Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkins are everywhere around Halloween, but they're actually all around my bathroom year-round. I don't mean whole Pumpkins though, I'm talking about natural skin care of course! It doesn't sound like something you would want to slather all over yourself from top to toe, but Pumpkin actually has a wealth of benefits for the skin, hair and body! From its puree to the oil extracted from the seeds, it's a versatile ingredient in natural hair and skin care, helping to deliver nourishing hydration as well as a boost of skin-loving nutrients.

Benefits of Pumpkin for skin and hair

Have you heard of chemical exfoliants? Sounds a bit scary, but they can actually be derived from natural ingredients like Pumpkin. Technically a fruit, not a vegetable, Pumpkin is packed with fruit acids (AHAs) and enzymes which work to dissolve and gently exfoliate dry and dead skin, increase cell turnover and make room for smooth, baby soft skin. Pumpkin is also a potent source of Vitamin C, which has incredible skin brightening properties so it's great for fading pigmentation, sun spots and any discolouration. It's also rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids which are wonderful for hair, as it strengthens the scalp's natural barrier and works to nourish damaged strands.

Best natural Pumpkin skin care

Andalou Naturals Brightening Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
One of my all time favourite pumpkin skin care products is the Andalou Naturals Brightening Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask, which contains Pumpkin Puree, Manuka Honey and Glycolic Acid which may help to gently remove dead and dry skin and promote a brighter, smoother and more even complexion. Ideal for all skin types, but best avoided if you're particularly sensitive, this tingly mask can be applied for up to 20 minutes, then rinsed off, for a refreshing and stimulating treatment.

Skin Juice Smudge Budge Face & Eye Cleansing Balm
Another great Pumpkin product for the face is the Skin Juice Smudge Budge Face & Eye Cleansing Balm, which contains nourishing Pumpkin Seed Oil along with hydrating Mango Seed Butter, Coconut Oil and Carrot Seed Oil. Gently massage this solid balm into the skin until it melts, and wipe away with a warm, damp cloth to remove and dissolve makeup, dirt and grime while the antioxidant-packed Pumpkin rehydrates the skin to ensure you aren't stripping the skin of its natural oils.

EVOHE Omega Body Oil
EVOHE Omega Body Oil is a hydrating oil that you can use on the whole body. This nut-free oil combines Pumpkin with Jojoba and Hemp Oils to deliver intense hydration to the skin in the form of Omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids, resembling the skin's natural sebum so it locks in hydration and protects your body's natural moisture barrier. This uplifting oil may improve elasticity and skin tone, be used for body massage, to treat scalp conditions and damaged hair or nails, or as a luxurious bath oil, with a warming scent from Sandalwood and Balsam.

Skin Juice Perfect Paws Softening Hand and Foot Cream
For soft hands and feet, try the Skin Juice Perfect Paws Softening Hand and Foot Cream. This nourishing hand and foot cream uses the essential fatty acids and vitamins found in Pumpkin Seed, Sesame, Chia, Grape Seed and Sunflower Oils which may help to restore moisture to dry and cracked skin, working to rebuild that all-important natural barrier our skin needs in order to stay healthy making it ideal for treating the symptoms of dry skin conditions such as mild forms of eczema. This nut oil-free formula may help to soften rough and damaged skin, leaving you with soft supple skin and a refreshing scent of Lemongrass and Tangerine.

Acure Mega Moisture Shampoo
For the hair, I love the Acure Mega Moisture Shampoo, ideal for those with very dry and damaged hair. With deeply hydrating Argan, Sea Buckthorn and Pumpkin Seed Oils, this replenishing formula also contains antioxidant rich Acai, Blackberry and Pomegranate Extracts to revitalise each strand and add body and shine. For extra moisture and softness, pair it with the Acure Ultra-Hydrating Conditioner to replenish damage and split ends.

Noosa Basics Lash + Brow Revitaliser
The benefits of Pumpkin for your hair aren't limited to what you can find in a shampoo and conditioner - it can also be really beneficial for your eyelashes and brows! The Noosa Basics Lash + Brow Revitaliser combines Pumpkin Seed with Castor and Grapeseed Oils designed to nourish and thicken the delicate hairs of over-plucked eyebrows and sparse lashes, using those fatty acids to encourage healthy hair growth. Rich in replenishing nutrients, this Vegan formula can be applied twice daily for 4-6 weeks to see results.

Melrose Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
If all this talk of the amazing benefits of pumpkin see oil makes you want to go straight to the source, we now stock the beautiful Melrose Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil so you can use it in your salad dressings, and slather it on your body too! This is a cold-pressed oil so the high levels of antioxidants and phytosterols are left intact. Packaged in dark brown glass for protection, this is a premium Certified Organic quality oil from an Australian brand.