Benefits of Pumpkin Skin Care Products

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Pumpkin is no longer just an ingredient you use to make pies on Thanksgiving. When you're carving a jack-o'-lantern on Halloween, you're probably not thinking about the skin-care benefits of pumpkin. You may not have realized that pumpkin is rich in important essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy and radiant skin. If you prefer natural skin-care products, try making your own homemade skin-care treatments using fresh or canned pumpkin.

Rich in Vitamins

Pumpkin is excellent for use on all skin types, but especially if your skin is damaged from environmental conditions such as overexposure to the sun. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which soothes and softens your skin, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help to remedy damage produced by free radicals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pumpkin facial masks, moisturizers and peels nourish your skin and promote the absorption of these nutrients.

Dissolves Dry Skin

Skin-care products containing pumpkin such as exfoliators and moisturizers can be used on all skin types to help remove old surface skin cells and promote new cell production. Pumpkin contains natural enzymes that help to dissolve dry skin cells, according to skin care expert Sue Dolan in her book "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes." Due to the high enzyme content, pumpkin foot-care products are also very effective for hydrating, soothing and softening dry, cracked hands and feet. To make your own dry heel treatment, combine 2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree with 2 tbsp. of Vaseline. Apply nightly to your feet, and put cotton socks on for a deep moisturizing treatment.

Anti-Acne

If you suffer from acne, blemishes or frequent breakouts, your skin will benefit from pumpkin anti-acne products. Pumpkin contains the acne fighting vitamins E and T, more commonly known as torulitine. Pumpkin skin toners, peels and anti-acne masks promote healthier skin by fighting inflammation, reducing pore size, controlling excess oil and preventing the appearance of pimples, blackheads and blemishes. Try rubbing the fleshy side of a piece of fresh pumpkin on your face twice a day after washing for a natural blemish-fighting toner.