Fall is finally here! And there’s no better way to celebrate the season than letting your skin enjoy the benefits of fall’s biggest star — pumpkin.
Found in many skincare products, pumpkin offers a variety of benefits thanks to its rich content of vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. It exfoliates, brightens, hydrates, and helps address concerns related to acne and aging. Pumpkin is generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Skin Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin’s use in skincare dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations recognizing its valuable properties for the skin. Native Americans used pumpkin for both food and medicine, including treating burns with pumpkin juice and using pumpkin seeds for various ailments. In today’s skincare, the inclusion of pumpkin (both the pulp and the seeds) has become increasingly popular due to its many benefits:
Exfoliation: Pumpkin contains natural enzymes, known as proteases, that break down the proteins holding dead skin cells together, gently lifting them from the skin’s surface. Pumpkin also contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are noted for their exfoliating effects. AHAs promote cell turnover, revealing fresh, new skin.
Brightening: Along with natural enzymes and AHAs, pumpkin can enhance skin brightness due to its high levels of vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C. Pumpkin also contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin against sun damage and premature aging.
Hydration: Pumpkin contains polysaccharides, intricate carbohydrates that play an essential role in skincare due to their unique molecular structure. Polysaccharides act as humectants, drawing moisture into the skin and helping it to retain that moisture. Additionally, polysaccharides can create a protective film on the skin’s surface, reducing water loss and preventing dryness.
Inflammation: Pumpkin contains vitamins, enzymes, and minerals like zinc and potassium, which can help reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and promote skin cell turnover. Since inflammation is a major culprit in skin problems, the anti-inflammatory properties in pumpkin can help soothe common skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Collagen: Pumpkin is a good source of collagen-boosting nutrients, including vitamins E and C. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and strength. Including pumpkin in your diet can support collagen production, helping your skin look and feel its best. Consider this your reason for grabbing that extra slice of pumpkin pie this season!
How to Use Pumpkin in Skincare
You can harness the benefits of pumpkin in various ways, due to its inclusion in a wide range of oils, serums, scrubs, and masks. While raw pumpkin contains beneficial nutrients, it should not be consumed or applied directly to the skin, as it may not be as effective and could potentially cause irritation. Here are a few of my recommendations:
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask: This three-in-one mask exfoliates with pumpkin enzymes, peels with alpha hydroxy acid, and polishes with aluminum oxide crystals. However, it’s essential to note that this product may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Before use, always perform a patch test and limit the product’s application time to 3 to 7 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. Additionally, since this mask contains AHAs, remember to wear sunscreen and limit your sun exposure during the day. $60
Glo Skin Beauty Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub: Combining physical and chemical exfoliation, this gentle yet powerful scrub is designed to enhance the skin’s vibrancy and texture. With its dual-action formula, this scrub will leave your skin feeling velvety smooth and not overly dry. $48
Bliss Pumpkin Powerhouse Resurfacing & Exfoliating Enzyme Mask: Infused with a 10% skin-smoothing blend of natural AHAs and pumpkin enzymes, this whipped pumpkin face mask was created to gently exfoliate and resurface skin to reveal a refined texture. This formula is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is suitable for all skin types. $18
ESW Beauty Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Calming Plant-Based Milk Mask: This compostable sheet mask is a great way to give your skin a quick burst of pumpkin power. Featuring antioxidants like vitamin C and A, this mask also contains Vitamin E-rich oat milk to help soothe and moisturize. $5