Ingredients Index: Pumpkin

Beauties… it’s all about Pumpkins in the month of October.

However, Pumpkins can be used for more than just a decoration for Halloween… they’re actually amazing, both internally and externally for the body.

So before you throw out the inside of that pumpkin you’ve just carved, here are some facts about what makes Pumpkin so amazing!

Outer Beauty

Pumpkin seeds and the flesh are both amazing in skincare. You can either make your own treatment using the flesh or you can also find products which feature them. Here’s why

• It is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that can brighten and smoothen the skin.
• The molecular structure of pumpkin is small so it can penetrate deeper into the skin when used topically.
• It is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C to help soften and soothe the skin and boost collagen production.
• The zinc in pumpkin seeds is brilliant for acne prone skin. Zinc will control the hormone level and oil production, as well as assist with healing of the skin.
• Pumpkin seeds are high in fatty acids and Vitamin E which will maintain good barrier function of the skin. It also helps to regulate sebum production.

How to make a homemade mask: Puree the pumpkin and mix with your other favourite ingredients such as honey and apple cider vinegar. Apply to the skin, leave on for around 10 minutes and wash off to reveal glowing skin. Pumpkin seeds are better off eaten and have amazing benefits

Why not try:

Peter Thomas Roth
Pumpkin Enyzme Mask

Summer Fridays
Overtime Mask

Pai Skincare
Pomegranate and Pumkin Seed Stretch Mark System

MALIN + GOETZ
Brightening Enzyme Mask

Inner Beauty

Pumpkins have numerous health benefits when consumed. Here’s a few:

• They’re low in calories and due to the high fibre content, very filling – so will help to bulk up meals such as soups or casseroles in a healthy way.
• The key is in the colour – the bright orange colour shows that they’re rich in beta-carotene, which is a contributing component of cancer-fighting foods, according to the National Cancer Institute. The beta-carotene also boosts vision health.
• The seeds are a great source of healthy fats and are a good source of magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper. They’re also high in carotenoids and vitamin E. You can either eat them as a snack or even add them to things like salads or your oatmeal in the morning.
• To really get a concentrated boost of the benefits of Pumpkin, you can also get pumpkin seed oil in capsule form.