Pump up your beauty regime

The Editor -

Planning to carve up a pumpkin for Halloween?

Why stop there?

Spruce up (or start) your DIY beauty routine by adding pumpkin to the mix.

These two recipes: a facial mask and a body scrub will leave you glowing and fresh.

Pumpkin is beneficial not only for your health but also for your appearance. Pumpkin pulp is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids which help to moisturise skin, remove dead skin cells, treat acne, and firm and smooth. It is also full of vitamins A and C, which are both essential in protecting skin and keeping it healthy.

These recipes require only a handful of ingredients that you may already have on hand, which means you are only a few minutes away from a home spa experience. Enjoy!

  1. Pumpkin Facial Mask

Makes enough for 1 application

Ingredients
• 2 teaspoons pureed pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon yogurt
• Pinch of cinnamon

Directions

Stir all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to the face, avoiding the eyes. Let the mask sit on your face for 20-30 minutes before rinsing clean.

  1. Pumpkin Scrub

Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup baking soda
• ¼ cup honey

Directions

Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl and store in a glass jar. Use in the shower as a scrub to exfoliate the skin. The mixture stores for one week in the fridge.