Charlie Brown knew the value of a great pumpkin. The fact of the matter is that pumpkins are full of beneficial beauty value, not only when eaten on a regular basis, but also when used as an ingredient in topical skin care. Pumpkins contain natural alpha hydroxy acids and enzymes that exfoliate dead skin cells while improving the tone and texture of the skin.
Pumpkins seeds contain significant amounts of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, high levels of zinc, and a are a great source of copper, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese. Native American Indians used pumpkin seed oil for medicinal purposes—healing burns and for internal conditions. Today, pumpkin seed oil is used in skin care creams and lotions for it's hydrating properties. Pumpkin seed oil is also beneficial in an anti-aging skin care regimen as it contains anti-aging properties and is beneficial in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
Most often, pumpkin extract is found in enzyme masks, exfoliating scrubs, body lotions, skin creams, and facial peels.
Here are our top 5 Pumpkin Picks for National Pumpkin Day!
1. Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal Dermal Resurfacer $58
An intensive antiaging resurfacing treatment that leaves skin significantly smoother, younger looking, radiant, and revitalized.
2. June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque $78
Paraben and preservative free, this spicy, detoxifying masque contains a powerful pumpkin enzyme to digest dead surface cells, stimulating cellular turnover and improving skin’s tone and texture.
3. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Gentle Exfoliator $65
A delicate exfoliant for sensitive skin that decongests, detoxifies, and refines skin to reveal a polished, flawless complexion.
4. Rhonda Allison Pumpkin E Serum
Pumpkin E Serum is a “treatment” serum that may be used on most skin types 1-2 times a week. It is a very concentrated serum containing D-Alpha Tocopherol and the natural extracts of pumpkin seed oil (beta-carotene, zinc, salicylic acid, retinol).
5. Arcona Pumpkin Body Lotion $35
Pure and natural highly active body lotion infused with pumpkin extracts and glycolic acid helps to improve tonal quality and elasticity in the skin. Excellent for regenerating and repairing sun damaged skin.