Spa Girl "From Cupboard to Face" it's all about Pumpkins

It's that time of year again, when witches, goblins, and ghosts prowl the streets basking in the glow of fabulously carved pumpkins. 

In addition to Halloween decoration, and so many wonderful pumpkin recipes, pumpkins can be used as a great spa treatment. 

Spa Girl just loves the power of this delightful fall produce.

The enzymes in pumpkins will remove skin cell build up and stimulate cell regeneration without stress or irritation to the skin. High in Vitamin A, which is great for the skin, Vitamin C, a well known  anti-oxidant, AHA's, beta-carotene, Vitamins E, Alpha-carotene, zinc, and lutein, pumpkin bitg soothes, and nicely moisturizes the skin.

In general, new skin cells require twenty-eight days to rejuvenate. As we age, this renewal process slows and is further hindered by environmental factors, stress, and lack of sleep. Fruit enzymes and Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) help to increase the skins natural turnover rate.

Pumpkin makes an excellent face mask ingredient for all skin types, especially environmentally damaged or sensitive skin.

Pumpkin Pie Face MaskIngredients2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed (see above for benefits)one-half teaspoon honey (humectant, regenerative)
one-quarter teaspoon milk (or soymilk)(alpha hydroxyl acid, enzymes digest skin cells) 

Optional Ingredients For Dry Skinone-quarter teaspoon heavy whipping cream (moisturizing; alpha hydroxy acid)
-or-
one-half teaspoon brown sugar (exfoliates, moisturizes, alpha hydroxyl acid)
For Oily Skinone-quarter teaspoon apple cider (tonic action promotes skin circulation; alpha hydroxyl acid; regulates pH).-or-
one-quarter teaspoon cranberry juice (high in antioxidants critically important to the utilization of essential fatty acids to maintain balanced, nourished skin. 

Directions 

Combine the ingredients for your facemask. Mix gently and apply to your face avoiding the eye area. Rest and relax for 10-15 minutes while your pumpkin pie facemask gently exfoliates, nourishes and conditions your face. Rinse with warm water and apply the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. 

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pumpkin-face-mask-vitamin-rich.html#ixzz1aI2fWFlb 

Pumpkin Facial Mask  

2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon milk (or whipping cream, if your skin is very dry)

1. Combine ingredients and apply to a clean face with gentle circular motions, avoiding the area around your eyes.2. Allow mask to remain on skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat dry, and apply your usual moisturiser. 

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub 

1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl.2. Stand in a tub or shower stall and use a damp washcloth to scoop some of the mixture up. Apply to body, starting with your feet and working your way up, but avoiding your face. Scrub gently using circular motions.3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a linen towel. 

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pumpkin-treats-for-your-skin.html#ixzz1aI2v9hLD 

Did you know... Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico dating back to 7000 to 5500 B.C.

More about pumpkins...

http://www.allaboutpumpkins.com/history.html

http://chuck.hubpages.com/hub/Pumpkins_-_History_and_Lore