Nights are getting darker and October is drawing to a close, which means only one thing — Halloween is almost upon us! While the colder weather may have us preoccupied with reorganising our wardrobes to keep cosy, we mustn’t forget to switch up our skincare routine and beauty treatments for the autumn, too.
With increasing time spent indoors, now is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a pamper session. We have a fantastic recipe for a homemade face mask that will naturally rejuvenate and refresh your tired skin. And the best part? The main ingredient is everyone’s favourite autumnal squash — pumpkin!
Read on to find out more about the unique health benefits of pumpkin for skincare, as well as our step-by-step guide to the perfect face mask recipe for glowing skin.
Seasonal skincare changes
As summer gives way to autumn, you may find your skin feels a little dull and lacklustre. It’s critical to take the necessary steps to keep it feeling hydrated and full of moisture — cold weather results in dry air, which can draw moisture away from the skin. To make matters worse, the way our skin reacts to central heating and dry indoor heat can also cause concern. It can worsen the effects of low temperatures and harsh winds by causing the skin to look and feel dry, tight or even cracked.
Thankfully, there are a few simple, natural skin care methods you can adopt for autumn to combat the effects of the seasonal chill. These include:
- Daily exfoliation – The warm summer weather can leave us with an excess amount of dead cell build-up in the following months. Daily exfoliation of the face and body will promote a fresher, smoother complexion. Take care not to overdo it, though, to avoid stripping the skin of essential moisture.
- Use a thicker moisturiser – The dryness you experience from indoor heating and cold weather can leave your skin feeling tight. Combat this with a thick, hydrating moisturiser and lip balm.
- Introduce oils – With the big freeze just around the corner, sometimes even the thickest moisturisers don’t feel like enough for your skincare routine. Facial oils are a fool-proof tool for natural skin care, nourishing at deeper levels and improving moisture retention.
Pumpkin for skincare
Many people are unaware of the tremendous benefits of pumpkin for the skin. Containing vitamins A, C and E, it can help fight premature signs of ageing and reverse UV damage. It also contains fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids — these key components can assist in providing a brighter, fresher complexion. While pumpkin is great to consume in the form of a warming soup or pie, using it as the main ingredient for a face mask is also a great way to make use of this seasonal vegetable while also benefitting from exceptional natural skin care.
If you’re wondering how to make a face mask using pumpkin, we’ve compiled a few handy recipes. Simply choose your skin type and reap the benefits of these wonderful natural remedies.
Pumpkin mask for dry skin
Dry skin tends to be fairly dull and lacklustre, feeling tight and uncomfortable for many of us. The lack of moisture can lead to it becoming flaky, scaly or irritated.
The antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids from pumpkin combined with the natural fruit acids from apple is a fantastic recipe for shedding dead skin cells and revealing a smoother, glowing complexion. Here’s what you’ll need for this pumpkin recipe:
- One fresh, green apple
- ½ cup pumpkin
- Two tablespoons whole milk
- One tablespoon honey
Directions: Place the pumpkin and peeled, chopped apple in a blender and mix until you have a smooth consistency. Once smooth, mix in the honey and milk.
Pumpkin mask for oily skin
Oily skin is the result of over-productive sebaceous glands. Sebum is a vital part of the skins natural barrier, producing essential oils and hydration, but too much of it can lead to clogged pores and adult acne.
The below combination of ingredients is a great way to soak up excess oils and allow your pores to breathe:
- ½ cup pumpkin
- One tablespoon of cranberry juice
- Two egg whites
Directions: Blend the pumpkin into a smooth, thick paste. Add the eggs and stir in the cranberry juice, mixing all ingredients well.
Pumpkin mask for combination skin
Combination skin is the universally accepted term for a mix of skin types, generally in different areas of the face. This can be one of the toughest to care for since the forehead may be dry while the chin and jawline are oily, making it difficult to target each individual concern.
Luckily, the right blend of ingredients can do wonders for combination skin. This pumpkin mask can help tone and tighten while also combatting acne:
- ½ cup pumpkin
- One egg white
- One tbsp lemon juice
- One tbsp honey
Directions: Blend the pumpkin into a smooth, thick consistency. In a separate bowl, whip the egg white until stiff peaks form. Add the pumpkin, lemon juice and honey, and mix well.
For all three of the masks mentioned, the best practice for application is to:
- Apply generously to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
- Grab a book or a magazine and wait 15 minutes for the mask to harden and set.
- Rinse well with warm water.
Facial aesthetics for rejuvenated skin
Aside from the at-home natural skin care tips we’ve mentioned, aesthetics treatments are a fantastic way to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and promote younger, fresher looking skin.
At Acquisition Aesthetics, we provide five-star procedures to our model patients who attend our training days, offering excellent value for money for the clinic-standard quality. To find out more about the treatments we offer, give us a call on 0203 514 8757 or email models@acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk to speak to a member of our team.
