Fall is in the air and it brings to mind many things: colorful leaves, cooling temperatures, longer shadows and, of course, pumpkin! Not only does pumpkin smell and taste good, it is a very effective ingredient commonly used in the skin health industry. This incredible ingredient can be used as an effective mask or fermented into a “pumpkin wine” to release multiple nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for most skin types and conditions. The fermentation process releases additional nutrients and vitamins within pumpkin, and can be formulated into toners or applied topically to protect and nourish the skin throughout the day. One use for pumpkin wine has been realized in Nutrient Toner by PCA SKIN, which utilizes a powerhouse of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids to help refine pores and remove superficial dead skin cells. The pumpkin enzyme is an effective proteolytic, meaning it will dissolve – or digest – protein or keratin. This mechanism of action makes it an excellent ingredient for sluggish skin conditions that typically result in an excessive amount of skin cell debris, which leads to a complexion that looks dull and uneven. Excessive cellular buildup can also impede the ability of topical products and serums to effectively penetrate the skin. By keeping the skin free of this extra buildup, products that are applied directly after the pumpkin enzyme will be able to work their way into the lower layers of the epidermis more easily. Vitamins A and C are also ingredients found in pumpkin, both of which are essential to healthy skin function. In addition, pumpkin also contains a high percentage of naturally occurring salicylic acid, making this a great ingredient for acneic skin types as well.
