How to Use Fresh Pumpkin for an Anti-Aging Facial
The enzymes found in fresh pumpkin are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can help clean out pores and freshen up tired skin. Whipping up a fresh pumpkin facial treatment or mask can help remove toxins stuck deep within the pores, and also deliver a boost of moisture to dry or cracked skin. If your skin needs some help after a long day or during the change of seasons, here's how to use fresh pumpkin for a rejuvenating anti-aging facial.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Cooked or canned pumpkin
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Carrot juice
- Lemon juice
- Grapeseed extract
- Food processor or blender
- Bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Facial cloth
- Facial steamer
- Pastry brush
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1
Puree 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh pumpkin in a food processor or blender until smooth. This activates the enzymes and allows you create a base for your facial mask.
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2
Prepare the facial mask. Empty the pumpkin into a large bowl and mix in 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tbsp. each of carrot juice and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to combine.
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3
Add the oil. Slowly stir in one 1 tsp. of grapeseed extract to combine. The pumpkin mixture will turn into a soft paste.
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4
Prepare your facial cloth. Heat up a moist facial towel in the microwave. You will use this to soften your skin and open up your pores.
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5
Prepare your skin for the anti-aging facial treatment. Steam your face with the facial steamer for 8 to 10 minutes until the skin begins to soften; wipe excess moisture with the steamed towel.
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6
Apply the pumpkin mask. Use a wide, angled pastry brush to apply the pumpkin mixture over your face and neck area, avoiding the under-eye area as much as possible.
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7
Let the mask set for 15 to 20 minutes until dry; the pumpkin should begin to dry out and "crack."
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8
Rinse your face with warm water and remove excess pumpkin mixture with the damp washcloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use this anti-aging facial mixture once per week to freshen up your look
Apply an emollient-rich moisturizer to the face about 20 to 30 minutes after the facial for maximum absorption.
Avoid the eye area and any sensitive skin patches so you don't break out in a rash or irritate the skin
