‘Tis the season! There is no doubt that pumpkin is a popular ingredient in—uh, everything this time of year, but it can make a particularly great addition to skin care products because it has tons of natural vitamins and minerals that help your skin out in a variety of ways. The Pumpkin Enzyme exfoliant mask from Peter Thomas Roth is one of our most popular mask products in our store, and pumpkin is actually a great ingredient for helping your skin appear brighter, younger, and cleaner. Here is how:
NATURAL SOURCE OF AHAs
The enzymes in pumpkin contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids, which are molecules that help slough off dead skin cells and increase cell turnover to make your skin appear brighter and younger. AHA enzymes are popular ingredients in anti-aging toners, serums, and creams because they are some of the most effective anti-aging products on the market.
When you regularly use an AHA enzyme product on your skin you will likely start to notice that your skin appears brighter, younger, and much more clear from pesky acne troubles. This is because your pores have little chance to see a build-up of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells when you regularly use a chemical exfoliant like an AHA. Ingredients such as retinol and retin-a are popular choices, but pumpkin enzymes also make great, natural products.
ANTIOXIDANTS
City life can be stressful for both your body and your mind—and your skin. Did you know that pollutants from urban environments can cause your skin to absorb all of that dirt and smog into your pores? Antioxidant face masks and skin care products help remove all of the dirt and oil from sweat that gets stuck in your pores throughout the day, helping your skin look and feel cleaner. The antioxidants in pumpkin can also help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure, exposure to cigarette smoke, or just regular pollution that can make your skin look dingy.
Vitamin A and Vitamin C are both present in pumpkin. Vitamin A is a natural AHA enzyme while Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and brighten the overall appearance of your complexion. Together, these ingredients help to boost your overall glow and help your skin maintain a youthful, healthy appearance.
ZINC FOR ACNE
Pumpkin seeds are rich in Zinc, a vitamin that helps your body control hormone levels which can help neutralize the oil production you see in your skin. For those with acne related to their oily skin type, this can help you get your body to cut back on its oil production and control breakouts. Zinc also helps your skin heal, making it a great ingredient not only for diminishing oil production but also for helping to heal blemishes that are already present on your skin.
We currently carry two products that contain pumpkin enzymes. The first, the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask from Peter Thomas Roth helps to slough off dead skin cells and brighten the skin underneath while increasing cell turnover. This mask—which smells just like pumpkin pie—is one of our favorite gentle exfoliants and makes a great holiday gift. Glo’s Pumpkin Enzyme exfoliant scrub is similar, as it helps to polish the skin and reveal a bright, clean complexion. Use regularly to maintain a natural glow, even in the winter months.