DIY Pumpkin Face Mask

The 1 mandatory decoration for any household at halloween is a pumpkin. Even if you don't do halloween you probably still get a pumpkin! And the obvious thing to do with that little pumpkin is carve it up with a spooky face, or if your artistically inclined maybe an intricate pattern or picture. But before you can get to the carving on the skin, you have to dig out all that mushy, messy flesh on the inside. Now I'm 100% sure most of us just scoop it all out and chuck it in the bin, pumpkin is an acquired taste I think and most of us wouldn't have a clue what to do with it.

So before you chuck it all, STOP! Save all the seeds and the flesh (in separate bowls will be easier) and set them aside. NOW carry on carving that pumpkin, till its all creep and sorted. Then I shall tell you what awesome beauty treatment you can make with all that leftover flesh (and a little treat with the seeds)

So as the title suggests this hub is all about how to make a great DIY face mask using left over pumpkin flesh. Why waste it when you can put it too a really good use. Plus pumpkin is really good for your skin, who knew?

What do you need to create a high vitamin pumpkin face mask?

1. First you need to cook your pumpkin (you wouldn't need the whole thing, just enough to make around 4tsp when mashed), it is easiest to boil it but steaming will help keep more vitamins in. It will only take about 10-15mins until the pumpkin is nice and soft.
2. Mash up the pumpkin then leave it to cool
3. Once cool mix all the ingredients together. If you have dry skin add the honey, if you have oily skin add the cranberry juice - and voila! Done. Simple right!
4. Now just apply a thin layer (if it's too thick it will drip as it's heavy) to your face and sit back and relax for 20 minutes.
5. Then wash off with luke-warm water and pat your skin dry
6. If you don't use it all, you can put it in an airtight container in the fridge for unto 4 days

Pumpkin flesh:

• High in Vitamin A which is great for healing the skin
• High in Vitamin C which acts as a great anti-oxidant
• High in Zinc, which helps reduce blemishes, redness and drastically reduces the likelihood of acne
• It helps sooth and moisturise
• It acts as a carrier, to help the other ingredients get absorbed deeper into the skin

Milk:

• A great gentle natural exfoliant, the folic acid will break down dead skin cells
• Highly good for moisturising the skin cells and giving a glowing complexion

Egg Whites:

• High in Selenium, which can help prevent the hardening of the arteries and keep skin supple but tight
• High in Complex Vitamin B, which are helpful in the development of red blood cells in the body, to keep the skin firmer

Honey:

• Great for retaining moisture, allowing skin to stay hydrated for longer
• Great for fighting acne, it absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent
• It helps protect the skin from damaged caused by the sun, it helps rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin cells, leaving it feeling silky soft and supple - fights against ageing

Cranberry:

• Helps reduce inflammation in the body, which reduces the likelihood of acne
• High in antioxidants, important to the utilization of essential fatty acids to maintain balanced, nourished skin
  
  
  

And why waste those seeds when they could be made into a sweet little treat for all the family to enjoy. Make sure you give them a good wash, to get rid of all the pulp and stringy bits, then pat them dry on some kitchen towel.

What you'll need:

• Pumpkin seeds (1-2 cups)
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions to make Cinnamon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Toss the pumpkin seeds with 2 teaspoons vegetable oil and lay on a grease proof sheet on a baking tray.
3. Roast in the oven for 10-15mins, stirring every 5 minutes - until seeds are crisp and browned
4. Whilst they are still warm sprinkle with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and toss until they are all nicely coated.
5. Eating them whilst they are still warm is best, but they will last 5 days in an airtight container.

There you go, absolutely no need to waste any part of that great pumpkin. The flesh is brilliant for your skin and the seeds make yummy sweet snacks.

Serve up the seeds in one of the great pumpkin dishes below for an extra cute decoration at your party or dinner.