What’s so great about pumpkin?
I hardly need an explanation for the delicious fall phenomenon. I love this season and have a very natural draw to all things pumpkin. Pie, smoothies, bread, pancakes, curry, stew, soup, jack-o-lanterns, skin treatments... And when the autumn pumpkin spa products and treatments come out, I’m right there.

Pumpkin reaches its harvest peak right about now, and the timing couldn’t be better. Autumn is a perfect time to cleanse your body and prep it for the cold harsh winter months ahead. Pumpkin flesh is loaded with antioxidants- particularly alpha and beta caratenoids which strengthen your vision and fortify your immune system- as well as give it that bright orange skin- and vitamins A and E, antioxidants which lessen the risk of seasonal sickness, as well as heart disease and certain cancers. Potassium, Magnesium and Pantothenic acid (B5) are also present in abundance, as well as a healthy serving of  fiber- about 4g per cup.  It’s a natural diuretic and has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, making it helpful in the treatment of arthritis and inflammatory digestive issues.  Its seeds, aside from being a tasty protein filled snack, are also used to dispel parasites from the body.
 
That it is rich in caratenoids, antioxidants, vitamins A & E and zinc are what make it so good for the health of your skin both digested internally and applied directly, and the alpha hydroxy acids- fruit acids which are excellent natural exfoliators- present in it boost its topical effectiveness at fighting the signs of aging and producing healthy, vibrant glow.  (yes, pumpkin IS a fruit!)
 

 
Delish Recipe for a home-made pumpkin face mask:
 

• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin flesh (exfoliates, antioxidant rich)
• 1 teaspoon honey (moisturizes)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (tightens pores, improves skin tone)
   
  Blend together well, apply a generous layer to face, neck and décolleté, leave on for 15 minutes.
  Let your autumn beauty shine!