5 Amazing Benefits of Pumpkin Based Skin Care

Fall and winter bring about an array of pumpkin based items. We see it marketed frequently in products from lattes to pies, but it has become a main highlight in skin care as well. These fibrous vegetables are highly concentrated with enzymes, beta Carotene, and other vitamins and minerals all of which can provide amazing benefits.

What Does Pumpkin Do For The Skin?

1. Removes Dehydrated and Dead Skin
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as Glycolic acid, that dissolve the top layer of dead skin and increase cellular turnover.

These exfoliating enzymes remove dehydrated and dead skin cells to brighten and smooth skin leaving a renewed and freshened glow to your skin surface. Apply 20% AHA Exfoliating Pumpkin Enzyme Peel Mask once or twice weekly, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse to reveal glowing skin. It is a strong and powerful face exfoliator for renewing skin tone and texture.

2. Softens & Brightens Skin
Pumpkin has one of the highest carotenoid concentrations of many vegetable varieties. This carotenoid concentration contributes to its deep orange hue and supplies beta-Carotene and other pro-vitamin A compounds which transform into Retinol within the body.

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant, fighting free radical damage. It softens the skin, increases cellular turnover, reduces pigmentation and boosts collagen production helping fight the appearance of aging and acne. In addition, pumpkins also contain high amounts of Vitamin C antioxidants which can dramatically improve surface pigmentation and brighten and lighten uneven tone and dark spots caused by sun damage.

3. Exfoliates Skin & Reduces Inflammation
Pumpkin also contains the beta-hydroxy acid; Salicylic acid that helps to further exfoliate the skin while also reducing inflammation. As we age, shedding becomes an uneven process that can lead to dry, dull skin making pumpkin ingredients a necessary skin care component while inflammation contributes to the appearance of aging as well as redness and swelling. Brighten and lighten your skin with our Exfoliating Mask.   

4. Reduces Fine Lines, Wrinkles & Brown Spots
Pumpkin also contains essential fatty acids and Vitamin E which help regulate sebum production and in doing so helps to control oily skin and boost hydration.

Vitamin E refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds that have different antioxidant abilities one of which helps ward off sun damage and signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots. Vitamin E helps to repair wounds and reduce the formation of scarring and post-inflammation hyperpigmentation. 

5. Hydrates Dry Skin
Oils found naturally in pumpkin, along with other minerals like Potassium and combined with exfoliating enzymes, help increase hydration levels making it a wonderful component for dry skin.

RD Alchemy’s Rich Exfoliating Cream Scrub can be of great help if you want to gently scrub away dull, dry skin to reveal a fresher, more vibrant complexion. Biodegradable Jojoba pearls combine with pumpkin and papaya enzymes, AHAs, Kaolin clay and herbal extracts to powerfully slough off and detoxify your uppermost layer of dead skin. This allows the skin to breathe and become more vibrant.

Although pumpkin pie and pumpkin spiced lattes are favored during mostly the fall and winter months, you can enjoy pumpkin based skin care products all year long. Many formulas that contain it are designed for exfoliation. However you will also reap the benefits for those that contain pumpkin as well. It’s a perfect addition to your routine and great for all skin types. 

References:

• The Powerful Benefits of Pumpkin For Healthy Skin and Hair by Alexis D. Alba (2013) for Wellness Today 

• The Future Is Looking Bright by Emma Hobson (2019) for The Dermal Institute