By Danielle Bolger
Pumpkins are the quintessential fall centerpiece, and these days everything from your doorstep to your latte features this giant gourd’s goodness. But ever thought about adding pumpkin to your beauty routine? Loaded with vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein, pumpkin is a great beauty benefit from the inside out. Here are five ways to incorporate pumpkin into your October beauty regimen (no carving involved!)
PUMPKIN FACIAL
Pumpkin’s vitamin C helps protect skin from free radical damage and promotes collagen production. Combined with soothing honey to seal in moisture, a pumpkin masque is perfect for the changing fall weather.
We like this DIY pumpkin facial from Petit Elefant to naturally exfoliate the skin, sooth irritation, calm breakouts and brighten:
What You’ll Need:
1/4 cup pureed pumpkin
1 egg
1 tablespoon honey*
1 tablespoon milk
Whip the mixture together, apply with a brush avoiding mouth and eyes, and let sit for 20 minutes until dry. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
*Potomac Pilates Tip: Prone to oily skin? Swap honey for apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
PUMPKIN HAIR MASK
Pumpkins pack a mean mineral punch, containing potassium, copper, zinc and more, all vital for healthy hair and regrowth. Try this pumpkin hair mask recipe to moisturize and add life to dry and lackluster hair.
What You’ll Need:
2 cups cooked pumpkin
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon yogurt
Puree the pumpkin and yogurt in a blender, then add coconut oil and honey until smooth. Apply mixture to damp hair and cover with plastic cap for 15 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly and follow up with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Recipe courtesy of Teen Vogue
PUMPKIN PIE PROTEIN SMOOTHIE
B Vitamins found in pumpkin, like niacin, B6 and folate, can help improve circulation, which increases cell turnover and renewal. This protein-packed shake will help your body recuperate after a workout or your next Pilates session.
What You’ll Need:
½ can organic pureed pumpkin
½ cup almond milk or vanilla almond milk
1 tsp nutmeg and ginger, or pumpkin pie spice
1 Frozen banana
1 spoonful of pumpkin seeds, plus an extra spoonful for topping
¼ cup oats
Combine ingredients in blender and mix until smooth. Add ice for thicker consistency. Top with extra pumpkin seeds and enjoy.
POLISHING PUMPKIN BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB
Carotenoids, responsible for pumpkin’s infamous orange hue, can help reverse UV damage and improve skin texture. Exfoliate with a refreshing pumpkin body scrub to help heal summer skin damage and banish dry skin cells.
What You’ll Need:
½ cup pureed pumpkin
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons safflower, olive or coconut oil
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, etc.
Combine ingredients. Let sit for 2-4 minutes. Refrigerate after, and use within 4 weeks.
Recipe inspired by Imperial Sugar
PUMPKIN GINGER FOOT SOAK
Vitamins A and C found in pumpkin help soften and smooth skin. Soothe tired feet with a pumpkin-inspired pedicure, featuring purifying lemon and ginger to remove toxins.
What You’ll Need:
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup fresh grated ginger
Juice of ½ lemon
Hot water to soak
Combine ingredients and soak for 5-10 minutes in hot water. Follow up with pumpkin body scrub to exfoliate!
