Pumpkin skincare - benefits of including pumpkin in your beauty routine

Pumpkin Skincare: The Benefits of Including Pumpkin in Your Beauty Routine

Pumpkin skincare products have been popular for many years in the spa industry – especially pumpkin peels. Every year we see them advertised in almost all spas and salons – pumpkin facials, pumpkin peels, pumpkin pedicures. And of course pumpkin is popping up everywhere else – pumpkin pies and pumpkin coffee are everywhere!

But what are the benefits of pumpkin skincare?

Nowadays, this fairy tale fruit is used for more than just delicious pies, carvings for Halloween or for Cinderella’s favorite mode of transportation – and there’s good reason. Pumpkin is a type of winter squash, believed to be native to North America and widely grown for commercial purposes. Besides being used for pies and Halloween activities, pumpkins are used in the beauty industry to create products that help managing aging skin.

Related: whether post-summer or any other season, temperature changes and other transitions can do damage to your skin. Here’s how you can recover.

Here are a few benefits of pumpkin skincare services and products:

  • Very nutritious and high content of vitamin A
  • It has a high oxidant content
  • Promotes weight loss – high fiber content
  • Great for immunity- packed with vitamin C
  • Great for eyesight
  • Promotes healthy skin and hair

Since pumpkin is very rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as antioxidants, pumpkin skincare products are generally used for anti-aging treatments. They can help reverse sun damage, promote the production of collagen and protect the skin from free radical damage that’s responsible for wrinkles.

Pumpkin skincare products are also used as an exfoliating agent; pumpkin enzymes are incorporated in different scrubs and exfoliants to help remove dead skin cells naturally. The zinc and B vitamins found in pumpkin help protect cell membranes and fight acne by increasing circulation and improving cell turnover.

Related: facials might sound fancy (or even ‘fluffy’) – but they’re actually an important part of your skincare routine. Check out the reasons why.

Ever tried a pumpkin peel?

Pumpkin peels are getting popular and are pretty safe to use for all skin types*. Loaded with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, pumpkin peels can exfoliate efficiently and promote younger-looking skin. Mainly used for dark spot treatment, acne or fine lines treatment, pumpkin peels are safe for sensitive skin, pregnancy or diabetic patients as they are not highly reactive and will not irritate the skin.

Series of peels are recommended for optimal results. Usually sessions of 4-6 treatments are done for a complete cycle, every 2 weeks. Post care skin products should be used during the treatment for optimal results.

Try it yourself!

Fitness Formula Clubs carries a Rhonda Allison pumpkin skincare line at all locations with a spa. Please consult with your esthetician for a complete treatment plan, or email Laura at lmoldovan@ffc.com for more information!

*Disclaimer: Always check with your physician when considering any type of peel.

Summertime skin care recovery

How to Rehab Your Skin After Summer

Summer brings a lot of wonderful things – sun, beach – even vacation! But many of those things can also wreak havoc on our skin. Most of us abuse our skin during this time, forgetting that some of the activities we do may have a long-term effect on our skin. Check out some tips from FFC Park Ridge spa manager Laura Moldovan.

Sun Damage

Maybe we can’t wait to get to the pool or beach after a long week at work, but often forget to reapply sunscreen on a regular basis (every 60-90 minutes is ideal). The damage the sun can do is irreversible. Dehydration of the skin can appear during the summer months as well, through overexposure to the sun (repeated sunburns) and by not staying well-hydrated.

Temperature Extremes

Another factor to take into consideration during the hot summer months is the extreme difference in temperature from the outside environment to the inside where we work or live. Our skin needs to adjust from the hot weather to the cold air from our AC units in our homes, workplace or car. Cells have to adapt to this transition a few times a day, which can be taxing.

Related: on the fence about facials and other skin care best practices? Here are 5 good reasons to see an esthetician.

So what are some ways to help speed up the skincare recovery process? Here are a few easy ones:

Water, water, water!

  • Keep hydrated! Drink water throughout the day.

Keep up with a skin care routine daily.

  • Clean your skin by removing makeup every day; use purified water if possible. Make sure the cleanser you are using is appropriate for your skin type. Use a gentle scrub or an exfoliant once or twice a week to help remove dead cells and help new cell growth.

Use high quality products for your skin.

  • Choose serums that have ingredients like hyaluronic acid, well known for its property to retain moisture.

Apply sunscreen before exposing your skin to sunlight.

  • Pretty self-explanatory. Just do it.

Eat a balanced diet.

  • Make sure to include fruits, vegetables and greens and watch out when drinking alcohol since it can really dehydrate the skin.

Sleep with a humidifier in your room.

  • Again, self-explanatory but really important – especially if you have the heat or AC running at one extreme or another.

Consult your skin care expert & try to get a facial once a month.

  • Try the FFC Signature Facial, which also includes a back facial, which is an important, often-missed area!

Related: 5 reasons why yes, you actually DO need a facial!

Add this to your skin care routine: reasons to see an esthetician

Add This to Your Skin Care Routine: 5 Reasons to See an Esthetician

FFC West Loop esthetician breaks down some skin care routine best practices, including 5 reasons you should see an esthetician!

Why should I see an esthetician?

Having a regular, at-home skin care routine and regimen with your esthetician is important. Regular exfoliation and extractions ensure you’re in the clear!

We tend to care about the surface more than we care about what’s underneath. We’re willing to spend a TON on hair products and makeup – instead we should be investing in our skin care and scalp!

How often should I see an esthetician?

You should see your esthetician every three weeks. #treatyoself! Why are we always so quick to do everything for everyone except ourselves? It’s okay to have an hour to yourself every 3 weeks. If no one else tells you that, now I have!

What can an esthetician do for my skin care routine?

When it comes to the offerings of your skin care expert, there are a few things estheticians can do, including:

Related: if you haven’t already figured it out from this post, yes, you do need facials! Here are some reasons why.

Exfoliation & Extractions

What are these? Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells that trap bacteria, oil and dirt under the skin, which tend to cause breakouts. Exfoliation is great to help correct hyperpigmentation (darkened patches or spots on the skin). Extractions remove sebum, oil, blackheads and whiteheads from the skin, which clear out the pores. Exfoliation and extractions are essential for good skin and should be part of your skin care routine.

Waxing/Lasering

When it comes to your skin care routine and shaving vs waxing or lasering – I’m gonna keep it real. Shaving will cause you irritation, bumps, breakouts and a ton of hyperpigmentation.

Lasering isn’t for everyone – if your hair is too light, the laser won’t be able to find it; if your skin is too dark, the laser can burn you.

Yes, waxing does hurt, but staying consistent not only lessens the pain over time, but will also lessen your hair growth. As long as you don’t shave, trim or tweeze between your sessions, your hair follicles will die and that hair won’t grow back!

Counteract Sun Damage

Why do we still think SPF is an option? Sun damage to your skin is detrimental and very hard to reverse (though certain treatments can help). Skin cancer is NEVER worth it. You not only should apply, but re-apply, especially when spending time in the sun.

Your esthetician can help you navigate all the types of SPF – serums, lotion, even in your makeup! Invest in products that not only make you look good, but also make your skin feel good.

Related: need a refresher? Here are some tips for being the best version of yourself and putting your best foot forward!

Post written by FFC West Loop esthetician Ariana Wade.

About Ariana

Ariana (Ari) went to Paul Mitchell the School for esthetics and finished back in 2015. She dove right into the industry & she absolutely loves skincare and making people feel beautiful. Fun fact about her: she is actually back in school to receive her license for teaching esthetics.

You will always be in good hands with her! For any questions or to set up a complimentary consultation with her at the one of the FFC spas in Chicago, email her at awade@ffc.com!