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The fall equinox transition from summer can leave your skin vulnerable to nature’s forces. It's important during these periods of change to call on our botanical allies and their important gifts. Pumpkins are one of those friends that are just as nutritional on the outside as they are on the inside. Below are a few reasons to invite them into your next self-care routine.
Collagen has been a common buzz-word in the beauty industry because it's marketed as the secret to anti-aging. While, it is essential to maintaining hydration, this matrix-builder is extremely important for cell regeneration and wound healing. An animal study published in 2015 noted the healing efficiencies of pumpkin seed oil in burn wounds. The team noticed that wounds treated with the extracted oil showed better tissue regeneration and, more specifically, increased collagen production than the control.
Pro-tip: Trying a treatment plan of cosmetic acupuncture in conjunction with a pumpkin seed oil serum can help to reduce fine lines and signs of premature aging, increase firmness and promote evenness of skin tone.
Pumpkin seed oil is loaded with vitamins A, K, and E, as well as fatty acids and minerals. All of those nutrients come together as a strengthener for the hair. Pumpkin seed oil is known for being effective in treating male hair loss. A random, double-blind study performed in South Korea looked at 76 men with androgenetic alopecia (patterned baldness) and studied the effects of pumpkin seed oil over a 24 week trial. The results showed 40% increased hair growth for men that received a treatment of pumpkin seed oil over the placebo. While this is great news for men, it's equally as helpful for women to enjoy thicker, more lustrous locks. In addition to hair growth, pumpkin seed oil works to shield hair protein and hydrate follicles for more shiny strands.
The same goes for eyelash growth. The key job of pumpkin seed oil in hair growth is to extend the length of the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle (when hair actually grows) and prevent the transition to the catagen phase (the end of active hair growth). While the length of time for the anagen phase is different for the different types of hair on our bodies, the longer our hair can stay in anagen phase the longer our hair will be. Try it out! Play up those butterfly kisses by giving this DIY eyelash (and eyebrow) serum a shot:
Blend together equal parts (2 teaspoons each is a good place to start) of pumpkin seed oil and olive oil.
Add 1-2 drops each of peppermint and rosemary essential oils.
Transfer mixture into empty mascara tube (like one found here) and use serum nightly.
Pumpkin, by nature, is a fantastic anti-inflammatory. It’s also a catalyst for cell turnover, hydration, and can even reduce signs of aging! Pumpkin seed oil can protect the skin from damage, and the antioxidant levels are strong enough to assist in healing eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin.
In the spirit of the season and our excitement about the benefits of pumpkin in skincare, we have partnered with our friends at Replenish Spa Co-Op in Columbus, OH to create a special pumpkin facial using the entire balm skincare line. They are booking at both of their lovely spas in downtown Columbus and Clintonville.
Willing to try something at home? Try this DIY recipe from PopSugar for a pumpkin face mask in the comfort of your own kitchen:
Whisk together ¼ cup pumpkin and 1 whole egg (egg provides nourishment and tightening to mask)
Add a few teaspoons of honey, to seal in moisture and prevent breakouts
Smooth pumpkin potion over entire face, leave on 15-20 mins, then rinse off for refreshing skin!
We hope that during this harvest season we can all joyfully reap the nutritional rewards from the amazing local crops and farmers markets across our great cities. Use them as we come together as a community this season, and to give us the most optimal wellness heading into the winter months! Gather on, tribe.
