I recently came across a local spa ad promoting their “pumpkin spice spa experience for Fall,” which features a pumpkin spice face mask made with ingredients like pumpkin, honey, and healing clays. Personally, I’m not keen on spending $125 for someone else to apply pumpkin on my face, but I thought this would be a fun DIY project to try at home with my daughters. We’ve made homemade masks and spa treatments before, so a pumpkin face mask seemed like a perfect fit, especially with the pumpkin spice craze everywhere.
This mask brings together all the fall scents into a homemade pumpkin enzyme mask that exfoliates and purifies. Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene (vitamin A), some vitamin C, and zinc, making it great for the skin. It also contains enzymes and antioxidants that can leave your skin glowing. Research shows that beta-carotene absorbs well into the skin, particularly from whole foods, so I decided it was worth a try. Plus, pumpkins are quite affordable when in season.
You can use either fresh or canned pumpkin puree for this recipe. Keep in mind though, the FDA’s definition of canned pumpkin is broad, and it can include other squashes like butternut. Regardless, the skincare benefits and vitamin content remain similar. While you could use Halloween pumpkins, the smaller pie pumpkins tend to be easier to manage.
Clay plays an important role by soothing the skin and exfoliating dead cells. I used bentonite clay, but any skin-safe clay like Rhassoul, kaolin, or French green clay should work. Do some research to find the best clay for your skin type. Bentonite clay is excellent for detoxifying the skin and pulling out impurities, although it can be drying for already dry skin. Fortunately, the pumpkin in this recipe adds hydration. If you have extra clay, it’s also useful for a hair or armpit detox.
Raw honey is another wonderful ingredient that soothes and nourishes the skin. It’s a great facial cleanser on its own and helps to soften and brighten the skin in this mask. Look for raw or Manuka honey to enjoy all its benefits, known for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.
After trying the mask, my skin feels incredibly soft!
Cinnamon adds warmth, a lovely scent, and a boost of antioxidants. It stimulates blood flow to the skin’s outer layers, so only a small amount is needed in this recipe. A 2017 study also found that cinnamon and honey combined can help fight acne-causing bacteria.
Note: If you have sensitive skin or plan to use this mask on children, patch test a small area on your inner arm first. If it feels too warming, you can leave out the cinnamon. Cumin has a similar scent and is excellent for skin health as well.
If you’re strapped for time but still want the benefits of pumpkin for your skin, consider trying some of these products that are free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful ingredients:
– Incredible Pumpkin Peel – MyChelle
– Pumpkin Enzyme Exfoliating Face Mask – Earthly Garden
– Superfood Skin Glow Mask – Model Off Duty
Not interested in using pumpkin on your face but love the flavor? Here are some of my favorite pumpkin recipes to try, using any leftover pumpkin puree from the face mask:
– Pumpkin Spice Latte
– Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie
– Pumpkin Bread or Muffins
– Pumpkin Chili
– Pumpkin Spice Meltaways
– Pumpkin Cheesecake
What’s your favorite way to use pumpkin? Share in the comments!
