When you're done carving your Halloween pumpkins, there are two ways to reuse the fruit (Yes! Pumpkins are fruits!) for personal and planetary wellness. The first way? Eat it. The second way: Use it to level up your skincare game. Here's how.
PUMPKIN IN THE BODY
As a nutrient-dense food from the same plant family as cucumbers and melons, pumpkin is a yummy way to get vitamins, minerals, and fiber into your body. It's especially rich in Vitamin A—a powerful antioxidant that helps organ function and immunity—plus magnesium, iron, and copper. Pumpkin can also help eyesight, thanks to its beta carotene. Even pumpkin seeds are great for your body, with studies showing they're part of a heart-healthy diet. The best way to eat pumpkin is to roast it, then add it to salad, chili, pasta, or as a side dish with salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can also use small amounts in a DIY pumpkin spice latte or in cakes, cookies, and pies. The squash is so versatile that Delish has a slideshow with 50+ pumpkin recipes, and Bon Appetit has over 100. Fresh pumpkin retains more nutrients than the canned stuff, and some pumpkin purees contain added sugar or dairy, so check the ingredients before you buy.
PUMPKIN ON THE BODY
Pumpkin-based enzyme peels and masks are great for brightening, unclogging pores, and resetting oily skin. That's because pumpkin is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, which help gently clear debris and dead skin cells on the complexion's surface, and infuse the skin barrier with nutrients. That's why pumpkin is often used in anti-blemish masks and glow-boosting treatments from holistic beauty companies and more trendy skincare brands alike.
HOW TO GET IT...
For Brighter Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask ($60)
For Oil and Blemish Protection
Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Mask ($48)
For Fine Lines and Dullness
Raven Botanicals Solstice Oil ($41)
For Firming
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum ($78)