With Autumn coming, everyone is looking forward to breaking out their boots and winter wear, or simply plan upcoming ski holidays… Pumpkins, in particular, are becoming ubiquitous in soups, drinks and desserts — in celebration of the autumnal harvest.
Your skincare routine can also benefit from the exfoliating powers of pumpkin, it turns out. While changing weather often calls for more potent exfoliators to maintain baby fresh skin, peels, scrubs and acids may often be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. A natural alternative to harsh exfoliating beads or strong acids are enzyme exfoliators.
Enzyme exfoliators often contain extracts from fruit like papaya, pineapple, and citrus, which work effectively yet gently. These ingredients brighten and clarify the complexion, while also boasting anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin. Out of the lot, skincare containing pumpkin extract is the up-and-coming favourite. Rich in alpha-hydroxy acids as well as antioxidants, pumpkin as a skincare ingredient will leave your skin renewed.
Here are some of the best pumpkin skincare products you should try out.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
If you’re a skincare junkie, you’ve probably already heard of Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma serum. Despite being known as a potent Vitamin C serum, it has much more to offer. It contains fermented pumpkin extract and pomegranate enzymes to slough off dead skin cells, revealing healthy skin that glows.
HK$625, available at Sephora.
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask
This Instagrammable burnt orange-hued mask isn’t just pretty to look at. It is packed with vitamins A, K, C, as well as pumpkin extract to unearth hydrated and brightened skin.
HK$340, available at Selfridges.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
For some serious exfoliation action, this powerful wash-off mask gives life to dull and congested skin. Its highly raved-about Triple Action Technology consists of manual, chemical and enzymatic exfoliants — aluminium oxide crystals, alpha hydroxy acids, and pumpkin enzymes.
HK$460, available at Harvey Nichols.
Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack Overnight Mask
After a long day, most of us we just can’t wait to hit the bed. But don’t let laziness get in the way of good skincare habits. This Korean sleeping pack is a cult favourite by Too Cool For School, which now has mainly an online presence in Hong Kong. Perfect for dry skin, its ultra-rich texture locks in moisture with aloe vera and squalane while softening the skin with pumpkin extract. Nothing beats treating your skin while catching up on your beauty sleep.
HK$116, available at YesStyle.
Éminence Organics Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
Hungarian organic beauty brand Eminence is all about using biodynamic ingredients and sustainable farming practices to get potent products that are earth- and skin-friendly alike. Try this yam and pumpkin peel that’s packed with enzymes to help slough off dead skin cells, while also fighting hyper-pigmentation and increasing your natural collagen production.
HK$499, available from Amazon.
This article originally appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.
