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Not only does pumpkin pack a delicious and nutritious punch in your favorite recipes, it’s also a beauty-boosting superstar. Once you discover the benefits of pumpkin skin care products, they may quickly become your next favorite treatment. Read on to learn why a pumpkin face mask or peel is exactly what your skin needs, as well as which Eminence Organic Skin Care pumpkin products complement your skin care routines.

Benefits Of Pumpkin Skin Care | Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks | Top Pumpkin Picks | Holiday Skin Care Ritual Ideas 

Benefits Of Pumpkin In Skin Care

Often evoking memories of a tasty coffee, cake or pie, a luscious layer of pumpkin on the face not only smells heavenly, it also leaves your skin baby soft and silky smooth. Benefits range from adding nutrition and hydration to the skin and brightening the appearance of the skin. Pumpkin pulp and seed oil contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids are key to a glowing and radiant complexion, helping with exfoliation, moisture retention and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Adding to this glowy goodness, pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants, specifically Vitamins A and C. As our Product Support Team explains, “Vitamins A and C help to defend against oxidative damage. Vitamin C is especially fabulous for treating and reducing the look of dark spots.”

5 Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks According To An Expert

The benefits of pumpkin leave you with the complexion of your dreams year round, but this fall-favorite ingredient is especially helpful as the seasons change. Using this ingredient helps alleviate skin care woes such as dehydration and redness caused by dryness. 

Our Product Support Team sums this up perfectly, saying: “As the seasons change, our skin tends to suffer moisture loss and can use a boost in exfoliation. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, post summer UV exposure, or the change in environment from central heating or air conditioning, the skin can usually use a little TLC, and pumpkin is here to help.”

With so many benefits, this multitasking ingredient is the perfect choice to incorporate into your daily routine for fall or any season. 

Top Pumpkin Picks

Our Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque is one favorite that leaves the skin looking smooth and vibrant. This pumpkin-infused face mask helps restore natural moisture balance at home, with Vitamin E and omega 9 fatty acids. Additionally, this dreamy pumpkin puree reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For a real seasonal treat, we recommend blending a mixology of the Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque followed by the Stone Crop Masque. This combination is easy for you to mix at home.

Our award-winning Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% is an at-home exfoliating peel containing lactic and glycolic acids. This treatment refines and evens skin tone, including the look of dark spots, and provides gentle exfoliation without any irritation. This peel needs to be rinsed thoroughly after applying and neutralized with our Soothing Chamomile Tonique.

For those seeking a deeper exfoliation, you can visit your nearest Eminence Organic Spa where an esthetician can apply our concentrated Yam & Pumpkin Pro Enzyme Peel 20%. This peel accelerates the exfoliation process and removes dead skin cells to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Holiday Skin Care Ritual Ideas

Start off with the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, a versatile product suitable for all skin types. This milky gel lightly lathers to slough off dead skin without manual exfoliation or over-stripping moisture from the skin. The Lactic Acid Complex and mangosteen in this cleanser work together to restore a smooth, radiant complexion. 

If your skin type is normal to dry skin, the Firm Skin Acai Cleanser is another great option. This cream cleanser blends hyaluronic acid and seabuckthorn oil to restore the appearance of elasticity to the skin and present a more youthful look.

2. Toning

For all skin types including dry and dehydrated, a spritz of the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist refreshes the skin. Once you cleanse the skin, apply one to two sprays onto the face and neck or apply with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area.

For combination to normal skin types, the Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist is designed to balance the skin. It contains a refreshing combination of antioxidant-packed mangosteen, energizing ribose and pore-refining red clover.

3. Exfoliation

For at home, you can apply the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant with a few drops of water. Apply this to the face using gentle circular movements covering the face and neck, while avoiding the eye area. Then remove with a warm, wet towel. The dermafoliant will help to restore a smooth, radiant complexion. Please avoid this product if you have sensitive skin.

You can also apply the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% for a fall treat. This peel is ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten the complexion by removing dead skin cells.

Another at-home exfoliating option is the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System. This three-step peel and peptide system contains the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA10 and the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. You’ll notice your skin appearing more refined and smoothed over time.  

4. Facial Masks

Embrace the changing seasons with two masks inspired by fall ingredients. For all skin types, replenish the skin’s moisture and fight the visible signs of aging with Vitamin E, omega 9 nutrients and antioxidant-rich pumpkin in our Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. Another popular option is the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque which combines citrus, leafy greens and avocado oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

After the mask step, you can peform some additional add-on neck, hand, foot and eye treatments. For example:

5. Body Care

Apply the Stone Crop Body Lotion. Massage it in and leave on.

6. Eye Care

Use the Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream. Snow Mushroom is an ultra-hydrating super-humectant that pulls moisture into the skin so that it appears supple and plump. Apply to the entire eye area twice daily, patting gently with fingertips until it is fully absorbed. Leave on.

7. Essence

Gently press a few drops of the Birch Water Purifying Essence into the skin until fully absorbed. This is a beautiful, lightweight essence that helps restore moisture levels.

8. Serum And Facial Oil

Treat your skin with the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum (for all skin types) to target the visible signs of aging. Follow with the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil to deeply hydrate the skin and deliver a firm, plump and lifted appearance. This oil is suited for normal to dry skin types.

9. Moisturizer

For combination to normal skin types, finish with our Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer as a moisturizing step. The deeply hydrating botanical hyaluronic acid and acai berry juice in this antioxidant-rich moisturizer give your skin the plumping it needs to look younger and wrinkle-free. Another great option for all skin types is the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream.

10. Sun Defense

For all skin types, you can apply an SPF sunscreen to finish and protect your skin. After the application of a peel treatment, skin will be more sensitive to the sun. A high SPF product is mandatory after treatment to help the skin heal. Wear protective clothing, stay indoors and limit sun exposure after each treatment and for a week afterwards.

11. Lip Care

Use the Lip Comfort Plumping Masque. This antioxidant, vitamin-rich and age-defying mask deeply hydrates and replenishes. Make sure to extend the application to the fine vertical lines around the mouth area as well as the marionette expression lines. 

12. Massage

For all skin types, apply the Linden Calendula Treatment (for the face) or apply a body lotion or body oil for body massage options. 

13. Finishing Eye Care

Apply a thin layer of the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum to the eye area with light blending movements until absorbed. Leave on.

14. The Final Lip Care/Add-On Lip Treatment

Use our Citrus Lip Balm or the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15 to protect and finish your lips. The Citrus Lip Balm is a petroleum-free citrus treat for the lips with shea butter and sunflower seed oil, and the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm moisturizes and protects dry lips with an SPF factor of 15.

Which product is your Fall favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!

This article was originally written in October 2021.

What the brand says…
“Rooted in nature, effective and responsible, another way to care for your skin and planet.”
“Skincare with a clear conscience by Stella McCartney.”

What you need to know
Her second attempt at breaking into the skincare world, Stella by Stella McCartney launched earlier this month, to the predictable fanfare and celebration from those areas of our industry where beauty crosses with fashion. The range has however, received a more considered response from those of us in the beauty industry who don’t have to appease the fashion world and their advertisers.
The range currently includes a cleanser, serum and moisturiser, plus refills and a set of minis (more of which later).

Who is it for?
Anyone who totally buys into the ‘clean’/’green’/’natural’ messaging that can afford it. The range isn’t active enough to target one particular skin type or concern. If you have good skin, want to maintain it, can afford it, knock yourself out.

You need this if…
You are obsessed with ‘clean’/’green’/’natural’, can afford it and are a fan of Stella.

You don’t need this if…
You have particular skin concerns you want to treat or you can’t afford it.

Reset Cleanser 150ml – £50.00
Refill 150ml – £38.00
This is a cream-to-foam formula that claims to leave your skin ‘oxygenated’. It is sold as a first and second cleanse.

Key Ingredients
Sunflower oil
Marine spring water
Organic birch sap

INCI
Aqua, helianthus annuus, glycerin, decyl glucoside, propanediol, disodium cocoyl glutamate, pentylene glycol, maris aqua, betula alba juice, tocopherol, xanthan gum, citric acid, sclerotium gum, sodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.

Alter Care Serum 50ml – £110
Refill 50ml – coming soon
This is said to ‘hydrate, revitalise, regenerate and protect’. It is essentially a hydrating serum with your usual hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid (the basic salt version) and squalane.

Key Ingredients
‘Natural organic hyaluronic acid’
Organic rock samphire extract
Biotechnical lingonberry extract
Olive squalane
Marine spring water
Wild harvested dulse algae extract

INCI
Aqua, Glycerin, Propanediol, Squalane, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, Maris Aqua, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Gluconolactone, Glucose, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylic/​Capric/​Succinic Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum.

Restore Cream 50ml – £85
Refill 50ml – £70
This is a nourishing moisturiser that is lightweight but not greasy. Clinicals say that “wrinkles will be smoothed out and skin elasticity and vitality appear restored”.

Key Ingredients
Organic birch sap
Natural origin hyaluronic acid
Cherry blossom extract

INCI
Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Tribehenin, Betula Alba Juice, Coco-Caprylate/​Caprate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, C10-18 Triglycerides, Prunus Cerasus, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Betaine, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Glucose, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum

Final thoughts:

I really wanted to like this line. Instead I’m disappointed. I’m amused at the patronising ‘I’m here to save the industry from itself’ tone, and justifiably annoyed on behalf of my industry.
Why the disappointment?

• The products are nothing special, they’re ok, but to my mind, they do not match the price.
• They shouldn’t do you any harm, but they equally cannot be expected to help any skin conditions except perhaps dehydration.
• The claims are designed to allow the consumer to misunderstand the information presented to them, and are hidden under the guise of educating you on things that Stella is apparently much more clued up on than the rest of us, having been ‘born to a family of creators’ and ‘raised to see things from a different perspective’. www.stellamccartneybeauty.com
• Claiming that the ingredients are ‘99% natural origin’ using the ISO 16128 standard is generally seen as a good thing, but the claim itself on the packaging is clearly made to lead the consumer to believe that the product is basically still in its ‘natural’ state, which it obviously is not, having gone through numerous chemical processes to get to the point of being used in a product.
  Example: at some point the cardboard packaging was a tree. It’s not now is it?
• Highlighting the length of ingredients lists per product implies that it elevates the product above others that use more ingredients. It doesn’t.
• Claiming that you have banned ‘almost 2000 ingredients, exceeding the EU regulations’ is absolutely fine, you go for it. But the EU are seen as the Gold standard to the industry as a whole, and the insinuation that the EU are not doing enough is incorrect, and should not be implied.
• And finally, my personal favourite, and the reason my BS detector was initially triggered, ‘it has also been decided to ship, rather than fly, products to the US, meaning the carbon footprint has been slashed by more than a third’. No-one in this (or any) industry, and I mean no-one, chooses to fly their products to their retailers/distributors, unless they are on a deadline, have had a production disaster, or some similar potential interruption to their business. Why? Because it is far more expensive to put pallets of skincare onto an airplane than onto a train, lorry or cargo liner. It saves money, not the planet.

Just because you can make a skincare line, doesn’t always mean you should.

If Clients are asking for treatments that rejuvenate their skin, it may be time to add microdermabrasion to your list of skin care treatments. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive manual skin exfoliation treatment that is far lower risk than laser resurfacing or chemical peels. Recovery is much faster too. Read on to learn about the benefits of microdermabrasion and why you might consider including it into your spa menu. 

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Our skin is made up of the dermis (inner layer) and the epidermis (outer layer). The outer layer of the skin contains our concerns, like wrinkles, dark spots or dull texture. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to reduce these skin issues and give us a brighter-looking complexion.

The two types of microdermabrasion include crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. As Verywellhealth.com explains, crystal microdermabrasion is when microcrystals are used to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. Crystals are shot from a small tube onto the skin and then vacuumed back up. In comparison, diamond microdermabrasion uses a device with a diamond-coated wand to exfoliate before suctioning away dead cells from the surface of the skin. 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that the procedure takes 20 minutes for the neck and 30–40 minutes for the face. Some even offer this treatment for the body, so the treatment times can vary. Microdermabrasion is usually performed in a series of six treatments, two to three weeks apart.

Either method of microdermabrasion should improve a Client’s skin so that it is smoother, with fewer acne scars and reduced wrinkles. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits.

Benefits Of Microdermabrasion

This quick and painless resurfacing treatment exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates blood flow and collagen growth. The increased blood flow carries more oxygen to the skin, creating a youthful-looking complexion. This treatment also helps to fade spots, fine lines and acne scars, with the effects lasting for a month. However, the results depend on the age of the Client and how well their skin reacts to the treatment.

Because microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment, there is no down-time needed for recovery. It’s considered very safe for the skin, face and body.

You can offer microdermabrasion to Clients that are concerned with:

• Dark spots
• Melasma
• Scars
• Uneven skin texture
• Dull complexion
• Fine lines
• Stretch marks

Who Should Not Get This Treatment?

Avoid microdermabrasion if the Client has irritated skin, acne or active breakouts. If the Client has had recent invasive procedures or cosmetic injectable treatments, it’s best to avoid this treatment.

How Much Should You Charge For Microdermabrasion?

How much should you charge from microdermabrasion? According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of microdermabrasion is $167 per treatment. Prices should be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment and the type of microdermabrasion procedure performed.

What Is The Process Of A Microdermabrasion Treatment?

Step 1: Consultation

The first step in the process is to have a consultation with your Client to discuss their skin issues, previous skin treatments and the products they are using.

Step 2: Cleaning

The treatment must be performed on clean skin. Even if the Client has said they have cleansed, you can perform a cleanse when they arrive on their face to ensure all the dirt, grime and makeup have been removed properly.

Step 3: Eye Covering

Provide the Client with sunglasses to protect their eyes from bright lights during the process.

Step 4: Perform The Treatment 

The microdermabrasion hand-held device will remove the top layer of the skin and get rid of dead skin cells. Work in sections of the entire face, neck or other area being treated. This should help establish a health-looking complexion.

Step 5: Moisturizer

After treatment, the skin can appear red and irradiated. Apply a moisturizer to the Client’s skin to calm and protect the area. You can tailor this to their individual skin type too. 

Aftercare Instructions For Clients

• Avoid waxing 48 hours before or seven days following a treatment. 
• No laser hair removal/IPL treatments can be performed on the face or treated area.
• After the treatment, do not use sun beds or swim in heavily chlorinated water for at least two weeks.
• After the procedure, refrain from using irritating facial products like alpha hydroxy acids, retinoid products or fragranced creams and lotions.
• Avoid chemical peel treatments a few weeks before and after treatment.
• Common side effects include slight swelling, redness or sunburn-like symptoms that may last a few days. 

Are you adding microdermabrasion to your list of spa treatments? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.