Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits for Skin and Hair + DIY Recipes

With so many pumpkin seed oil benefits for skin and hair, it is nature’s best-kept beauty secret. From fighting acne to encouraging hair growth, I’ll share why you need pumpkin seed oil as part of your routine and the DIY recipes to do so.

What is pumpkin seed oil?

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We are all well aware of the irresistible taste of pumpkin spice, but did you know pumpkin seed oil can be used for both culinary and cosmetic purposes? Also known as pepita oil, it is the product of cold-pressing pumpkin seeds. Cold-pressing preserves quality, potency, and purity. It also helps pumpkin seed oil absorb more easily which is ideal for skin care. Pumpkin seed oil is packed with nutrients, making it the perfect plant-based ingredient for natural skincare routines. It is particularly high in the following:

Vitamin A – This helps keep skin healthy and promotes healing
Potassium – Regulates the amount of water in cells which is great for both moisturizing the skin but also strengthening hair follicles to prevent hair loss
Magnesium – Magnesium helps your body to create protein, which encourages hair growth. It also regulates skin cell regeneration and repair
Zinc – Alongside helping the formation of collagen, zinc offers anti-inflammatory properties

Benefits of pumpkin seed oil for skin and hair

While many people are aware of the dietary benefits that the flesh of pumpkin offers, few realize the many benefits of pumpkin seed oil for skin and hair. Here is why you should add pumpkin seed oil to your natural beauty routine:

Free radical defense

If you crave younger and healthier skin, then pumpkin seed oil is for you. As it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, pumpkin seed oil helps to reduce free-radical damage.

Nourishes dry skin

If you suffer from dry skin, pumpkin seed oil could be a game-changer thanks to its high omega-3 and omega-6 content. These fatty acids are vital for healthy, nourished skin.

Helps aging skin

The vitamin C in pumpkin seed oil may help to boost the production of collagen, which helps with skin firmness. In addition, the high vitamin, mineral and omega content in pumpkin seed oil helps to support the overall health and structure of the skin.

Helps fight acne

One study showed positive results in the severity and amount of acne with those who used pumpkin seed oil. Linoleic acid (also known as omega-6) is a natural exfoliant found in pumpkin seed oil that helps to treat hyperpigmentation.

Boosts shine and protection

As with most botanical oils, pumpkin seed oil coats hair in a light-reflecting layer which will boost shine. Alongside, the oil will act as a protective barrier on your hair making it an ideal treatment.

Fights scalp inflammation

If you have dandruff, dry scalp, or itchy scalp, pumpkin seed oil may help to soothe discomfort thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also nourishing so it helps to moisturize the scalp.

Treats dry/damaged hair

If you are suffering from dry or brittle hair, this can cause breakage and frizz. Pumpkin seed oil will help moisturize and in turn prevent breakage. This is thanks to the high vitamin A and zinc content both of which help strengthen your hair. Similar to argan oil hair serum, the amino acids in pumpkin seed oil help keratin production which promotes healthy hair.

Aids in hair growth

On the topic of keratin production, pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) which also boosts keratin levels in hair. Those same omega-3 fatty acids that are nourishing on the skin, also increase blood flow to the scalp and rejuvenate the hair follicles supporting hair growth.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2021, researchers found that pumpkin seed oil was as effective as minoxidil 5% in women with signs of hair loss. Pumpkin seed oil appears to block androgens that cause hair loss in men and women. An earlier study showed positive results as well.

What skin type works best with pumpkin seed oil?

One of the many benefits of pumpkin seed oil is that it is suitable for most skin types. In particular:

Acne prone skin
Dry Skin
Aging Skin
Oily Skin

Pumpkin Seed Carrier Oil

Although pumpkin seed oil can be used directly on your skin and scalp, it works particularly well as a carrier oil for beauty and skincare. This is because it blends well with essential oils to make them easier (and safer) to apply to the skin. As essential oils are highly concentrated they can potentially irritate the skin if you apply them without a carrier oil. These are some of the best essential oils for clear skin which pair well with pumpkin seed oil:

How to use

Pumpkin seed oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways across skin care, hair and beauty.

For hair: You can either apply the oil directly onto the scalp. Massage using your fingertips to stimulate the hair follicles then leave overnight for best results. If you don’t want to wait until the morning to rinse, feel free to add a few drops of pumpkin seed oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as normal.
For skin: Apply it to clean skin instead of a moisturizer. Use daily for best results. Or, use pumpkin seed oil as part of your oil cleansing routine. Steam your face with a warm, damp towel to open the pores then massage the pumpkin seed oil for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Once all oil is removed, reapply a few fresh drops and massage. Alternatively try one of my DIY recipes below.

DIY Beauty Recipes

DIY Pumpkin Oil Facial Serum

Ingredients:

1 tbsp pumpkin seed oil
1 tbsp rosehip seed oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 oz dropper bottle

Instructions:

Add all to a 1 oz dropper bottle. Screw on the top and shake well.

When ready to use, add a few drops to the palm of the hand and smooth over the face, under eyes, and neck. Let it absorb into the skin, and then follow with your favorite moisturizer. For best results, be sure to wash skin with a natural cleanser and apply toner, such as my rose water toner first.

DIY Pumpkin Oil Body Scrub

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp pumpkin seed oil
10 drops orange essential oil
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
8-10 oz Mason glass jar with wide mouth

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a glass jar. Use a spoon to mix well. When done with a shower or bath, stay in the tub and lightly pat your skin with a towel. Leave a little moisture and apply the sugar scrub in a circular motion to your entire body. This will help to exfoliate the skin. Rinse with warm water (no soap) and notice skin feels soft and smooth.

Want More DIY Recipes?

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Check out my book Natural Beauty Made Simple. It comes with 45 homemade skincare recipes with a set of printable labels and gift tags. You can download it instantly to your phone, computer or e-reader, so it’s portable and can go with you anywhere!

Make your own organic beauty and skin care products for less than $25 a month!
Learn simple techniques to make your own skincare – without the fuss of complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients
Get tried-and-true recipes that work to nourish the skin and make it look more radiant than ever before
Create beautiful gifts for friends and family with the printable labels and gift tags I’ve included with this book

Take a peek at what’s inside Natural Beauty Made Simple.

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