Autumn-winter is here again and so are the round, orange, ribbed fruit famously associated with it. Yes, according to science pumpkins are a fruit, and not a vegetable due to their seedy-genetics. However, they are still stuffed with the same wide-ranging set of goodies; vitamins and minerals found in veggies that are essential for supporting your health. Are you searching for an easy, natural make up for a young looking face, skin and an overall glowing appearance? Then read on for our Top 5 Skin Deep Beauty Secrets of Pumpkin!
1. Pumpkin contains collagen
Collagen is a protein responsible for keeping your skin strong and plump but it also needs to be preserved to stay that way. Vitamin C, which is mainly found in the inner and outer layers of your skin, is vital to this because it stimulates elastin and collagen production. As an antioxidant, the vitamin actively works by stopping damage caused by free radicals meaning it aids the skin in its natural regeneration process. Where does pumpkin come in? Pumpkin is rich in vitamin C and by upping your intake via consuming it or applying it topically, you accelerate your collagen and build up elastin for a youthful look.
2. Helps with dark spots & discolouration
Vitamin C’s skin-saving benefits extend to fading hyperpigmentation. This is primarily due to the tyrosinase enzymes it contains that prevent excess melanin from forming – usually the cause of dark spots and discolouration. Put simply, it limits the amount of dark-brown/black pigmentation your body makes. Try pumpkin puree masks or placing its skin peels directly on your face for long-lasting brightness.
3. Works great as sunscreen
Pumpkin is famous for its tremendous beta-carotene content. Once in your body these powerful antioxidants are converted into vitamin A, essential for protecting you from organ degeneration. A single cup of cooked pumpkin has around 245% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A making it one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene.
The beta-carotene delivered to skin works to shield its cells against harmful year-long UV rays that contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, and tired-looking skin. Therefore eating more vitamin A-rich foods like pumpkin can reduce health risks, promote nourishing skin as well as act as a natural sunblock.
4. Effective treatment for dull & dry skin
Pumpkin can be effective in remedying both ends of the sebum spectrum. It treats oily skin with the above-mentioned proteins to remove harmful impurities and other toxins. Apply pumpkin puree (add a little apple cider vinegar for better results) to your face and rinse off after 30 minutes or eat regularly to reduce oil.
Pumpkin can be used as an exfoliator to treat dull skin. Its antioxidant properties make it an effective brightening agent as it clears dead skin and debris for an even completion. It can also stop breakouts associated with acne and slow ageing. Include pumpkin in your meals or use its peel or puree on the outer surface of your skin for clean, nourished soft skin.
5. Rich moisturising action
Finally, use the equinoctial fruit on your body as a lotion to condition dry, broken skin. Oil from pumpkin seeds contain wholesome nutrients like zinc, folate, and magnesium that encourage hair growth and steady blood circulation as well. Used externally, pumpkin oil aids moisture retention, repairs cells and keeps skin looking radiant and glowing.
To summarise, pumpkin contains easily assimilated Vitamin C and E, B group-vitamins, Zinc and beta-carotene which each play specific and equally important roles in keeping your body performing optimally.