Three words: Pumpkin spice latte. Cafe-going folks attuned into the latest food fads will know that ‘tis the season for garishly hued mugs of warm sugary stuff – not that we’re complaining.
The thing is, pumpkin and spices are actually perfectly good for you in their own right. For one, said squash is absolutely packed with skin-friendly vitamins and anti-aging antioxidants, and its fibrous flesh is fab for sloughing off dull, dead skin when mixed into a mask.
Having been on a DIY roll this past week, I’m pleased as punch to say I may have hit upon a miracle beauty worker, and pumpkin’s of the essence! This rinse-off treatment also makes use of the skin-tightening effect of the caffeine in used coffee grounds – as commonplace a household ingredient as any!
Throw in a pinch of cinnamon, which boasts vasodilatory properties for better blood circulation and a healthy flush, and you have yourself an ace exfoliator that’s superb for re-energising dull, saggy skin.
Wee caveat: Individual results vary, of course, but there’s no harm giving this a shot, especially since pumpkin’s in season and increasingly available in your average heartland supermarket. Here’s how:
Assemble about half a cup of pureed pumpkin; one whole raw egg for its binding and protein-rich properties; a generous tablespoon each of damp coffee grounds and blemish-fighting honey; and a sprinkling of cinnamon powder.
For a turbo-charged “intense” version, feel free to tack on a scoop of Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, which boasts pumpkin-derived peeling enzymes and finely milled aluminium oxide crystals for a souped-up skin polishing effect.
Once you’ve dumped everything into a big bowl, use a spatula to mash the ingredients into a sticky slurry, then slap this pumpkin porridge onto clean skin, taking care to avoid the delicate area around the eyes. Massage ever so gently using soft circular motions, then leave on for five minutes to let the good stuff do its job.
Splash off with warm water and be greeted in the vanity mirror with a fresh-faced, spa-grade visage. Give this a go and let me know how it works for you. Have fun, you’re welcome in advance!
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, $107, is available at all Sephora stores. For more information, visit www.peterthomasroth.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.