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.