Pumpkin spice season is in full swing. We carved pumpkins last month. We’re staying warm with pumpkin soup as the winter chill sets in. And in just a few weeks, we’ll all be gratefully chowing down on some delicious pumpkin pie. There’s no doubt pumpkin has a place in the kitchen. But what about your self-care routine? Pumpkin has some incredible beauty benefits, and after reading this blog post, you’re sure to look at pumpkin as so much more than just a spiced coffee flavor.
Pumpkin face masks for glowing skin
Pumpkin is a powerhouse for perfect skin. It naturally contains vitamin A, salicylic acid, beta-carotene, and zinc— the ultimate cocktail for fading acne scars, eliminating breakouts, decreasing dark spots and wrinkles, and brightening your complexion. When used topically, pumpkin penetrates deep into your skin, thanks to its small molecular structure. Can your anti-aging cream say the same?
Hello Glow shares eight different pumpkin face mask recipes for any type of skin!
Exfoliate dead skin with a pumpkin scrub
Hello vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene. Sayonara dead skin cells. The vitamins and enzymes in pumpkin slough off the dead skin cells on your body and fight free radicals while providing antioxidants and moisture. We love the DIY pumpkin scrub recipe by Suja Organic, which combines pumpkin, sea salt, brown sugar, and coconut oil.
Stop the shed with a pumpkin hair mask
Dry autumn air can suck all the moisture out of your hair. Add it back with a pumpkin hair mask. Vitamins A, C, E, potassium, beta-carotene, and zinc nourish your scalp while moisturizing your hair and encouraging growth. Plus, pumpkin contains biotin, which aids in the production of keratin— the protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. When your brittle ends break off all the time, it’s impossible to get the long, luscious locks you desire. Using this 3-ingredient hair mask can stop brittle, broken ends in their tracks.
De-stress with pumpkin seeds
Who needs a relaxing bubble bath when munching on some pumpkin seeds can provide stress relief in just a handful or two? Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan and tyrosine, which are the precursors to serotonin and dopamine, respectively. Remove seeds from the pumpkin, wash and dry them, season with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, and roast in the oven at 350°F for approximately 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally. They’re ready to eat when the seeds are golden brown with a nutty aroma. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks, and enjoy anytime you need a bit of de-stressing.
Did you know the humble pumpkin could provide so many self-care benefits? Add this fruit (yep– it starts as a flower, so technically, it’s a fruit!) to your routine and PUMP(kin) up your self-care routine! What’s your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin?
Join your favorite pumpkin-loving fitness instructors at Enhancewell Fitness for an additional boost to your self-care routine. We can’t wait to see you on the mat!
