Pumpkin Masks and Every Reason To Try Them

When the weather gets colder and the leaves start to change, many people’s first thought is pumpkin. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, carving pumpkins — pumpkins are everywhere from September through November. 

But pumpkin doesn’t just have to be used for eating or decor. Some are turning pumpkins into a way to help their skin look its best. One of the best ways to do that is by using a pumpkin mask, either by making one yourself or purchasing one from a reputable company. 

Miami MD wants to talk to you about your options and how they can complement your existing skincare routine. If you’re looking for a way to make your skin appear tighter and more radiant, this is just the article for you.

Why Pumpkin?

There are plenty of superfoods out there that get all the attention — kale and acai berry, among others. So many of them, in fact, that pumpkin often doesn’t even get a chance to shine. We want to put the spotlight back on this youth-booster!

But why pumpkin?

Interestingly enough, the pumpkin is a fruit. The first clue of its nutritional power is in its vibrant, orange color. Specifically, an antioxidant called beta-carotene. 

Beta-carotene is a plant carotenoid, one that can convert to vitamin A inside the body. If you’ve been researching skincare, the term vitamin A may ring a bell — it’s where retinol is derived.

In addition to vitamin A, pumpkin is packed with plenty of other antioxidants and enzymes. More than 100 of them, in fact. Those nutrients can help fight back the visible signs of aging by taking on free radical damage and giving the skin what it needs. It’s a natural way for you to boost and support the healing power of your skin. 

Another nutrient pumpkin is full of is copper. Although it doesn’t get the attention that retinol gets, copper is another potent anti-aging skincare ingredient. It is just as helpful in boosting collagen and elastin production. Copper is also an effective hydrator and can fight oxidative stress triggered by free radicals. 

Homemade Pumpkin Masks

If you’re the type who loves a DIY project, making a homemade pumpkin mask may be right up your alley. Pumpkin masks only require a few ingredients, can be mixed up in just a few minutes, and can do wonders for your skin.

To make a basic pumpkin mask, you’ll need ¼ cup of either organic pumpkin (from the can) or fresh pumpkin that you’ve baked, smashed, and strained. To that pumpkin, add a whole, organic egg. The egg yolk adds extra nourishment, while the egg white can help tighten sagging skin.

If your skin is on the dry side, add a few teaspoons of honey. If it is oily, add a small amount of cranberry juice or organic apple cider vinegar as an astringent. 

To use your pumpkin mask, apply it to your face. Then just kick your feet up and relax for 15 – 20 minutes as the mask works its wonders on your face. After that, simply rinse it off with lukewarm water and enjoy your brighter complexion!

Over-The-Counter Options

If you’d rather buy your pumpkin mask instead of making it yourself, you’re in luck. 

Multiple well-known skincare companies sell a variety of different pumpkin masks in forms. When we last searched, there were both daytime masks and overnight masks.

There were also sheet masks and masks that you’ll apply directly to your face. If you’re interested in using pumpkin to help your skin, we’re confident that you can find just the product you need to supplement your regular skincare routine.

Make sure that you perform a patch test before trying out any new skincare products, though. It’s critical to verify that you’re not allergic or sensitive to any ingredients before applying them to your entire face. 

To do a patch test, just apply a small amount of the mask (or the serum, if you’re using a sheet mask) to an out-of-the-way area of your face. Monitor for any signs of redness or irritation for 24 to 48 hours before proceeding with a full-face application.

Complementary Miami MD Products

A good pumpkin mask can boost the benefits of your skincare routine, especially if you use Miami MD products. Here are a few of the products we think would complement a pumpkin mask the best and how they can produce similar benefits all year round.

If you’re using a pumpkin mask to help your skin feel firmer and more youthful, our Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream can help keep those benefits all year round. Using proven ingredients like Progeline, Matrixyl 3000, and Argireline, the cream helps restore your skin’s youthful firmness, elasticity, and volume without having to crack open a can of pumpkin.

If you’re more concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, you can turn to our Instant Wrinkle Eraser. We use Matrixyl Synthe-6 and Acetyl Hexapeptide 30 to target the senior shadows that make both of those issues appear much darker.

Our Instant Wrinkle Eraser works so quickly that some people have even called it an “aging invisibility cloak” for the skin. And finally, if your concerns tend to be more around the eye area, try our Intensive Eye Repair Serum. The eyes tend to be the most obvious target of aging due to how thin the skin is in the area. 

Mainly, those signs involve sagging, crow’s feet, and drooping. Using Eyeliss, Matrixyl 3000, Haloxyl, and Progeline (the same ingredient we use in our Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream), the serum lifts, firms, and fights the visible signs of aging.  

The Importance of Moisturizer

No matter your skincare concerns, there is one step in your skincare routine that you should never skip — moisturizer. 

Moisturizer is a natural step for anyone who deals with dryer skin, as its difference in the skin is quick and obvious. Unfortunately, some people with oily skin think that their skin doesn’t need it as much. This is one of the most persistent skincare myths, as oily skin may need moisturizer even more than dry skin. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, people with oily skin need to use moisturizer daily. Although it may seem oily to the touch, the skin is still lacking hydration. In an attempt to counteract that lack of hydration, the skin secretes even more sebum to protect it. 

Even if you have normal or combination skin, make sure that you moisturize. Hydrated skin is radiant, glowing skin. Don’t throw away the benefits of using a pumpkin mask by not following it up with giving your skin the moisture it needs to take care of itself. 

Just make sure to choose one that works with your unique skin type.

In Conclusion

Pumpkin isn’t just for the fall season. Using a pumpkin mask, whether it’s one that you’ve made yourself or purchased over the counter, your skin will be tighter, brighter, and more youthful appearing. When you pair those benefits with Miami MD skincare products, you’ll be able to love and appreciate your skin more than you have in years. 

No one’s skin is perfect, and it never will be. Learning how to work with your skin to make it as beautiful as possible is the key to building your self-confidence and loving yourself exactly as you are. That’s what our functional beauty products are all about.  

Sources:

Pumpkin Nutrition – Pumpkins and More | University of Illinois Extension

Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin | PubMed

How to control oily skin | American Academy of Dermatology Association