Pumpkin: THE WONDER INGREDIENT, FOR YOUR BELLY AND FOR YOUR SKIN

Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa’s Dannielli Marcelino shares two simple beauty recipes using pumpkin to rejuvenate summer skin.
Pumpkin is not just for pies anymore! The symbol for fall—the pumpkin—has proven it is more than just a culinary ingredient but also a beauty ingredient for radiant skin as the weather gets cooler.
Loaded with antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins C and K, the mighty pumpkin not only does a body good but also serves as an awesome alternative to harsh exfoliators. Pumpkins have naturally powerful enzymes, that when applied to the skin, delivers important nutrients for cellular rejuvenation. Used often and it will strengthen skin structures and restore its softness and elasticity. As a gentle, but effective exfoliator, the pumpkin gets rid of dead skin cells for an effective epidermal turnover.
This amazing gourd is also an effective anti-oxidant. With our constant exposure to pollutants in the environment, sun, stress and poor diet, our skin needs the pumpkin’s anti-oxidant qualities to neutralize these free radicals that abound. That means, less wrinkles and healthier skin structures for all.
Pumpkin Facial Mask
• 2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon milk (or whipping cream, if your skin is very dry)
1. Combine ingredients and apply to a clean face with gentle circular motions, avoiding the area around your eyes.
2. Allow mask to remain on skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat dry, and apply your usual moisturizer.
Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
• 1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. Combine ingredients in a bowl.
2. Stand in a tub or shower stall and use a damp washcloth to scoop some of the mixture up. Apply to body, starting with your feet and working your way up, but avoiding your face. Scrub gently using circular motions.
3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.