Oh pumpkin pumpkin how I love thee! There's more to you than the eye can see!
For most of us, when we think of pumpkins, images of jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin pie usually come to mind. This is all well and good but there's more to pumpkins than meets the eye!
Serious Skin Care Benefits
For years, pumpkin seed extract obtained from the Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seedcake has been used to treat all sorts of health concerns such as prostrate issues, arthritis and even intenstinal parasites! However, there are also some amazing skin care benefits as well! Read on...
Pumpkin seed extract is an active cosmetic ingredient which contains amino acids, phytosterols, Vitamins A, C, K & E, B Vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, selenium, iron, phosphorous and most notably, zinc.
This special extract has been shown to stimulate collagen growth and help inhibit other factors that lead to the breakdown of collagen in our skin. In body care products, pumpkin is proving useful in the prevention and alteration of stretch marks (Hallelujah!). Pumpkin pulp contains powerful enzymes to help exfoliate the skin by digesting dead skin cells revealing a radiant complexion. Simply put, using products with pumpkin seed extract and pumpkin pulp help to exfoliate dull skin, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while creating firmness and elasticity in the skin. Wow! Sign me up!
Time To Go Shopping!
So, where can you find THE BEST products available today which are utilizing this amazing ingredient? Just look below! I've taken the liberty of doing the leg work for you by listing out the creme de la creme of pumpkin beauty products. Not only do they work but they look, feel and smell D-I-V-I-N-E! Any of these products will make the PERFECT spa treat for yourself or a fantastic holiday gift for someone you know.
All of the products featured here are made by members of The Indie Beauty Network. I'm proud to showcase these amazing companies because their products are lovingly crafted by hand and are of the highest artisanal quality without using nasty chemicals and ingredients you can't pronounce. A lot of love and care goes into these goodies! Enjoy!
Pumpkin Products! Pumpkin Products! Get Your Pumpkin Products!
Pumpkin Seed Shampoo and Conditioner by SEVI Organics: A gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner containing unrefined organic pumpkin seed oil. Great for minor skin and scalp conditions as well as a delightful aromatic experience! $15
Pumpkin Patch Gift Set by Bath and Body Bliss: An adorable gift set featuring Pumpkin Patch Scrub and lotion (choose from tons of scents but I would go for the pumpkin spice, pumpkin crunch or pumpkin pie) packaged in a wooden crate with vintage label. $14.50 Don't forget to also check out their Pumpkin scented Soy Candles!
Pumpkin Apple Butter Soap by Touch Of Nature: A creamy organic soap blend that leaves the skin soft and smooth not to mention it has an incredible aroma! $5.99
Spiced Pumpkin Creme Sugared Body Polish by Flower Peddler Bath & Beauty: Pumpkin pulp combined with pumpkin seed oil, pure cane sugar, rich oils and shea butter help dissolve and whisk away dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft, radiant and moisturized! $17.95
Pumkin Spice Hand & Nail Care Kit by Zularis Naturals: A total 'treat' for your hands, nails and feet! The scrub also contains pumpkin pulp which offers the added benefits of exfoliating enzymes! $29.75
The Indian Summer Trio By Cactus & Ivy: This amazing product line offers 3 delightful bath & body concoctions including the Pumpkin & Shea Body Souffle. (***my husband stole this product from me for his dry skin and each time he puts some on his legs our dog, Scrappy, likes to lick it off!) $15.50
Warming Pumpkin Masque By Bella Lucce: A wonderful facial masque that I have personally used in my private skin care practice for my seasonal Pumpkin Delight Facial. This masque helps to dissolve dead skin cells, deep clean the pores and impart much needed nutrients into the skin. $16.00
Holiday 2008 Spiced Pumpkin Body Scrub by Shea & Company: A delightful scrub that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients for the skin. This is defintely a 'guilt-free' treat! $24.50
And last but not least, Donna Maria Coles Johnson, Founder & CEO of The Indie Beauty Network, demonstrates how to use and apply a wonderful pumpkin masque, Face Food by Saphoros Spa Essentials. Personally I have to give Donna Maria some MAJOR KUDOS here. Any woman who is willing to be videotaped and blasted across the internet wearing no makeup and slappin' on a pumpkin facial masque deserves a shout out! WOO HOO DONNA MARIA! You Go Girl!
All of these products that I've showcased in this post are simply fabulous. Each Indie company featured here brings something beautiful, creative & unique to the table.
Help me to make sure that Indie companies like these as well as my company, PRIIA Cosmetics, will be able to continue to bring you these fabulous hand-crafted beauty items for many years to come. If you haven't done so already, please sign the petition against the FDA Globalization Act 2008. A banner link to the petition and more information is located at the top right hand side of this blog.
Thank you for your support and happy pumpkin product shopping!
Related Posts:
Exfoliation...What's The Difference???
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Kelley,
Great information on the benefits of pumpkin in body products. Many, many thanks for including the Indian Summer Trio from Cactus & Ivy. I am always stoked when fabulous women (and men) show Cactus & Ivy some love!
Thank Scrappy again for giving me a cute rave for our feedback page!
Indies Rock, and Scrappy too!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa M. Rodgers | October 26, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Kudos to YOU on a great article, Kelley! I can't sing the praises of pumpkin enough and you did a fantastic job of it for me!
Posted by: Donna S | October 27, 2008 at 04:49 AM
Thank you Lisa and Donna for allowing me to share your MAHVELOUS products with my readers!
You can't go wrong when you go with PUMPKIN!
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | October 27, 2008 at 04:47 PM
What a great post, Kelley. I love the way you strung together the two themes: indie beauty products and pumpkin!
Anita
Posted by: Anita Campbell | October 29, 2008 at 02:16 PM
So glad you like the post Anita! Indie businesses ROCK and I love sharing the products they offer with my readers.
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | October 30, 2008 at 12:27 AM
This is a great information pumpkins is a great tips i will try this and let me see how it really works.
vee
Posted by: skin care products philippines | November 03, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Thanks for commenting Vee. Give pumpkin products a try...you're sure to love them and so will your skin!
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | November 04, 2009 at 10:15 AM