Pumpkin Face Mask Recipe

It’s that time of year and pumpkins everywhere!  They are cheap, easy to find and easy to prepare.

Pumpkin is packed with Vitamin A - one serving contains 170% of your daily requirement! Vitamin A is an anti oxidant and is important for vision, the immune system, heart, lungs, and kidneys. It is also amazing for the skin. Retinol, found in many skin care products, is a form of Vitamin A.

The wonderful pumpkin also contains a healthy dose of Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which help stimulate new cell growth, reduces wrinkle, smooths and brightens dry, dull skin. So when you are out buying a pumpkin for fall decoration, buy one for yourself as well!

How To Cook a Pumpkin:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF

1. Carefully cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out seeds. (You can wash the seeds, sprinkle with olive oil, salt and or spices and roast in oven if you like!)

1. Place on cookie sheet (with sides) or large roasting pan hollow side down. Add 1/2 cup water to pot or cookie sheet.

1. Place in oven and roast for 1-2 hours depending on size of pumpkin. Once it is tender, take out and let cool.

1. Scoop out the insides, leaving the tough skin. (Throw skin into garden or compost.)

1. Keep 1/2 cup of the cooked pumpkin for your face mask recipe. Excess can be frozen for later use :)

Pumpkin Face Mask Recipe

• 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin or 1/2 cp canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)

• 1 tsp honey

• 1-2 drops any of the following: frankincense, myrrh, geranium or patchouli essential oil

• Options: add one or two of the following as an option:
  
  
  • 1 tbsp yogurt: slightly astringent, great for oily skin
  
  
  • 1 tbsp powdered clay: draws impurities and detoxifies skin
  
  
  • 1 tbsp oatmeal: soothing
  
  
  • 1 tsp Shea butter: restores elasticity
  
  
  • 1 tsp Olive oil: adds moisture
  
  
  • 1 tsp Avocado oil: for mature dry skin
  
  
  • 1 tsp Jojoba: similar to skins own sebum
  
  
  • 1/2 tsp Tamanu: healing for scars and acne
  
  
  

1. Mash cooked pumpkin or use stick blender to puree.

1. Add other ingredients.

1. Patch test on crook of arm for 5-10 minutes first to make sure your skin can handle AHA’s. If there is no reaction, you are safe to use on face.

1. Can be warmed slightly and then apply to face.

1. Spread evenly on face and neck. Leave for 5-10 minutes and gently wash off.