Pumpkin season is in full swing. You can pump some pumpkin into your coffee. You can gorge on gourds. You can squish some squashes for soups.
Pumpkin flavor is popular and more readily available this time of year and that's great news since the pumpkin is bursting with healthy goodness. According to LiveStrong.com, pumpkin puree is a great low-calorie, high-fiber food and is a good source of nutrients such as beta-carotene and iron. Pumpkin can even help straighten out digestive troubles issues, urinary issues and weight problems in your dog or cat, according to PetMeds.org and Care2.com.
But pumpkin has a number of uses outside our bellies. More specifically, on our skin.
Banish cold weather woes with a few homemade skincare recipes.
Pumpkin face mask for oily skin
Becomegeorgeous.com suggests 2 teaspoons of pureed pumpkin pulp mixed with one and a half teaspoons of honey, one quarter teaspoon milk and one quarter teaspoon of either apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off.
Tingly wrinkle-combating face mask
According to beautylish.com, the vitamins A, C and E found in pumpkin are known for their wrinkle fighting properties. Just mix 2 tablespoons of pumpkin and a half teaspoon each of honey and milk. Apply to a clean face, let set for 20 minutes then wash off with a warm, damp cloth.
Natural-HomeRemedies.org hails pumpkin for its anti-inflammatory zinc and skin-smoothing alpha-hydroxy acids. The site suggests using all the parts of the pumpkin, including the seeds. Just peel the raw seeds and grind with water to create "pumpkin seed milk." Mix the milk with one teaspoon of honey and apply to face. Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.
LiveStrong.com reports that pumpkin contains acne blasting vitamins E and T. "Pumpkin skin toners, peels and anti-acne masks promote healthier skin by fighting inflammation, reducing pore size, controlling excess oil and preventing the appearance of pimples, blackheads and blemishes." Take a piece of fresh pumpkin and rub the fleshy side on your face. LiveStrong.com recommends twice a day after washing your face.
Moisturize and exfoliate with this body scrub recipe from Skin Care Recipes and Remedies. Make a coarse mixture of pumpkin puree and Epsom salt or brown sugar. Hop in the shower and rub the scrub on your skin in a circular motion. Rinse off.
According to LiveStrong.com, pumpkin contains natural enzymes that dissolve dry skin. Borrowed from the book "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes," by Sue Dolan, combining 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons Vaseline makes a deep moisture treatment for dry, cracked feet. Just spread on at night, pull on cotton socks and sleep while your feet bath in moisture.
