Pumpkins contain a plethora of vitamins and nutrients that do wonders for a body when eaten. Pumpkins are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as well as Zinc, Alpha and Beta Carotene, Potassium, Magnesium and Iron.
Also, pumpkins hydrate the skin when applied topically and a pumpkin peel facial mask with produce can soften fine lines in your face. Pump-skins are used in all kinds of spa treatments including: shampoos, soaps, salt and sugar scrubs, enzyme peels and facials.
Although mild and gentle, pumpkins are excellent exfoliators and leave your skin feeling soft. The pumpkin flavor goes well with apples, brown sugar, coconut, cream, ginger, honey, mint, vanilla and yogurt.
Here are two quick and easy home spa pumpkin facial recipes which will leave your skin feeling extra soft and smooth:
Pumpkin Papaya Facial Ingredients
2/3 cup fresh papaya, mashed
15 oz. can pure pumpkin
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Prepare the mask. Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds. Scoop out the papaya fruit and mash it well to eliminate lumps in the mask. Beat the egg until it is frothy. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and whip together. You can also mix the ingredients in the blender or a food processor for an extra smooth mask.
• Wash your face with your daily cleanser and remove all residual makeup on your skin. Rinse with warm water. It's very important to have clean skin to ensure you get maximum benefits from the pumpkin facial.
• Cover your entire face. Avoid the immediate eye area. If you have sensitive skin, test the mixture on your hand before spreading it on your face. You'll feel some tingling as the enzymes in the pumpkin go to work immediately -- gently exfoliating your top layer of skin. It works like a scrub without being abrasive to your skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse Off Mask. After you've relaxed for ten minutes it's time to rinse. The mask is fairly thick -- head for the kitchen sink.
• Apply Toner & Moisturizer.
Pumpkin Facial Ingredients
3 TB pumpkin puree (plain and unseasoned)
1 TB extra virgin olive oil
1 TB maple syrup
1 TB plus 1 tsp witch hazel distillate
2 tsps cornstarch
To make the facial:
• Mix the pumpkin puree with the olive oil, witch hazel and cornstarch in a small bowl. It should be the consistency of apple sauce. You can substitute another oil, like corn oil, sweet almond oil or sunflower oil for the olive oil if you prefer. You can also add a few drops of your choice of skin-friendly essential oils, like carrot seed essential oil, to this recipe to further customize it to your skin type. The possibilities and combinations are endless.
• Drape a towel over a pillow and create a space to put your feet up and relax.
• Apply the pumpkin mash to your freshly cleaned face with your fingers, covering everything to the hairline and down your neck, except your eyes and lips. (You can also apply this recipe to your hands, feet, hair and back at another time if you’d like).
• Lie down, close your eyes and relax for 10 to 20 minutes. (Note: although this is unlikely, if your skin feels irritated and if you feel uncomfortable soon after applying the recipe, discontinue the treatment early and rinse of the pumpkin from your face).
• Rinse the pumpkin from your face with warm water and towel off. It’s a very thin recipe so it shouldn’t clog your plumbing.
• Finish your treatment with more Witch Hazel. Apply Witch Hazel with a cotton ball to tone the skin and to remove any excess residue left behind from the treatment.
Sources:
http://www.homespunspa.com
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