It’s Pumpkin Season for Hair and Skincare!
The orange image we have in our minds when we think of pumpkins is something people wait all year for. Pumpkin space lattes, cakes, breads, cookies, and pie have people drooling at the first signs of autumn. What may not be well known is how incredibly beneficial pumpkin seed oil is for skin can hair. Although it is not recommended to slather the insides of your jack-o-lantern on your scalp, many products use pumpkin seed oil to aid skin and hair health. So, embrace the holidays and get your pumpkin on!
Nutrient Rich Pumpkin
The oil from pumpkin seeds is growing in popularity because it is nutrient-rich and can be a powerful ingredient in both skincare and hair care products. High-quality products that have pumpkin seed oil as an ingredient can potentially change the game. Pumpkin enhances vitality due to its omega fatty acids and has an abundance of vitamins A and K. Pumpkin seed oil ingredients offer shine, strength, and healthy-looking hair. Skin can look and feel elevated using pumpkin seed oil products. Pumpkin is high in antioxidants, which help with inflammation of the skin. Pumpkin seed oil can also help keep skin hydrated because it locks in moisture and won’t clog pores. Additionally, the color of most pumpkin products is fun and festive, making it an even more exhilarating experience!
Note: If you have any friends or co-workers with an October or November birthday, a basket of skincare and hair products with pumpkin as the ingredient is a perfect gift!
Not Just A Superfood
Although pumpkin is considered a superfood, it is accessible and quite affordable. Used as an ingredient, the benefits can address acne concerns because of the salicylic acid it contains. Wrinkles can become less noticeable because of the beta carotene, and the high levels of zinc serve as a protector of the skin. Pumpkin can be beneficial by consumption as well, so treat yourself to a pumpkin treat, or learn a new seasonal recipe your family and friends will love! Pumpkin has fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that your body will thank you for.
Note: Have a sweet tooth? Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips, or homemade pumpkin pie, can steal the show this fall!
Pumpkin Seed Oil Worth the Wait
Fortunately for American consumers, pumpkin seed oil is already featured in popular skincare products and readily available when and where we need it. However, the process of extracting quality pumpkin seed oil is quite lengthy. Pumpkins must be 3-4 months old to be harvested for seeds. Seeds must then be pulled out of the pulp, similar to the process for making pumpkin seeds in the oven after you pull the pulp out of your front porch pumpkin. Everyone knows this is messy and not easy! As seeds are dried, they are then ground and pressed to collect the oil. Although it is a daunting process, it is worth it!
Note: It takes seeds from five pumpkins to make one liter of pumpkin seed oil!
Treating Dryness, Acne, and Scars
As much as the mere scent of pumpkin may get you to buy a skin or hair product, there are some tangible reasons to use them. Pumpkin has incredible qualities when it comes to healing scars and wounds, and effectively treats acne, and is an excellent way to hydrate skin! As we approach cooler months, our skin will thank us for the boost of moisture in pumpkin skincare products. Dry hair turns brittle, and pumpkin ingredients can help protect and add shine for those holiday events.
Although fall is often when people begin to incorporate pumpkin into their lives, it I never too early to start. Pumpkin can provide significant health benefits through consumption and topical use in skincare and hair products. Health and beauty products will inevitably appear on shelves more frequently over the next few weeks and remain there until they are replaced with red and white striped containers claiming peppermint oil is the best for your skin and hair. ‘Tis the season, and embrace the availability of some seasonal products that can be fun but also give you the results you want! So much of feeling good and looking good is how you treat yourself. Routines can be daunting, and adding a little something extra during the holidays is a great way to get in the holiday spirit!
Note: Host a pumpkin-themed beauty party and ask guests to bring something pumpkin-themed – it is a great way to connect and celebrate the season of the pumpkin!
If you have skincare concerns that hold you back during the holidays, contact Buckhead Dermatology today. Dr. Sherrie Straughn is an expert on darker skin tones and is experienced in helping clients in all stages of life. Contact her today for an appointment.