Get Your GOURDgeous Going

What do we really know about the festive fruit called pumpkin? I know when I think about them, I think of the cool air coming in at night, the changing leaves, wardrobe turning from tanks & tees to cozy sweaters & socks, the crisp harvest moon, toasty bevys by the fire, scary movies, comfort food, and all that jazz. Lots of us even get crafty and carve spooky faces in our orange friends, perhaps cooking up the insides in yummy baked goods or toasty seeded treats.  But did you know these seasonal symbols are also packed with skin-food goodness? Yup! Pumpkins are loaded with beauty benefits. Now grab some of those gushy guts for some self-TLC time. 

So, here’s the skinny on how these gourds can make you (even more) gorgeous. Pumpkins contain loads of vitamins which are not only great to ingest but, when applied to your skin, can be mega powerful in combating dryness, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.  They are loaded with Vitamin C which, as we probably know by now, is a powerful antioxidant. They are also a great source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A. These properties work together in several ways to combat aging. They help to soften the skin and boost its collagen production to prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. It also reverses UV and free-radical damage (two big culprits for wrinkles -- and even worse -- skin cancer) because of its antioxidants, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C.

The gourd and its seeds are also superstars for fighting acne because of their high levels of Vitamins E, B2 (riboflavin), B6, niacin, zinc, and folate. Here are some quick facts on these blemish blasters and what they do: Folate helps to increase circulation which improves cell turnover and renewal (also great for anti-aging). Niacin improves circulation which is very helpful in treating acne. Zinc heals skin and controls oil production and hormone levels, and fights free radicals in the environment. And lastly, you will find one of our fave fatty acid friends, Vitamin E, which deoxidizes the skin and helps minimize acne scars. 

All skin types can benefit from the nourishing properties provided by the ole Jack-o-pumpkin! Keep in mind any allergies and sensitivities- you can test patch an area of skin first to check, I suggest behind the ear. Here are some super-simple recipes which will help soften and fight off those wrinkles:

Straight Up Pumpkin (for all skin types): Scoop out the pumpkin guts and seeds, then blend till you get a nice thick paste and seeds are pretty well ground. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow with your daily/nightly skincare moisturizer and eye cream, you might want to avoid serums or retinol products after masks.

• 1/2 cup of pumpkin with or without seeds (blend if using seeds)

Hydrating Honey & Pumpkin: Scoop out the pumpkin guts and seeds (if you want the added benefits), then blend with honey until you get a thick paste- add more honey to thicken or if needed.

• 1/2 cup pumpkin innards 

• 2 tablespoons honey

Pimples be GONE: Scoop out the pumpkin guts and seeds (if you want the added benefits), then blend with yogurt and cinnamon till you get a thick paste.

• 1/3 cup pumpkin innards and seeds (blended) 

• 1/3 cup of plain yogurt

• 1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon

Glowing Gourd & Egg: Scoop out the pumpkin guts and seeds (if you want the added benefits), then blend a and mix with a beaten egg.

• 1/3 cup of pumpkin

• 1 full egg

Oh My Grapeness!!

Most of us know that grapes are tasty treats. Afterall, they make some of our fave bevy’s- hello vino! BUT they are also full of antioxidant & vitamin goodness, or shall I say greatness! Black grapes are especially high in vitamins C and E and they hold anti-inflammatory properties which help to combat a wide range of skin cares like sun damage, wrinkles and acne. The grape”s skin and seeds hold the strongest antioxidant and vitamin power, so make sure you don’t toss or spit them out. Chew, mash, bash, or blend it up, but be sure to add these to your diet and skincare regime.

Here are some new ways you can enjoy these fruits besides in our belly…

Refreshing & Nourishing Face Pack For all Skin Types:

After a long day we all want to unwind. Here is one way that might serve you well: Freeze your grapes for several hours, or if you’re like me or my friends, keep a batch in their at all times. You can use as your go-to replacement cubes to chill your wine, if that tickles your fancy, or just enjoy as an icy fruit treat. Grapes alone can serve as a powerful-face pack. Just slice, dice, or smush about 10 grapes up, apply and relax. This version will soothe, cool, and serve your face with a refreshing dose of heaven. PRO TIP: it will work especially well if that wine is in your company.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 frozen grapes

• (1 glass of wine) optional

Oily or Acne Skin:

If you’re facing some skin problems- grapes can help curb the issue. Add about 10-15 grapes to some honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice OR apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of plain oats. Let the oats soak up the juices till soft and apply evenly to skin or problem spots. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes before rubbing in a circular motion and rinse. This is great for exfoliating, balancing, hydrating, and nourishing your skin.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 grapes

• 2 tablespoons of lemon OR apple cider vinegar

• 2-3 tablespoons of honey

• 1/4 cup of plain oats

Dry/ Dull Skin:

If you face is feeling the sweater weather change already, or you just find yourself on the dryer and duller side of the spectrum, try this hydrating face food. Smash up your 15 grapes— again seeds and all— and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of honey, 1/4 avocado and 1 egg (skip the egg for my vegan friends). If you decide to add the egg, there will be an added brightening and tightening effect. You’ll find this harder to blend, so you may need a blending device of sorts. Apply for about 20-25 minutes and see the magical glow go!

Ingredients:

• 10-15 grapes

• 2-3 tablespoons of honey

• 1/4 avocado

• 1 egg (optional)

Leave any fave face food recipes you might enjoy below…