Pumpkin Blemish Removing & Complexion Correcting Mask

As promised in my last post, I am going to make every last one of you LOVE pumpkin this season. Now, for those of you who have never really warmed up to the taste of pumpkin this article will have you stocking up on all the pumpkin puree you can get your hands on. While the nutritional advantages make pumpkin a must have, it is the beauty benefits that make pumpkin an absolute game changer. I have never really been big on the over the counter products they sell for skincare. In fact, I very rarely even wear makeup (unless it is required for my friends and family who constantly tell me how amazing I look with it on) because my skin becomes very irritated. That means on average I wear makeup maybe 20 times a year or less.

Just act Natural!

Due to my strong dislike of harsh chemicals found in the majority of over the counter skincare I have always loved to make my own at home. I love spending time tinkering in the kitchen using everyday items to help produce my desired outcomes. For example, honey and cinnamon are great for reducing acne while also helping skin to retain moisture. I cannot explain how excited I was to try out pumpkin after researching that while it produced a number of internal health benefits they were greatly overshadowed by the multitude of benefits it produces for skin and hair! In my last post I mentioned the fact that pumpkin is high in vitamin A, C, E, and B5. Some of you asked me how that translated to improvements for your health. While these critical vitamins plan a number of roles in our bodies vitamin A and C help soothe and soften skin, while also increasing the production of collagen. That’s right ladies, that means pumpkin can help fight wrinkles!

Pretty Little Pumpkins!

In my previous article I mentioned that pumpkin also helps improve cell regeneration. How does that benefit your skin? One of the best benefits that come from cell regeneration is its effects on skin texture and complexion. The end result is glowing skin that is velvety soft! Pumpkin enzymes also help dissolve dead skin cells making it a natural exfoliant. For those of you who have had the unfortunate issue of acne and wrinkles (a cruel situation) the zinc naturally found in pumpkin helps heal your skin while even repairing the previous damage caused from past breakouts! Pumpkin also contains vitamin K which acts as an anti-inflammatory aiding in the healing of scars and wounds. It also contains natural antioxidants and healthy fatty acids which help skin looking and feeling refreshed. If you are anything like me you are already running for your pantry to see if you still have that random can of pumpkin puree that you usually keep just in case you dog has an upset tummy (that’s right, it’s good for them too so if they lick it off your face no worries). Because I am such a firm believer in having a standing spa night at least once a week (I do at least 3) I am going to give you two amazing pumpkin skincare recipes you can make at home!

Making Magic Happen!

The first recipe is geared to help remove blemishes and dark spots. Don’t worry ladies I will include some slight tweaks you can do to customize this mask to meet your skincare needs (this is my area of genius). Due to pumpkins high concentration of vitamin B3 it is great for soothing dry skin and inhibits the transfer of pigment to skin cells, which minimizes dark spots.

Pumpkin Blemish Removing & Complexion Correcting Mask

• 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Puree
• 1 teaspoon Raw Honey
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil (Trader Joes has a great option)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric Ground (great for dark circles & sunburns)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Ground (promotes circulation)

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
• Apply to freshly (still damp) cleansed skin.
• Let sit for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water when done.

For alterations: acne fighter use 4 drops Doterra Melaleuca Oil, anti-aging add 3 drops Doterra Lavender Oil and 2 drops Doterra Frankincense Oil, any other skin troubles please feel free to contact me directly at DrDeeandMe@gmail.com and I would be more than happy to create your customized skincare regimen.

Alright ladies, here is your bonus recipe. It is a pumpkin spice scrub that is great all over!

Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub

• ½ Cup Pumpkin Puree
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar
• ¼ Cup Sour Cream
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Spice
• ½ Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
• Apply in the shower in circular motion.
• I like to apply right before and after shaving to make sure my legs are extra smooth.

For alterations: if your skin breaks out (bacne) add 20 drops Doterra Melaleuca Oil, if you have cellulite add 15 drops Doterra Lavender Oil 10 drops Doterra Grapefruit Oil and 1 Tablespoon Olive oil (coffee grounds are great too), and if you want to even out your skin tone (darn tan lines) add 1 Tablespoon ground turmeric. For any other alterations make sure you contact me and I would be more than happy to help. I mean, after all that is my job.

I hope these recipes turn you into a pumpkin junky. I know they turned me, even to the point where I started adding it to different recipes until I found ways to prepare it that develop an entirely different flavor profile. I cannot wait to continue to bring you some of my favorite pumpkin themed recipes. If you have not subscribed yet to the Best Holistic Life blog now is your chance. Be sure to keep an eye out for all the amazing new content that is on its way and catch up on anything you may have missed!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns or just want to talk please feel free to reach out by emailing me directly at DrDeeandMe@gmail.com, commenting below, or stopping by my website at AskDrDee.com.