DIY Pumpkin Cosmetics – An Autumn Injection of Beauty
October is not only the month of magic, mystery and spookiness. It is also the time of falling leaves that form a natural, colorful rug on the ground, soft, cozy sweaters, fragrant coffee filled with spices and aromatic pumpkin dishes.
Did you know that this vegetable has not only a wonderful taste and color but also excellent nutritional properties, which makes it an ingredient of cosmetics and dietary supplements? The varieties of this plant differ slightly from one another, but they are all rich in beta-carotene – a natural antioxidant that supports eye functions, reduces bad cholesterol levels and is able to lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Our body converts it into vitamin A, which perfectly moisturizes the skin, improves its elasticity and accelerates reduction of discoloration.
Below we present a few simple natural recipes based on pumpkin purée. Be sure to try them out if you want to provide your skin and hair with a dose of autumn nourishment!
DIY pumpkin sugar scrub
Ingredients:
• half cup of pumpkin purée
• half cup of brown sugar (it can also be white if you have no other)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil
• half teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
To prepare the purée, you need to slice and bake the pumpkin at 200°C (it should become mushy inside after about 30 minutes depending on the variety). After cooling, separate the flesh from the skin and mix it with a blender, then (if necessary) put it on a cloth and squeeze out the juice.
It’s the best to perform the body scrub in the shower. An addition of cinnamon will not only warm your skin and open the pores but also add aromatherapeutic properties to the ritual.
Pumpkin PEH hair mask
Ingredients:
• 1 cup of pumpkin purée
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon of yogurt
A hair mask made with above ingredients contains a whole lot of useful substances – proteins, emollients and humectants (more about their role in this post). It means that it will provide your hair with comprehensive, well-balanced care, and make it shiny and nourished from the roots to the ends.
Brightening pumpkin face mask
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
The combination of AHAs contained in apple cider vinegar with moisturizing honey, vitamin A-rich pumpkin and nutmeg provides wonderful skin cleansing, smoothing, brightening and firming effects. Leave the mixture on your hair for about 20 minutes, rinse, and enjoy the results!
