, then rinse off.
Pumpkin Power Foot Scrub
If your feet are suffering from dry skin or callouses, a scrub may be in order. Using salt gives a little more exfoliation than sugar, which your feet should be able to take. Mix together 1/2 cup pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons olive oil and enough salt to make a loose paste. Over a bowl or the tub, lump it on to your feet and massage well, paying special attention to heels and other dry areas. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Skin and Beauty center for more articles.
For more pumpkin beauty DIY, visit KissTheChaos.com.