An Expert Explains Why Nourishing Pumpkin Beauty Products Aren’t Just for Fall
Pumpkin-infused beauty products are a big deal this fall—but what's so great about pumpkin anyway?
It's not just in everything to woo PSL devotees. In fact, the big orange gourd has a number of awesome beauty benefits. We spoke to skin specialist Amanda von dem Hagen of Glo Skin Beauty UK to find out all about them, and why you shouldn't set aside your pumpkin products when winter rolls around.
Sweety High: What are the actual ingredients inside of pumpkin beauty products that are so nourishing for us?
Amanda von dem Hagen: Pumpkins are packed with nutrients that are excellent for your skin, hair and nails. There are many reasons why they're so good. First, pumpkin is high in carotenoids, which your body then turns into vitamin A. Studies have shown it can also act as natural sunblock. It's transported to various organs, including your skin, which helps protect against harmful UV ray damage. Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin. Your body needs this to make collagen, which is a protein essential for making skin feel healthy and supple.
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SH: How are the nutrients in pumpkin seeds different from those in pumpkin flesh?
AvdH: Pumpkin seeds purchased at the supermarket don't have a shell and are typically green, flat and oval. They contain a lot of antioxidants and a decent amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B2 and folate. The seeds are also packed full of antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E, which are known to reduce inflammation and protect cells against harmful free radicals. Pumpkin flesh is perfect for soup-based dishes. This will allow you to get your balance of vitamin C and also beta-carotene.
SH: What is your favorite DIY pumpkin beauty treatments?
AvdH: My favorite is for the treatment of dark spots on skin. To fade the spots, simply prepare a face pack with one tablespoon of pumpkin puree, one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of vitamin E. Apply this on your dampened face for three minutes, or until it dries, before rinsing off with warm water.
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SH: Pumpkin-infused products are particularly popular around the fall, but is there any reason we shouldn't use them the rest of the year, too?
AvdH: Pumpkin-infused products are beneficial all year round at any time. They become increasingly popular during fall because of the seasonal aspects, but I don't think that the products can't be applied in summer, too! They're also used more in fall due to the change of seasons, as pumpkin has many factors that help with dry and brittle skin and hair. Pumpkin also improves immunity. The vitamin C in pumpkin is great for your immune system, which needs extra protection during cold weather. Peptides in pumpkin seeds also have antimicrobial effects.
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Want to see the benefits of pumpkin for yourself? Click HERE to find out about our very favorite pumpkin-infused skincare products of 2019.