Creating your very own pumpkin spa products

As Halloween steadily approaches, our pumpkin exploration here at Historic Wagner Farm continues. Autumn Sales on the farm means truckloads of pumpkins. We've been asking ourselves - what kind of creative things can we do with all of these big orange fruits?

Pumpkins are filled with antioxidants, vitamins and natural enzymes. Besides being a healthy choice for some of our favorite fall treats, pumpkin is also a great ingredient to use in skin care products. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, pumpkin soothes and softens the skin while healing damage caused by sun exposure and free radicals. Natural enzymes and antioxidants help cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin, while promoting new cell production. With that in mind, we have three pumpkin spa products you can make and use at home.

Pumpkin Soap

Creating homemade soap is relatively easy and a fun craft that makes for great seasonal gifts. We borrowed this idea from The Nerdy Farm Wife. Check out her blog for a great step-by-step guide and soap recipe using fresh pumpkin.


Pumpkin Body Moisturizer

Photo by Pamper My Blog

Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh pumpkin puree
1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions
1. Cut, clean and cook your pumpkin. Puree the meat and measure out the needed amount. The rest can be set aside and used for cooking or baking.

2. Mix all of your ingredients together, creating a smooth consistency.

3. Pour into a bottle or jar and keep refrigerated for up to two weeks, or use immediately.

To use your pumpkin moisturizing mask, simply apply a moderate layer to the area of skin you wish to treat. Leave it on for 10 minutes, allowing the skin to absorb the nutrients, and then rinse! Not only is the pumpkin great for your skin, but coconut oil and cinnamon both act as gentle anti-bacterial cleansers and include additional antioxidants.

Pumpkin Face Scrub

Photo by Jules

Ingredients
4 Tablespoons fresh pumpkin puree
1 Tablespoon unsweetened, plain yogurt
1 Whipped egg white
1 Tablespoon ground oats
1 Tablespoon sugar

Directions
1. Cut, clean and cook your pumpkin. Puree the meat and measure out the needed amount. The rest can be set aside and used for cooking or baking.

2. Mix all ingredients, adding sugar and ground oats in last.

Apply to your face and allow to sit for a minute or two. Gently massage the scrub in a circular motion with your fingers, and rinse. Not only are yogurt, oats and sugar all natural exfoliators, but the whipped egg white helps to tighten pores.

Tune in each Thursday for creative pumpkin ideas, and stop by the farm to pick up your own pumpkin and try it at home. Have a creative idea? Tweet us your suggestions. Autumn Sale hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.