It’s fall. Pumpkins are everywhere. And that’s great news for your skin. Pumpkins offer numerous benefits when applied topically. Find out why they are such a staple in homemade skincare and celebrate the season with this DIY face mask, inspired by the Starbuck’s popular Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Pumpkins are packed with skin benefiting vitamins: Vitamin A (hailed for its ability to improve fine lines and wrinkles,) Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant shown to brighten skin,) and Vitamin E (a comon antioxidant found in scar creams, it can strengthen the skin water barrier to lock in moisture.)
Additionally, pumpkins contain beta-carotene and other powerful antioxidants, which are shown to inhibit free radicals that damage healthy cells and cause signs of aging. Pumpkins also have minerals such as potassium and zinc, which can reduce redness and inflammation.
Besides being packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, “pumpkins are natural exfoliants” explains Marisa Martino, co-owner of SKINNEY Medspa in NYC. Pumpkin face scrubs can gently slough away dead skin cells that collect on the outer most layer of skin and dull up your complexion. Exfoliating gently removes those dead skin cells, revealing a fresher, healthier layer of underlying skin and triggering cell renewal and collagen synthesis.
Related Article: Prevent dry skin this fall with these Skin Care Tips
The skin benefits of a pumpkin spice latte face mask don’t stop at the pumpkin. Raw honey has antibacterial properties, a perfect complement for a natural exfoliant like pumpkin. Honey also seals in moisture, helping your skin stay smooth and hydrated.
Coffee is another ingredient packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acids. Coffee is also used in DIY skincare for improving the appearance of under eye bags.
Homemade Skincare: Pumpkin Spice Latte Face Mask
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 Tablespoons Honey
½ cup soft brown sugar
1 Tablespoon finely ground coffee
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
2 Teaspoons Milk
*Feel free to adjust this recipe to meet your tastes.
Directions:
Begin by combining sugar, coffee, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add honey, milk and the pumpkin. Mix ingredients together. The consistency will be thick. (For a thinner consistency, add more milk and less cinnamon.)
This is the fun part. Apply the mask, spreading evenly across the face. Once applied, wait until the mask dries. This typically takes 10-15 minutes. Once the mask has set, it’s time to exfoliate. Remember, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Face Mask contains several natural abrasives (sugar, pumpkin and coffee,) so remove the mask gently. Add water to soften the mask and carefully exfoliate with your fingers, moving in a circular motion. Once you’ve exfoliated the entire area, wash off any remaining mask.
After removing your pumpkin spice latte face mask your senses should be invigorated and your skin should look smoother and more radiant.
