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More than just a Halloween decoration or holiday pie filler, this superfruit is also a key ingredient in natural skin care products
Culinarily speaking, the pumpkin is vegetable, but botanically, it's a fruit. No matter what you call it, pumpkin is great for your skin. It boasts powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and natural UV protectors-and it's the perfect exfoliant for sensitive skin.
The enzymes and fruit acids in pumpkin help slough off dead skin to reveal its inner glow. Vitamin A battles fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating cell turnover; vitamin C and beta-carotene protect your skin; and the amino acids in pumpkin provide nourishment.
Pumpkin pulp, seeds, and seed oil are all used in beauty products. "Pumpkin seeds, in particular, contain MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibitors that resist the weakening of collagen and elastin fibers leading to inelastic, thinned, and older looking skin," according to Jon A. Perlman, MD, associate clinical professor of plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center/David Geffen School of Medicine.
Pumpkin extracts work as an accelerator for other ingredients in your skin care regimen, helping skin absorb vital nutrients quickly. Pumpkin is excellent for use on all skin types, but especially on skin that's been damaged by environmental conditions, such as overexposure to the sun. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to use ingredients that are gentle, but can also nourish and fortify your skin.
Pumpkin peels and scrubs can also help with breakouts. Pumpkin contains acne-fighting vitamins E and T (torulitine), which help reduce inflammation, control excess oil, and help skin recover from acne-related damage.
