Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyFall and pumpkins go hand in hand. You carve jack-o-lanterns out of your pumpkins and serve up pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Now you can use the power of the pumpkin on your skin.
This time of year trees and plants shed their old, dry leaves to prepare for the new, fresh leaves of Spring. But what does this have to do with our skin? The term "exfoliation" actually stems from the term "foliate" which means "related to leaves." As important as it is in the plant kingdom, exfoliation is also essential to skin health. Now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your skin from the harsh effects of summer and, according to
Dr. Jennifer Linder, with Dermatology and Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery, pumpkin is one of nature's most beneficial contributions to skin care.
In order for the body to function properly, we must eat healthy foods and supply it with water, essential vitamins and nutrients.
Dr. Linder also believes the topical application of nourishing vitamins and antioxidant ingredients are also important to the skin. In addition to nourishing the skin, proper exfoliation is essential in order to inhibit the buildup of excess skin cells, ensure maximum penetration of these nutrients and allow the hydrated and healthy skin cells to rise to the surface.
Dr. Linder says pumpkin is one of nature's perfect foods for healthy skin, as it is a versatile and effective skincare ingredient that has something to offer all skin types. According to Linder, pumpkin contains a high concentration of fruit enzymes and natural salicylic acid, as well as vitamins A, C and E. The enzymes and salicylic acid content encourage exfoliation to release the dead skin cells that build up on the epidermis, or top layer of the skin, which then enables maximum penetration of the naturally available vitamins and antioxidants in pumpkin that are essential to skin health.
Dr. Linder provided the following tips on the use of pumpkin to rejuvenate your skin.
-Exfoliation plays an important role in daily skin health. As our skin cells are produced in the lower layers of our skin, they rise to the upper layer, or stratum corneum, where they are eventually shed; however, due to age, smoking, UV damage and other environmental stresses, this exfoliation process starts to slow down, and the dead skin cells tend to build up on the surface of the skin, causing the skin to have a dull appearance. This buildup or "keratinization" can also impede the penetration and absorption of topical products.
-The fruit enzymes and salicylic acid naturally found in pumpkin aid in the exfoliation process by dissolving the keratinized, or hardened skin cells, on the surface of the stratum corneum, while loosening the debris trapped within the follicles, revealing the plump and newer skin cells that lie beneath. The removal of this outer layer is important, as it unclogs pores and encourages maximum penetration of topical products.
-The key to healthy skin is "gentle" exfoliation. Using harsh scrubs and ingredients that can irritate and even over-exfoliate the skin should be avoided. PCA SKIN offers both daily and professional, pumpkin-based treatment options, which include a multi-step professional treatment. This treatment consists of an active mask and powerful antioxidant and vitamin-infusing components that can be beneficial to many skin types and conditions.
-Encouraging light, daily exfoliation is also an effective way to keep the skin functioning properly. Alcohol-free toners may be used to exfoliate and reduce the appearance of pores. Many toners strip the skin of nutrients and moisture. PCA SKIN nutrient toner not only removes dirt and debris but also replenishes vital nutrients with the use of pumpkin wine.
-Feeding the skin with vitamins and antioxidants is also essential to optimal skin health. Pumpkin contains a bountiful source of vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A minimizes the appearance of fine lines, encourages cell turnover and also helps to fight skin dryness and itching, which is common during the Fall and Winter months. Vitamin C provides natural protection from UV exposure, stimulates collagen and elastin production and, along with the vitamin E content, provides superior antioxidant properties by neutralizing free radicals in the skin caused by the aging process and exposure to environmental stresses. NOTE: Antioxidants are not a replacement for daily application of sunscreen, which is recommended year round.
