The Great Pumpkin

This well-known gourd used extensively in the fall in the kitchen for traditional Pumpkin Pie, as well as for seasonal decoration and as an icon of Halloween, has found its way to the world of spa treatments. Its beneficial anti-oxidant properties and exfoliating enzymes are giving it a new use in natural skin care.

Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse making it a natural for use in facials. It makes an excellent enzyme mask that is extremely beneficial for any age or skin type. Environmentally damaged or sensitive skin types reap tremendous benefits from the pumpkin’s high levels of Vitamins A and C and minerals like zinc, as well as the anti-oxidant beta-carotene and other cancer fighting carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. Pumpkin also contains B vitamins, niacin, riboflavin, salicylic acid, lactic acid and ascorbic acid – all told the pumpkin contains more than 100 beneficial components to stimulate circulation, promote healing, restore elasticity and provide skin nutrition to renew sun-damaged, weathered or aging skin.

The orange gourd, technically a fruit and not a vegetable, is best as a natural alternative to harsh chemical peels. It easily exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities from the skin’s surface similar to what a scrub would do but without being abrasive to the skin. The natural fruit acids contained in pumpkin along with the Vitamins A & C, and a myriad of minerals and enzymes make it a standout for reducing breakouts and refining pores. Additionally it decreases oxidation and free radicals in the skin, provides nutrition to the skin and stimulates healing, leaving skin glowing and healthy looking.

Most facials and body treatments that utilize pumpkin blend the aromatic orange flesh with additional beneficial ingredients such as papaya, apple, yogurt, honey, brown sugar, apple cider or cranberry juice. Depending upon the blend, which can be created specifically for the individual needs of the skin, these additional ingredients can help moisturize, tone or balance.

In appreciation of all that the pumpkin has to offer the following Do-It-Yourself Pumpkin Whip Facial Peel, courtesy of Sea Change Healing Center in New York, makes an excellent facial treatment to celebrate the bounty of the Fall season and rejuvenate your skin from the damage caused by the summer sun.

Pumpkin Whip Facial Peel

All ingredients are best if they are as fresh as possible and organic.

1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh puree is recommended, but canned puree will do – use organic if available)

1 cup fresh plain soy yogurt (best) or plain regular yogurt

1 tbs. Honey

1 tbs. Brewed green tea

1 tbs. Carrot juice

1 tsp. Grapeseed extract (try your local health food store)

In addition to the ingredients you’ll need a cotton cloth, 2 bowls, hot water and a pastry brush or new paintbrush.

• Using a fork blend all of the ingredients together in the 1st bowl.

• If you have blackheads/whiteheads you can steam you face for 10 minutes over a pot of boiled water by placing a towel over your head to capture the steam. Be careful not to get too close to the water and don’t do this over the stove!

• If you’re not steaming your face simply warm the cotton cloth in the 2nd bowl filled with hot water. Gently wring the cloth to remove most of the water and wrap the cloth around the face and press to dampen the skin.

• Apply the mask to your face with the brush making sure to cover the entire face well, but avoid the eye area.

• Allow the mask to dry for approximately 15 minutes. Relax and enjoy!

• Soak the cloth in warm water and gently wipe your face to remove the mask.

If you’re new to home spa treatments or simply want to leave the shopping and cooking to someone else, book an appointment at the Fallbrook Wellness Spa now through November and you’ll enjoy the many restorative benefits of pumpkin with a specially formulated pumpkin blend mask applied during our Jurlique Aromatherapy Facial!

Fallbrook Wellness Spa

— Located at —

123 E. Alvarado St.,

Fallbrook CA 92028

(760) 723- 8264