Saturday, October 30, 2010

Halloween Masques

Pumpkins are used for more than just jack-o’-lanterns and pies (although a warm slice of the latter with vanilla ice cream would really be a treat about now.) Pumpkin is also a treat for the skin. Pumpkin contains natural enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin and stimulate production of new cells, which is why it is often an ingredient in masks and scrubs. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and nourishes the skin.


There are two products from Crater Lake that contain pumpkin among the ingredients. Pumpkin & Oats Nourishing Face Masque ($17, 1 oz) contains pumpkin to rid of the face of dead skin cells, as well as colloidal oatmeal and organic marshmallow root powder to help soothe inflammation, and Egyptian frankincense powder to improve skin tone. The all-natural dry powder masque is used with a liquid activator customized according to skin type. The Warm Pumpkin Bread Body Scrub ($19.95, 9 oz) features protective pumpkin oil as well as pure white cane sugar and pumpkin flakes to buff away dead skin cells, revealing more radiant skin. For more information visit www.craterlakecompany.com.




Farmhouse Fresh Splendid Dirt Delectable Mud Mask ($20, 3 oz glass jar) is especially great for problem skin that suffers from acne, blotches, redness and excessive oil. This warming mask contains two types of clays (bentonite and illite) that have healing properties and also helps deep clean, detoxify and unclog the skin. Yogurt cultures contain lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that stimulates circulation for more healthy-looking skin. The Splendid Dirt mud mask is available at www.farmhousefreshgoods.com and fine boutiques, resorts and spas.



The pineapple enzymes and pumpkin seed extract in Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask ($12.95, 3 oz) naturally exfoliate to lift dead skin cells, while papaya enzymes loosen and dissolve dead cells and impurities, increasing circulation and revealing a brighter complexion. Visit www.albabotanica.com to find a store near you.

Renee Rouleau’s Pumpkin Soothing Peel was formulated with super-sensitive skin in mind. Mild corn meal grains gently exfoliate, with green tea extract, carrot tissue extract and antioxidants rounding out the soothing ingredient blend. The Pumpkin Soothing Peel is $51.50 (1.7 oz) at www.ReneeRouleau.com.



Whole Truth Holistic Health Solutions’ Healthy Beauty Bath Bars are handmade with 100% plant-based and vegan ingredients, including natural teas, organic oils and butters, and healing herbs. The Pumpkins From Poppy Seeds essential oil bath bar ($7, 5 oz bar) is great for acne sufferers and people with oily skin. It contains poppy seeds to gently exfoliate and pumpkin seed oil to nourish the skin. Annatto seed oil and sage oil have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, and cedar oil combats acne and oily skin. Visit www.wholetruthsolutions.com.


Burt’s Bees Miracle Salve ($7, 2 oz) contains pumpkin seed oil combined with protein-rich bee pollen olive oil and wheat germ extract to hydrate and protect dry hair and skin. Beeswax helps to hold in moisture. Visit www.burtsbees.com for store locations.