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Here’s what dermatologists have to say about the benefits of pumpkin for skin, plus 10 best pumpkin skincare products to snatch up right now…
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- Pumpkin contains several skin-friendly nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, fruit enzymes, zinc and potassium, etc.
- It gently exfoliates and soothes the skin, helps reduce sun damage, and it stimulates the production of collagen.
- Pumpkin beauty products are suitable for most skin types, as they help regulate oil production, reduce photodamage, fade pigmentation and give you an overall healthier, more even complexion.
When we think fall and pumpkin, the first things that come to mind would probably be pumpkin spice lattes and maybe carving a lantern, rather than pumpkin beauty products. But, there are several reasons why you’d want to add the latter one to your daily rituals, and not just during October.
Pumpkin skincare is officially a thing. And experts have confirmed it – this lush, tasty fruit has quite a few benefits for your skin.
So, What Does Pumpkin Do For Your Skin?
It may look humble, but apparently, pumpkin is chock full of skin-loving nutrients.
“Pumpkin contains vitamins A and C. Vitamin A soothes and softens the skin’s surface and vitamin C helps to fight free radicals that have damaged the skin,” Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board-certified dermatologist, says for BeSpotted.
“Pumpkin also contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) which exfoliate and clear old, damaged skin,” he continues. ”This is great for sun-damaged skin because it allows for new skin to shine through. AHAs have also been known to boost the natural production of elastin and collagen found in the skin.”
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Goldman confirms that pumpkin can stimulate the production of collagen and is all in all a powerful anti-aging agent. He adds:
“[Pumpkin] also contains fruit enzymes that help naturally exfoliate dead skin cells. It also contains zinc and potassium to help combat redness.”
So, there’s a good reason why pumpkin is included in so many exfoliating and replenishing products meant to reduce various skin imperfections.
Rachel File, a licensed aesthetician and founder of Beauty Ritual Skincare, also agrees that adding pumpkin beauty products to your skin care regimen might be a really good idea.
“Pumpkins are an excellent source of ingredients in skincare products. Products such as pumpkin enzyme masks or moisturizers can be beneficial in supporting healthy skin, as pumpkins contain several antioxidants […] and minerals like magnesium and zinc. These are some of the most powerful ingredients in maintaining a healthy complexion.
As a bonus, pumpkin also contains beta-carotene which converts into vitamin A, also known as Retinol. […] All of these ingredients are useful for promoting collagen and elastin retention,” she tells us.
Who Can Benefit From Pumpkin Beauty Products The Most?
If you are wondering if you too should try out a pumpkin-based product, the short answer is – probably yes. According to our experts, pumpkin can be used to improve many skin types and issues.
“If you have excessively oily or dry skin, pumpkin extract can help regulate oil production on your skin and moisturize it if you have dry skin,” Dr. Goldman says.
Also, if your skin started to show early signs of photodamage, pumpkin products might be able to help, according to Dr. Mamelak: “People that have skin damage from too much sun exposure really benefit from the antioxidants contained in pumpkin. Pumpkin can help to clear up the uneven pigmentation that results from sun damage.”
So, there’s a way to soothe and recover your skin after the sun exposure.
”You can also use pumpkin extract if you have sunburn. A pumpkin face mask can also help deal with wrinkles thanks to its anti-aging properties and its antioxidants”, adds Dr. Goldman.
But that’s not all, folks. Apparently, pumpkin might also be able to help reduce acne breakouts and even improve post acne marks.
“If you struggle with acne, pumpkin can help regulate your oil production and hormone levels, which both play into acne breakouts. Pumpkin can also help reduce acne scarring and improve the tone and elasticity of your skin, leaving your skin looking clearer and more youthful”, says the founder of Urban Skin Rx, Rachel Roff.
10 Best Pumpkin Beauty Products
So, now that you know why you should be using it, here are 10 excellent skin care products to supply your skin with all those beneficial pumpkin enzymes and antioxidants…
*All prices mentioned are from August 2022.
1. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
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Price: $22.00/1.7 fl. Oz.
We all need a quality face wash in our lives; a product that will thoroughly remove all the dirt and excess oil but without over stripping the skin. This one does just that, and it leaves the skin smooth, glowing and with visibly improved appearance of the pores.
Other than pumpkin enzymes, ExfoliKate face wash also contains bromelain and papain (enzymes from pineapple and papaya). The formula also gently exfoliates the skin, as it contains AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid).
2. Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter
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Price: $39.00/3 fl. Oz.
Here’s a super gentle and super efficient cleansing butter that removes all traces of makeup and impurities. It contains AHAs-packed fermented pumpkin enzymes and acerola cherry, fermented rice water, as well as moisturizing mango butter and chia seed oil.
Another great thing about this cleanser is that it is a multipurpose product. You can use it as a makeup remover, daily face wash and even as a deep cleansing face mask.
3. Tula So Pumpkin Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
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Price: $34.00/2.9 fl. Oz.
Sugar scrubs gently exfoliate and nourish the skin, reduce skin imperfections and enhance softness and youthful appearance. While the sugar manually removes dry, dull skin, the fruit enzymes in this scrub dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores.
You can use this scrub 2 – 4 times a week, for wonderfully polished texture and smooth, even skin tone. Probiotic extracts and pumpkin in this scrub are in charge of replenishing and nourishing the skin.
4. PCA Skin Nutrient Toner
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Price: $42.00/4.4 fl. Oz.
If you are looking for a face toner to balance your skin, refine the look of your pores and enhance your complexion, why not give a shot to one based on pumpkin? This toner contains exfoliating lactic acid, as well as a combination of vitamins and amino acids your skin will love.
You can use this toner once or twice a day, to brighten your skin and enhance the effectiveness of your moisturizer. If you are using it in the morning, make sure to apply sunscreen as well.
5. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
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Price: $60.00/5 fl. Oz.
If you are dealing with skin imperfections such as clogged pores, uneven tone, fine lines or dull complexion, what your skin might need is some thorough exfoliation. And a face mask that physically, chemically and enzymatically exfoliates the skin might just do the trick.
This mask is one of the most loved pumpkin beauty products. It removes all the dead, dull, dry skin cells using the combined action of pumpkin enzymes, AHAs and aluminum oxide crystals. The result – a smooth, revitalized, youthful-looking skin and a bright, glowing complexion.
6. Bliss Pumpkin Powerhouse Resurfacing & Exfoliating Enzyme Mask
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Price: $15.00/1.7 fl. Oz.
One more exfoliating pumpkin mask that might be a perfect addition to your fall beauty kit. This whipped face mask is packed with pumpkin enzymes and AHAs that resurface and refine the skin’s texture, making it smooth and glowing.
This mask also improves the skin’s protective barrier, hydrates the skin and encourages it to renew itself. It contains hydrating sodium hyaluronate, moisturizing shea butter and pumpkin seed oil, bromelain, papain, prebiotics, vitamin E, carrot extract and oil, etc.
7. Andalou Natural Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Brightening Mask
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Price: $15.99/1.7 fl. Oz.
Another well-loved pumpkin skincare product that is getting raving reviews and its popularity only seems to be growing. It is formulated with organic pumpkin puree and nourishing manuka honey, fruit stem cells, as well as brightening ingredients such as vitamin C and glycolic acid.
This is an exfoliating face mask, which means its main purpose is to remove all the dead, dry skin cells off your face. By doing that, it improves the skin’s texture and the look of pores and reveals a bright, youthful complexion.
8. Aveeno Oat Face Mask with Pumpkin Seed Extract
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Price: $7.28/1.7 fl. Oz.
And if you need a soothing, nourishing pumpkin face mask, this one from Aveeno may be your next gem. It contains colloidal oatmeal, which is extremely calming and nourishing, and it helps hydrate the skin and lock in moisture.
This mask also purifies the skin, as it is formulated with kaolin and bentonite clay. You can use it 2 – 3 times per week. All you have to do is apply it after you washed your face, while your skin is still damp, and leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes.
9. MyChelle Pumpkin Renew Cream
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Price: $34.99/1.2 fl. Oz.
This is a nice, replenishing daily moisturizer that is full of antioxidants. It moisturizes the skin, prevents water loss, and maintains the skin soft, supple and well hydrated.
This moisturizer contains powerful natural moisturizers, such as pumpkin seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E. Cloudberry extract in this cream protects the skin and helps repair the damages.
10. Eos Whipped Pumpkin Latte Balm
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Price: $6.29
In the end, while searching for your favorite pumpkin beauty products, don’t miss a chance to use all those wonderful pumpkin skincare benefits to take care of your lips as well. This lip balm smells exactly as it sounds, so you won’t need a reminder to apply it regularly.
Of course, wearing a lip balm during the fall season is very important, as lip balms protect your lips against the harsh weather and elements. This lip balm is formulated with several lip-friendly natural oils, including pumpkin seed, jojoba, coconut, castor oil, shea and cocoa butter, etc.
This is so awesome and so helpful, especially for those who love DIYs and knowing what ingredients are in their beauty and skincare. Keep up the great work!