We all love cooking with pumpkin during this time of the year. Pies, breads, pumpkin rolls, even soups and stews…the possibilities are endless. But did you know that you can make amazing beauty products with pumpkin – natural products that are good for your hair and skin?
Pumpkin is an excellent moisturizer, as it contains Vitamin A which serves as a mild cleanser with softens the skin. It also has antioxidant Vitamin C, and zinc which can soothe your irritated skin. Plus pumpkin contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which help with exfoliation. Vitamins A and C are also good for your scalp, which can sometimes be even more sensitive than your skin. The potassium present in pumpkin can also promote regrowth of hair, which makes this fruit great for your body all the way around.
Here are some hair and body treatment recipes that will leave you looking and feeling better for the holidays. As a reminder – if you have any allergies to pumpkin or other squash foods, do a test run on a small section of your hair before applying homemade hair mask to your entire head or the skin treatments to your entire face or body.
Pumpkin Hair Mask
Measure one cup of canned pumpkin, then set aside in a medium-sized bowl. Fold one cup of plain yogurt into the pumpkin. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix in 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix thoroughly. Apply mixture to your hair, cover with a shower cap, and let the mixture sit on your hair for 15 minutes. Rinse the mask out of your hair and style as you usually would.
Note: Some people prefer fresh pumpkin, but tests show that is does not necessarily work better – so use canned pumpkin if you prefer it or it is more convenient for you.
Pumpkin Face Mask
Take a couple of tablespoons of mashed pumpkin and add 1/4 teaspoon of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. If you have dry skin, substitute buttermilk for regular milk. Mix all ingredients until smooth. Wash and dry face completely; spread mixture over face and neck area. Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Gently pat face dry.
Note: If you feel you need additional moisturizing, you may add 1/4 jojoba oil to the mixture before spreading onto face and neck.
Pumpkin Body Mask
Mix 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned works best), 1/2 cup virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon together in a medium-sized bowl until blended well. Apply generously to clean, dry skin and massage in. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
Try any or all of these recipes to improve your skin and hair during the holidays, as you also use pumpkin to make all of the delicious treats we all love for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Make the rest of your body as happy as your taste buds!
