Fall has finally hit and you know what that means, pumpkins! Everywhere you go you see the seasonal ingredient that people can’t seem to get enough of. Don’t get me wrong, I too am right there anxiously awaiting the return of pumpkin lattes and I am constantly searching for the perfect pumpkin bread recipe. From pumpkin ice cream to pumpkin beer, it may seem like we have exhausted our uses for this seasonal gourd, but wait, it also has an important place in your skin care regimen!

Pumpkin is naturally full of all sorts of nutrients that support healthy, young-looking skin, and smooth, shiny hair! It’s full of antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, potassium, beta-carotene and zinc. This means that pumpkin is packed with all the essentials for rejuvenated, glowing skin!  Additionally, it contains powerful alpha hydroxy acids, a natural fruit acid that helps lift away old skin cells to reveal a radiant complexion. Pair that with vitamin A, which helps increase the rate of cell renewal, and you have a dynamic duo that will leave your skin with a healthy glow.

If wrinkles are your worry, pumpkin is an effective way to diminish fine lines and wrinkles due to the fact that it is rich in essential fatty acids. It’s also loaded with vitamin C, which has been proven to encourage collagen production and prevent the breakdown of elastin. Pumpkins are also loaded with sodium hyaluronate to help hydrate and plump skin. Finally, pumpkin extract can even enhance the effect of sunscreen and shield skin from other environmental factors, including air pollution and secondhand smoke.

Here are my top three pumpkin beauty products:

Pumpkin Rehydrating Shampoo By Sexy Hair

If the cold weather leaves your hair dry and frizzy, look no further than Sexy Hair for a shampoo pack full of moisturizing pumpkin enzymes.  This product leaves you with healthy, shiny-commercial type hair and smells so yummy!  If you have color treated or damaged hair then, congratulations, you just found your dream shampoo.

LUSH Handy Gurugu

This super thick hand cream is perfect as the weather cools off and the air becomes drier!  LUSH is one of my favorite skin care companies because they are very transparent about what ingredients are in their products and strive to make all of their products organic.  This particular cream utilizes the healing qualities in pumpkin seeds along with a combination of organic Shea, cashew and almond butters and soothing essential oils.  This is the perfect product if you want the benefits of pumpkin, but the traditional scent and color aren’t your cup of tea!

FarmHouse Fresh Splendid Dirt Mud Mask – Pumpkin Puree

This is the essential at-home face mask for anybody that loves pumpkin pie and small pores!  Utilizing the exfoliating properties in pumpkin, this mask provides salon quality results.  With the comforting smell of pumpkin and spices, be careful, it just might make you hungry!

If you are someone that prefers the natural DIY type of products, here are two great beauty recipes:

At-Home Pumpkin Facial

What you need:

• 2 teaspoons canned pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon milk
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon spice

Mix together ingredients into a paste, and brush onto freshly cleansed skin.  Let it dry for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.  Use a pumpkin-infused moisturizer for an immediate glow!

Pumpkin Pie Sugar Scrub

What you need:

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar or Sugar in the Raw
• 1/4 cup Oil
• 1/4 cup Pumpkin 
• 1/8 tsp ground Nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground Cloves
• 1/8 tsp ground Allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground Ginger

Mix everything together and apply generously to clean skin, massaging gently in a circular motion paying special attention to dry spots like elbows, knees and feet. Rinse with warm water and enjoy your soft and supple skin. You’ll want to eat this yummy body treat!

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