Ideas to Use Up Leftover Pumpkin with Natural Skincare
My husband and I carved pumpkins this fall and decided to save the bits of meat that we cut and scooped out of them. We ended up with quite a bit of pumpkin, so I cooked and pureed it in the blender. I am freezing most of the pumpkin puree, but I decided to save a little bit and try some facial treatment recipes using leftover pumpkin.Benefits of pumpkin for the skin
Pumpkin is supposed to be great for the skin. It contains zinc and Vitamins E and T, which can help acne-prone skin while amino acids provide nourishment. Plus, Vitamin A helps minimize wrinkles and Vitamin C and beta-carotene is said to help protect the skin from UV rays and free radicals. Did you pick up some pumpkins this fall? No matter your skin type, you might benefit from a facial treatment using leftover pumpkin.
Pumpkin facial cleanser
*1 tsp. pumpkin puree
*½ cup distilled water
*dash of sea salt
Mix ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. It will be pretty runny. Wet your face with warm water and massage it into your skin. Warning: It will be a little messy if you use too much. Rinse well with warm water and pat skin dry. You can save the remainder in the refrigerator and use the same mixture for a few days.
Soothing pumpkin mask
*1 part pumpkin puree
*1 part olive oil
This facial mask is great for hydrating dry skin. Mix the pumpkin and olive oil together in a bowl until well combined. Wet your face with warm water and rub the pumpkin mask into your skin. Don't be afraid to apply liberally. Relax for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water. If your face still feels dry, apply moisturizer afterward.
Creamy pumpkin moisturizer
*3 Tbsp. pumpkin puree
*1 Tbsp. apricot kernel oil
*½ tsp. baking soda
* ½ Tbsp. distilled water
*1 cup distilled water
Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and blend well. Microwave the mixture for 20 seconds and allow to cool before using. Apply to your face daily after cleansing; store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Bonus: Pumpkin body balm
As a bonus, I will share a body balm recipe using leftover pumpkin. I used one part pumpkin puree and one part coconut oil. Blend the two ingredients together and apply to dry areas of the body: elbows, knees, and heels. Soften dry, cracked heels by applying the pumpkin body balm and wrapping your feet in plastic wrap. Cover with socks and leave it on overnight; remove in the morning. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to a week.
