Good Gourd

October is right around the corner. And when I think of the tenth month of the year, pumpkins always come to mind. Although the fruit (you thought it was a vegetable, didn’t ya?) is most commonly used in pies and bread, pumpkin’s health benefits make it a beneficial beauty product ingredient.

Pumpkin contains more than 100 nutrients, which may be used to help reverse signs of aging. Pumpkin enzymes have the highest source of beta carotene and vitamins to combat oxidation and free radical damage.

Fall is officially here…and to celebrate the change of season, here are my top picks of the pumpkin patch. Trust me - these products will leave you glowing and grinning like a jack-o-lantern.


Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
A detoxifying peel for the face and neck. Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and Vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin. Plus it has a delicious, irresistible pumpkin scent.


Molton Brown Skinbalance Toning Lotion
Naturally exfoliate and brighten the complexion with this non-drying, rebalancing preparation. American pumpkin enzymes, pink grapefruit, lime and yeast extract combine to strengthen the skin and reduce moisture loss. Skin is revitalized, softened and smoothed. Gentle enough to use around the eye area, this is suitable for all skin types.


Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity Pumpkin Purifying Mask
It's like putting holiday dessert right on your body! But this purifying mask does more than just smell great—it exfoliates and moisturizes, leaving your skin smooth as silk. Oprah touted this product as one of her 'favorite things' back in 2003. (Bath & Body Works recently discontinued their Pure Simplicity line, but you can still find this magnificent mask on eBay).


Burt's Bees Miracle Salve
Save yourself from dry hair and skin, miraculously. Moisturize and nourish hair, hands, and body with this super-enriched, emollient formula. Pumpkin seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids, combines with olive oil and wheat germ extract to hydrate and protect dry hair and skin. Meanwhile, protein-rich bee pollen nourishes and rejuvenates, while emollient beeswax holds in moisture.


Yes To Carrots C is for Hair Care - Hair and Scalp Mud Mask
Experience gorgeous hair like never before with C is for Hair Care. C is for Hair Care moisturizes, softens, detangles, shines, and volumizes...and contains extracts of carrot, pumpkin, orange & honey, rich with Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E and other enzymes that keep your locks in tip-top condition.


Bella Lucce Pumpkin Glow Body Scrub
The enzymes in pumpkin pulp combine with pumpkin seed oil to dissolve dull, dead cells, revealing the healthy radiant skin underneath. Pure cane sugar is enveloped in this creamy blend of nourishing oils and butters, spiked with warm, aromatic essential oils for a soothing treat. As with all Bella Luccè scrubs, their Pumpkin Glow emulsifies into a creamy lotion when applied, then rinses clean for delectably soft skin without oily residue. Bella Lucce also carries a Warming Pumpkin Masque.

PS (Pumpkin Secret) – In the late 90’s, the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago conducted a study that concluded one third of American men are turned on by the smell pumpkin pie. Intrigued? Click here to learn more.