If you're one of those annoying people who love pumpkin-flavored anything (that would be me!), you'll be glad to know pumpkin is packed with beauty-boosting nutrients both inside and out. So who needs store-bought pumpkin masks when you can make a more effective one at home? Having spent years creating and testing skin care recipes, I'm sharing my favorite pumpkin face mask plus more simple recipes for every skin type.
Plus, I am always opening cans of pumpkin puree and then wondering what to do with the leftovers. An at-home pumpkin facial is a great way to use it up! This guide explains why you, too, should consider pumpkin face masks this fall, in addition to some of our favorite homemade recipes that require little to no effort.
Not into DIYing? Try a cleansing face mask or an enzyme facial.
Jump to:
- Pumpkin Face Mask Benefits
- How To Make a Pumpkin Face Mask
- 1. Best Homemade Pumpkin Face Mask For Normal Skin
- For Aging + Dry Skin
- 2. Hydrating Pumpkin Puree Mask Recipe
- 3. Pumpkin Face Mask To Fade Age Spots
- 4. Pumpkin Facial Scrub To Smooth Fine Lines
- For Dull Skin
- 5. Apple Pumpkin Facial Peel
- 6. Exfoliating Pumpkin Spice Face Mask
- 7. Natural Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask
- For Oily + Acne-Prone Skin
- 8. Pumpkin Seed Spot Treatment
- 9. Turmeric + Pumpkin Glow Face Mask
- 10. Easy Pumpkin Facial to Shrink Pores
- More Ways To Use Pumpkin
- More Skincare From the Kitchen
Pumpkin Face Mask Benefits
Sun spots and age spots are one of the most annoying signs of aging. Anyone else regretting their time in the sun this summer?
It's never too late to get serious about wearing sunscreen, and you can also take steps to reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse the signs of sun damage on your face. The perfect pampering ingredient? Pumpkin.
Pumpkin nourishes dry skin
Pumpkin is packed with phytonutrients—basically, vitamins and minerals [source] that help moisturize dry skin and maintain a healthy level of oil production.
Pumpkin exfoliates to brighten dull skin
Pumpkin is an excellent exfoliator. Its fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids [source] that break down dead skin cells, encouraging new cell growth and leaving you with a softer, brighter complexion.
Pumpkin repairs sun damage + fades sun spots
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, the anti-aging ingredient you'll find in retinol products [source]. That makes pumpkin perfect for a face mask that lightens age spots and evens out skin tone.
Pumpkin smooths fine lines
You'll also get a dose of vitamin C and beta-carotene with pumpkin [source], both of which support collagen production to improve skin tone and texture [source].
How To Make a Pumpkin Face Mask
Prepare the Pumpkin Puree: Whenever possible, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Fresh pumpkin contains more active enzymes and nutrients. Simply cook and mash a small pumpkin for this purpose. But if you do use canned, make sure it's 100 percent pumpkin (and preferably organic).
Skip Spices for Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, skip adding any spices like the cinnamon and nutmeg, as they can be irritating. Focus on pumpkin, honey, and yogurt for a gentler mask.
Patch Test: Before applying the mask to your entire face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin, such as your inner wrist or the side of your neck, to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
Cleanse Beforehand: Always start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or oils before applying the mask. This allows the mask's nutrients to penetrate better.
Apply Mask to Neck + Chest: Apply the mask evenly across your face, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes. You can also apply it to your neck and chest for a complete treatment. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
Don't Overdo It: Use a pumpkin mask once or twice a week to prevent over-exfoliation and potential skin irritation. Frequent exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Remember Sun Protection: After using any exfoliating mask, including pumpkin masks, be sure to apply sunscreen before going out during the day. Exfoliated skin can be more susceptible to sun damage.
1. Best Homemade Pumpkin Face Mask For Normal Skin
This is my favorite all-purpose DIY pumpkin mask recipe. Pumpkin puree balances the skin, Greek yogurt adds moisture, and honey offers a natural glow. You can add a bit of green or bentonite clay if your pores need a detox.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon clay (optional)
Mix up the ingredients and apply to clean face, neck and chest. Rinse with warm water after 15 minutes. Pat dry and apply moisturizer.
For Aging + Dry Skin
2. Hydrating Pumpkin Puree Mask Recipe
Nourish your dry skin with this hydrating pumpkin mask. Avocado offers healthy fats to replenish and revitalize parched skin. Or try jojoba oil to leave your skin looking refreshed and youthful. Add vitamin E oil to combats sign of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon mashed avocado or 1-2 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 2-3 drops vitamin E oil
Combine all ingredients. Apply to face and neck. Let sit 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
3. Pumpkin Face Mask To Fade Age Spots
Alpha-hydroxy acids in pumpkin increase cell turnover to even out skin tone. Plus, its vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin, preventing new age spots from forming [source]. The lactic acid in yogurt will exfoliate and promote cell turnover [source].
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- A couple of drops of licorice extract
- 1 tablespoon cooked oatmeal (optional for a gentle exfoliant)
Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir together. Apply to areas with dark spots and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Repeat 1-2 times a week.
4. Pumpkin Facial Scrub To Smooth Fine Lines
Pumpkin's vitamin C and beta-carotene work together to boost the production of collagen, which helps diminish wrinkles [source]. Add sugar to create gentle exfoliation, leaving soft, smooth skin.
- 2 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply an even layer to clean skin. Let sit for 10 minutes, and then use your fingers to massage the mask into the skin using small, circular motions. Then rinse with warm water. Use once a week.
For Dull Skin
5. Apple Pumpkin Facial Peel
Pumpkin has lots of antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate and improve skin texture at the same time [source]. And apples, the other great fall ingredient, have natural fruit acids [source] that help to get rid of old skin cells.
- ½ green apple
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
- Dash of cinnamon
Peel and chop the apple. Put it in the blender with the pumpkin and blend until you have a smooth consistency. Add in the honey and milk.
Slather on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area, and use the remaining puree to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte while your mask sits for 15 minutes. Store the extra mask mixture in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—or have a tasty snack!
6. Exfoliating Pumpkin Spice Face Mask
Almond meal is a physical exfoliator that removes dead skin while its natural oils provide moisturizing and anti-aging elements to the mix [source]. A little note of caution, if you are making your own almond meal for this recipe, be sure to grind it to a very fine consistency as large pieces may scratch the skin.
And finally, the heavenly smelling spices. Combining cinnamon to cleanse and disinfect [source], nutmeg to reduce inflammation [source], and ginger as an antimicrobial [source] to treat blemishes and reduce scarring, this beautiful blend is a powerful ally in the fight to keep your skin smooth and clear.
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon finely ground almond meal
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Mix all the ingredients together until they are completely combined. Remove any makeup, and wash your face thoroughly. Apply the mask to your entire face (and neck if you like) with your fingers, spreading it on with gentle, circular motions.
Sit back and relax as you let the ingredients work their magic for 15–20 minutes. Then, wash the mask off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
7. Natural Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask
Revive lackluster skin with this natural acid fruit mask. Pumpkin puree, pineapple juice and papaya puree all have exfoliating enzymes that remove dead skin cells. Brown sugar adds a gentle physical exfoliation element, leaving your skin glowing and revitalized.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon papaya puree
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
Combine all ingredients. Apply to face and neck. Let sit 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
For Oily + Acne-Prone Skin
8. Pumpkin Seed Spot Treatment
The zinc in pumpkin seeds helps control oil production and soothe the inflammation that causes redness [source]. A bit of toothpaste holds the seeds onto the skin and also acts as an astringent.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- Toothpaste
Grind the seeds into a fine powder. Mix a teaspoon of the powder with a dab of toothpaste, and dot onto blemishes. Rinse after 15 minutes.
9. Turmeric + Pumpkin Glow Face Mask
Combat acne and blemishes with this pumpkin mask that includes turmeric to reduce inflammation and tea tree oil to act as a natural acne fighter, making this mask an excellent choice for clearer skin.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1-2 drops tea tree oil
Combine all ingredients. Apply to face and neck. Let sit 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
10. Easy Pumpkin Facial to Shrink Pores
A topical application of pumpkin helps exfoliate the skin to unclog pores. Add in anti-inflammatory honey to reduce redness [source].
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon honey
Mix the ingredients together and dab onto blemishes. Or apply all over areas with enlarged pores, such as the nose, forehead, and cheeks. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
More Ways To Use Pumpkin
To rescue dry hair, try an all-natural hair mask with pumpkin and honey (a natural humectant). To spark new hair growth, try this pumpkin coconut oil mask.
Vitamins in pumpkin increase circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients to follicles, which helps stimulate hair growth. Add coconut oil to moisturize and plump follicles for fuller-looking hair.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoon coconut oil
Stir the ingredients together in a small bowl. Massage the mixture onto the scalp with your fingers. Let sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse. Repeat twice a week.
Make these Pumpkin-Honey Sugar Scrub Cubes (or try the maple-brown sugar or vanilla-coffee recipes) ahead of time and grab a couple any time you get the urge to exfoliate. They're easy to make ahead and portioned out to just the right size.
With all the benefits of pumpkin, honey, and coconut oil, this pumpkin spice lip scrub will keep your pout safe and chap-free throughout the cold season.
More Skincare From the Kitchen
If you love using pumpkin in your skincare routine, there's no reason not to try other kitchen ingredients, too! Here are some favorite face masks you might like:
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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