Years ago when I managed a day spa, one of my favorite facials included a Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. That Pumpkin mask was so magically transforming that it inspired me to try working with at-home pumpkin treatments. Raw pumpkin has natural enzymes that eat away layers of dead skin cells and rejuvenate skin texture.
In my kitchen I don't have a whole lot of raw pumpkin on hand but I sure do have the canned stuff. Cooked pumpkin may be missing those potent enzymes but happens to be jam-packed with other good stuff like Vitamin-A, Vitamin-C, and lots of antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals. Not bad for a little can of pumpkin!
Mix that nutrient rich pumpkin puree with coarse sugar or salt, a bit of honey, and moisturizing sweet almond oil and you have a potent little Pumpkin-Sugar Body Scrub. Don't be fooled by its sweet name, this at-home remedy is no pumpkin pie. So the next time you have a little extra pumpkin puree leftover, try this scrub and let me know what you think!
photos by Leah Bergman
Pumpkin-Sugar Body Scrub
1 cup course raw sugar or salt
½ cup pure organic pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
1 tsp honey
1 Tbsp sweet almond oil
Directions:
1. Mix sugar, pumpkin, honey and almond oil together in a small bowl until well combined. Add more or less sugar and oil based on personal preferences.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Note: This scrub will keep up to 1 week so I recommend making it in small batches.
Marisa says
ooh! love this!! perfect for fall. i bet it smells great too!
Lynn @ The Actor's Diet says
Do you think you could sub olive oil for the almond oil???
Leah Bergman says
Yes! You could definitely sub olive oil. I just prefer the mild smell of almond but either will work. 🙂
Joy | Frock Files says
Hey, I used to manage a day spa years ago too! How funny. We did not, however, have a luxurious pumpkin-sugar body scrub. This looks amazing - and I think it would make a great gift for the holidays.
Carlene Thomas RD (@CarleneRD) says
Always a fan of kitchen beauty. : )
Chelsea says
Not only is this great for you but I but it (or you, whatever) smells divine!
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Ana says
I was never so into body scrubs, but I will try out this one. Most cosmetic products irritate my skin, but something natural like this might work for me.
Julia @ FaveCrafts says
Hi Leah,
What a cute project! I love it so much that I decided to feature it in our roundup of DIY body scrubs! Check it out here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/diy-body-scrubs/
Have a great day!
Krista says
Love it but can I leave out the honey?
Leah Bergman says
Sure! It will still be great without.
Matti says
How long do you guess this may keep being that it has the pumpkin purée in it?
Leah Bergman says
I keep it in the refrigerator and I would say no longer than 1 week.
Fizzy Party says
I just made these as party favors for my #FizzyPartyFallHarvest party. My guests kept oogly them at the party and looked forward to taking them home. Follow the hashtag on Instagram for a pic. Of course I had to make an extra one for me 😀 I love how this brings the smell of fall in my shower and leaves my skin so soft.
Kasandra says
Can you use the "guts" (minus the seeds of course) inside of a pumpkin for this scrub?
Leah Bergman says
I've never tried using uncooked pumpkin. The texture might be a bit funky but I don't see why not!
Barbara says
Could this be used as a facial scrub?
Leah Bergman says
You probably could however my skin is very sensitive so I do not use homemade scrubs on it.