Every fall from Halloween to Thanksgiving, pumpkins get to have their moment in the spotlight. But forget jack-o’-lanterns and pie. Right now according to a recent article in Cosmopolitan Magazine you should be using the big orange fruit (according to my Google results, pumpkin is technically a fruit because it has seeds) to whip up a bunch of really great (and cheap!) skin treatments.
Narine Nikogosian, is an L.A. based skin expert (her clients include Jessica Alba and Charlize Theron) and she says pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and antioxidants that can help you fight damaging free radicals. Here are a few that I thought would be fun to share with you.

Harvest Cleanser:
Good for: Normal-to-oily skin
Ingredients: 1 pumpkin slice, 1/4 cup milk

Preparation: Remove the skin and seeds from the pumpkin slice and cut it into cubes. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the pumpkin cubes until they are soft. In a small bowl, mash the pumpkin. In another small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the mashed pumpkin with the milk. Add 1/4 cup of water and mix well.

Application: Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean wet washcloth or sponge. Gently wash your face with this in the morning and evening. Rinse with warm water.

Pumpkin Happy Face Mask:
Good for: Dry skin
Ingredients: 1 pumpkin wedge, 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation: Remove the rind and chop up the pumpkin into 10 cubes. Boil the pumpkin cubes in water for 10 minutes, drain, then mash them and allow to cool. Combine 2 tablespoons of mashed pumpkin with the oil and mix well.

Application: Gently apply this to your face and neck and relax for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then apply your moisturizer.

Pumpkin Eye Mask:
Good for: Anyone
Ingredients: 1 pumpkin slice, 1 teaspoon honey

Preparation: Peel and seed a slice of pumpkin. Cook it in 2 cups of water until soft, then mash it and add 1 teaspoon of honey.

Application: Put the mixture inside clean gauze, then place over your eyes and relax for 20 minutes.

Go ahead try one of them out this week and let me know how it went. Just put your feedback in the comment box below.