You decided to serve the pumpkin, you cleaned it, cooked it, but in the end a slice is left over. Don't throw it away! In fact, you can use it to create fantastic face cosmetics, suitable for all skin types. Not only that, even the oil, obtained from pumpkin seeds, boasts interesting cosmetic properties. So let's see how to exploit the benefits of pumpkin, a vegetable that we are starting to see on supermarket shelves. First, however, let's analyze what science says about the properties of pumpkin for the well-being of skin and hair.
Pumpkin, beauty properties
Pumpkin pulp is rich in substances such as beta carotene, vitamin C, fatty acids and flavonoids, which make it, if applied externally, a precious ally for the health and beauty of the skin (Khademi et al, Iran J Public Health, 2020). In fact, pumpkin pulp has important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit both young, acne-prone skin and mature skin, but also skin with irritation. Beta carotene and vitamin C counteract the aging processes and photoaging, making the skin more radiant and rejuvenated (Darvin et al, Exp Dermatol, 2011). Studies have shown that the application of pumpkin pulp has led to significant improvements in the case of dermatitis, counteracting dry and hardened skin (Balgoon et al, Front Pharmacol, 2021). Not only that, pumpkin pulp also helps if you suffer from acne (Fox et al, Molecules, 2016). In fact, pumpkin contains zinc, whose external application has been shown to soothe the skin and counteract the formation of inflamed papules (Gupta et al, Dermatol Res Pract, 2014). Talking about the properties of pumpkin seed oil, this product stimulates the synthesis of collagen and the damage caused by the sun's rays (Balgoon et al, Front Pharmacol, 2021). The oil is antioxidant and antibacterial, it helps the healing processes in case of wounds and sunburns (Balgoon et al, Front Pharmacol, 2021). Not only that, this oil, providing, among other substances, fatty acids, phytoestrogens and vitamin E, has been shown to stimulate hair growth, counteracting the action of testosterone, which instead inhibits hair growth (Hajhashemi et al, Avicenna J Phytomed., 2019).
Pumpkin cosmetics
Here's how you can use the cooked pumpkin slice you leftover. Crush it until it forms a puree, add 2 tablespoons of thick yogurt, which works by moisturizing the skin and making it brighter and more elastic (Yeom et al, J Cosmet Sci, 2011), and half a teaspoon of honey, which is healing but also anti-aging (McLoone et al, Cent Asian J Glob Health, 2016), mix. Apply to cleansed face for ten minutes, then rinse, this mask is great for all skin types! The extra idea? Blend a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds separately until the flour is a little grainy. Add the chopped seeds to the mask and, to apply it, also perform a massage to gently exfoliate the skin. Instead, for the benefits of pumpkin oil for hair, prepare in a small bowl a spoonful of pumpkin oil and a spoonful of coconut oil, amazing to strengthen hair and prevent protein loss (Rele et al, J Cosmet Sci, 2003). Mix. You can add two drops of lavender oil, which is stimulating for hair growth (Lee et al, Toxicol Res, 2016). Massage onto damp skin and then apply to all hair. Leave on for ten minutes, then rinse with shampoo.
