DIY - Pumpkin face mask

So Halloween is around the corner and lots of you will be decorating with pumpkins! Unfortunately, most of those pumpkins end up in the waste bin once this holiday has passed. Cooking is a great way of reusing them and thus reducing food waste! But pumpkin puree can be quite useful for more than making muffins :)

Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin A which helps to maintain a healthy skin. It is also rich in vitamin E, a great anti-oxydant that softens skin while boosting collagen production. This is why pumpkin puree is an excellent ingredient for a brightening face mask.

The recipe we will be suggesting here also contains cinnamon, an active ingredient that helps to tighten pores and is great for acne prone skin.

It is quite easy to make and contains 4 simple ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree (fresh or thawed)
• 1/4 cup of oats grinded into powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (see note)
• 2 teaspoons of raw honey

1. Combine oats and puree together and mix well. Add cinnamon and mix well. Add honey and stir till you have a paste.
2. If the paste is too thick you can dilute it with a bit of water. 
3. Apply to face with clean hands and leave on for 5-10 minutes. If you have a sensitive skin, leave on for a shorter period of time (see note)
4. Wash off with warm water and a facecloth (you can use these !)
5. Hydrate your skin

If you have any leftovers, you can keep it in the fridge, in an airtight container for 24 hours.

NOTE: If you have sensitive skin, this mask might not be for you as it can cause a burning sensation in some people. You can always skip the cinnamon and replace with nutmeg which contains hydroxy acids (AHA) and is softer on the skin. Remember that even if those are natural ingredients, they can be strong!