Halloween is fast approaching and many Brits will be carving pumpkins this weekend to get in the spooky and festive spirit on October 31st.
Approximately 24 million pumpkins are sold each year in the UK to celebrate Halloween, leaving a huge surplus.
Skincare expert Vera von Nesselrode MCMA, who works with Ripe Hair & Beauty, reveals how leftover pumpkin is good for your skin and can even be used to treat hair loss.
“As winter sets in, your skin needs some extra TLC. It can look dull and the drop in temperature can compromise your lipid profile,” she said.
“Pumpkin extract is ideal for skin care as it contains many components that have beneficial effects on the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, C and E, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihistamine properties. It also contains flavonoids and carotenoids that have antibacterial properties.
“Pumpkin seed oil has many potential benefits and practical uses for the skin when applied topically. For example, it can:
“It aids in wound healing by increasing the content of bioactive components such as tocopherols, fatty acids, and phytosterols. It helps treat chronic hand eczema by reducing inflammation and resolving lesions.”
“A 2019 study found that regularly massaging pumpkin seed oil into the scalp can help prevent hair loss.
“One thing to note is that pumpkin spice doesn’t actually contain pumpkin. So, unfortunately, you won’t get the same benefits if you drink a pumpkin spice latte.”
According to dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, pumpkin seed oil can block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is responsible for male pattern baldness.
Sofia Baig, a trichologist and renowned hair loss expert at Monpure London, told ELLE that pumpkin seed oil naturally blocks the production of DHT and can “minimize excessive hair loss.” Ta.
“It stimulates the growth of hair follicles that then enter a new cycle of anagen. An incredibly natural solution to hormonal hair loss, such as thinning hair during menopause or after childbirth in women. A powerful anti-inflammatory agent It also reduces oxidation and prevents hair loss.
Pumpkin seed oil can be purchased online or at your local supermarket or health food store.
However, you can easily make it at home using a few ingredients. Simply mix the seeds into a paste and heat the paste in a double boiler to release the oil.
How to make pumpkin seed oil yourself:
Mix the shelled pumpkin seeds into the paste.
Place the paste in a heatproof bowl over boiling water with a few tablespoons of water.
Warm the paste and stir gently to release the oil. Add water if necessary.
When the paste starts to release oil, squeeze it through a muslin cloth and strain it into a clean container.
