Pumpkins

Ooo what a beautiful start to October it has been! This is the month we are usually helping clients restore their skin after the summer and adapting and changing their skin routine ready for the outdoor cold and the indoor heat! Instead, the sun cream has been back out and the extra serums and hydrators, pushed to the back of the cupboard!

October is traditionally FRIGHT MONTH and so I will help impart some knowledge and tips on how to keep your skin, tip top and glowing…..for when the weather really does get scary !!!

Glowing skin, iridescent, dewy glow, radiant complexion; these are the things most clients ask us Facialists for, over and over again. We would all love to be able to wear little or no makeup and enjoy the sort of luminosity, seen in all the Glossy magazines!

So, aside from airbrushing, bright lights and the best makeup artist, how can we achieve this? Pumpkins…….that’s how! Bear with me here….

A dull skin can be caused by a number of factors, a build up of dead skin cells due to improper or lack of cleansing and exfoliation, stress, tiredness, smoking and a problematic diet.

So, if you can address all the lifestyle issues as best you can, that leaves us with the Pumpkins. They will be your new best friend for October, leaving you far less fright night and much more Rosemary’s baby (soft skin). !!!

Pumpkins are known to be the highest natural source of Vitmain A and C, as well as being exceptionally high in over 100 other vitamins, phyto nutrients and enzymes.

When applied to the skin, pumpkin -

Gently melts away the dry, dull skin leaving the skin super soft with no need for harsh scrubs.
Feeds and soothes the skin with zinc and other phyto nutrients, helping to fight free radical damage.
Vitamin A’s age fighting properties, helps to refine fine lines and wrinkles.
Binds moisture to the skin, becoming a super hydrator.
Regulates oil production and helps soften blocked pores and treat problematic skin.
Brightens and refreshes, leaving the skin softer, brighter and more radiant.

So, after you have finished carving those lanterns, try these recipes.

Pumpkin Enzyme Peel.

(This mask is not suitable for super sensitive skin)

Chop the pumpkin into cubes and boil for 10 minutes, puree, then leave to completely cool. Mix the following together;

3 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Puree.

1 tsp of Honey. (honey is a humectant and helps bind moisture to the skin)

Apply to cleansed, slightly damp skin and leave for ten minutes.

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the pumpkin peel and target specific skin conditions.

Oily, problematic skin – 1 Tablespoon of natural, probiotic yoghurt.
Dry, mature skin – 1 Teaspoon of Olive Oil.
Acne – crush 3 aspirins and mix with a little water. Mix well with the pumpkin but leave on for only 5 minutes, increasing the time each time you use it, judging your skin’s reactions each time. Any sign of irritation, stop.

Remember though, just because it is natural, does not mean you can’t get reactions to it, so always patch test 24 hours before hand.

Remembering not to neglect the body, this fabulous body peel/scrub smells delicious and leaves you super smooth all over.

Pumpkin Body Scrub:

5 Tbsp- Cooked Pumpkin

3 Tbsp- Brown Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon- Cinnamon

Massage into damp skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. I know, it is tricky and sticky ( J ) but use this time to apply the face peel version, pluck eyebrows, clean teeth etc, then shower off.

Of course there are a number of fabulous pumpkin products on the market for you to try also but this is a perfect way to use up your left over pumpkins over Halloween. That is of course, unless you have put it in a pie !