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The Beauty Benefits of Pumpkin (Plus the Best Skin Care Products That Have It)

Jenn Sinrich
Writer and expert5 years ago
View Jenn Sinrich's profile

mini pumpkins scattered

You know fall is finally here when you start seeing pumpkin products of all different kinds line store shelves. As festive as the use of this ingredient may be, there’s another reason it’s becoming increasingly popular during all seasons, not just fall: Pumpkin is loaded with a number of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for our overall health and can provide a number of beauty benefits, too.

The Beauty Benefits of Pumpkin

“Pumpkin is made up of alpha hydroxy acids (similar to glycolic acid and lactic acid), which are fruit acids that slough dead skin cells, increase cell turnover and keep the skin glowing,” explains Lily Talakoub, M.D., dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center. “Pumpkin also has the added benefit of containing beta-carotene, a vitamin A-derivative that decreases wrinkles, helps slough brown spots and can help reverse UV damage.” Zinc is also plentiful in pumpkin, which Dr. Talakoub calls “nature’s best healing agent,” for its acne-preventing and skin-healing abilities.

Pumpkin is also loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost your body’s immunity to fight off colds, the flu and infections, as well as helps fight sun damage and free radicals on the skin, preventing aging, wrinkles and brown spots, according to Dr. Talakoub. “Vitamin A is another pumpkin goodie—it helps improve your vision, reduces the risk of cataracts of the eye and minimizes acne scars,” she adds.

Ready to take advantage of the myriad of beauty benefits of fall’s favorite fruit (yes, fruit!)? Here are the pumpkin-containing beauty products that experts say are worth trying year-round.

    Jenn Sinrich
    Writer and expert
    View Jenn Sinrich's profile
    Jenn Sinrich is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist in NYC. Her work can be found in Women’s Health, SELF, Reader's Digest, Health, PureWow and more. When she's not putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), she can be found traveling the world and discovering more about the big apple of a city she's always dreamed of calling home. Follow her on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.
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