Pumpkin Peel: Professional Facial & At-Home Products
Here’s all you need to know about the pumpkin enzyme facial and at-home options: how is it beneficial, how it’s done, how much it costs & how it compares to chemical peels.
Image source: Freepik
An enzyme peel is an exfoliating facial treatment that removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin revealing new, glowing skin.
The enzymes used in these peels come from fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, papaya, pumpkin and many others.
Let’s talk about the pumpkin enzyme peel: what it does, who it is good for, and why it’s one of the most popular enzyme peels.
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How Is a Pumpkin Peel Done
The process of any professional enzyme peel is very simple:
- Your esthetician will cleanse your skin.
- Depending on the strength of the peel they might apply a prepping solution to avoid any irritation.
- A thin layer of pumpkin peel mask will be applied to your face. It can feel warm and tingly, but will calm down and feel pleasant and perhaps a bit tightening after a while.
- Once a certain amount of time has passed (which varies depending on the strength of the peel and your skin’s sensitivity), the peel is wiped off and the skin is cleansed thoroughly to remove any residue.
Enzyme peels are often done as add-on services to more elaborate treatments and as part of multi-step facials.
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Pumpkin Peel Benefits
One of the great benefits of this facial is how simple and straightforward it is. It’s a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t cause irritation or skin sensitivity.
This means that the recovery process is usually minimal and doesn’t last long (but this depends on the intensity of the product used).
Another great thing is that there are little to no side effects. A large part of that is due to the natural quality of pumpkin peels, which is why so many people opt for it instead of, for example, a chemical peel.
However, keep in mind that some pumpkin peels have added acids to boost the effects of the treatment, so your technician should tell you what to expect during the recovery and the proper aftercare.
It can also be done more often than some stronger peels, but that also means that you’ll need more sessions to get a similar result.
A pumpkin peel should be done once every 1-2 weeks and about 5-6 treatments are recommended to get the best result.
This facial not only exfoliates but moisturizes the skin too, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated even after the first session.
So if you are looking for an exfoliating facial that is effective yet not too harsh, and has fewer side effects and less downtime, then the pumpkin peel facial is exactly what you need.
Image source: Instagram @yas_aesthetician
Pumpkin Peel Uses
The pumpkin peel enzyme facial is a treatment that helps to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating cell renewal and improving the texture of your skin.
Pumpkin is full of AHA’s as well as B vitamins and minerals like niacin and zinc, so it can be used to target various skin issues. Let’s see what some of those uses are.
Decreases Fine Lines and Wrinkles
A pumpkin peel can contain both AHA’s and BHA’s which provide a deep exfoliation of the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal, all the while strengthening the collagen beneath your skin.
This helps to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a clearer, more smooth complexion after a series of sessions.
Image source: Instagram @mda.academy
Improves Acne and Acne Scars
Since this peel is full of ingredients that help cleanse your pores and lift up dead skin cells, it’s great for preventing acne breakouts and controlling existing ones.
With its antibacterial effect, this peel does a great job at targeting your acne and stimulating circulation to promote their healing, without the use of harsh chemicals which can irritate sensitive acne-prone skin.
Its exfoliating power can also help reduce the visibility of acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Image source: Instagam @imzaguzellik
Hydrates
Besides being a great exfoliant, this treatment also improves skin hydration, unlike many other exfoliants which usually strip the moisture from your skin, requiring constant moisturizer reapplication.
This peel contains natural pumpkin pulp, which helps in regeneration of skin cells, improving hydration and supporting the barrier function of the skin.
Image source: Instagram @zaazaastudioo
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Benefits
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants and enzymes, which help to defend your skin cells against oxidative damage, which is a leading cause of signs of aging.
It’s also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene and magnesium, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help calm any redness and inflammation on your skin.
Brightens the Skin
Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin C, which we know helps to brighten and firm up the skin, plus get rid of dark spots from sun damage or acne.
It’s also an excellent source of rich minerals such as copper and zinc, which play a big role in our melanin production, and help with fading signs of hyperpigmentation.
Image source: Instagram @zenithesthetics
NOTE
Like all exfoliating facials, the pumpkin peel facial can give an improvement to the overall complexion in a single session, but if you want to work on a specific skin issue, results happen over time, with repeated treatments.
Pumpkin Peel Facial Cost
Professionally done pumpkin peel treatment costs anywhere from $90 to $300. How much will a pumpkin peel cost depends on the products used and the clinic where you get it done.
The relative affordability of this facial is another great benefit that makes it a good option compared to some other more expensive exfoliating facials.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in at-home pumpkin peel products, you can find good options at as low as $12!
Can I Do a Pumpkin Peel at Home?
Now for those who want to experience all of these amazing benefits while saving some money, here’s a list of great pumpkin enzyme products:
Best Pumpkin Peel Product Overall: Arista Pumpkin Peel Mask
This mask will leave your skin feeling replenished and renewed with main ingredients being pumpkin fruit, glycolic acid, vitamins E and C, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg powder.
Pumpkin enzyme peel contains over 100 beneficial nutrients for the skin that can help with uneven tone, fine lines and dullness.
This mask was made to work as a mild enzyme peel containing 1-3% glycolic acid while still exfoliating thoroughly.
Best Affordable: Bliss Pumpkin Powerhouse Mask
This resurfacing and exfoliating enzyme mask from Bliss is a super affordable option that uses natural AHAs and pumpkin enzymes to stimulate your skin’s renewal process.
It also contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which leave the skin looking radiant while targeting dullness and uneven, rough texture.
Best Brightening Pumpkin Peel: Andalou Naturals Brightening Mask
For as low as $12 this mask has many powerful ingredients. There are so many positive reviews it’s definitely worth trying.
Other than pumpkin enzymes, it contains glycolic acid to help with exfoliation, manuka honey that’s known for its moisturizing and skin soothing properties, and vitamin C to help brighten and even out your skin tone.
Best Luxury Pumpkin Peel: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
This pumpkin peel mask exfoliates, peels and polishes the skin to help address the look of a dull, aging complexion with pumpkin enzymes, AHAs, and aluminum oxide crystals.
It’s on the pricier side compared to some other products on this list, but the quality of this brand might justify its high prices.
The reviews claim it to be really effective for breakouts, uneven skin, and overall exfoliation while still not being too aggressive.
Pumpkin Peel Side Effects
We mentioned there are no side effects to pumpkin peel facials and that you should be able to go back to your regular activities right after it.
Although that is true most of the time, keep in mind that some clinics provide more intense pumpkin peels that can result in skin redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity.
But in most cases, you shouldn’t experience any side effects or require special aftercare.
An exception might be if your skin is particularly sensitive and doesn’t react well to the products, or you’re prone to allergies – both scenarios are prevented by patch testing.
NOTE
If you’re doing this treatment at home, do a patch test before applying it to the whole face to be sure your skin won’t have a reaction.
You shouldn’t experience anything more than mild tingling, so if your pumpkin enzyme mask burns take it off immediately.
Image source: Freepik
Pumpkin Enzyme Facial Aftercare
When it comes to aftercare for this treatment, you must keep in mind that it varies from clinic to clinic and depends on the strength of the product used.
The great news is that if you’re looking for a treatment that can exfoliate without irritating your sensitive skin, you can get a less intense pumpkin peel which doesn’t require any aftercare.
On the other hand, if you go for a stronger pumpkin peel with some active ingredients such as AHA’s and BHA’s, than you will need to follow some aftercare steps, such as the following:
- Apply SPF and avoid the sun for at least 3 days afterwards
- Avoid sweating, exercising and hot showers
- Use a gentle cleanser and don’t rub when washing
- Avoid picking the skin that starts peeling
All of these steps should be explained in detail by your esthetician after the facial, and make sure to follow them properly to avoid affecting the result of your treatment.
Pumpkin Enzyme Peel VS. Chemical Peel
The biggest difference between these facials is that chemical peels are stronger, and therefore can improve more significant skin issues and provide a more dramatic result.
To get similar results that a chemical peel gives, you will need several sessions of a pumpkin enzyme peel, so it’s still an effective treatment, but just requires more time.
Enzyme peels don’t use harsh chemicals and don’t reach deep into the skin.
But some enzyme peel products do contain a reduced concentration of acids found in chemical peels, so if you want to avoid these acids entirely, disclose that to your technician prior to the facial.
Pumpkin Peel – Main Takeaways
If you’re debating whether this treatment is worth it or not, our advice is to simply go for it, as the risks are minimal, but a glow up is guaranteed.
Whether you choose to get it done professionally or at home, a pumpkin enzyme peel is an affordable, non-irritating, yet highly effective exfoliating treatment that will improve the overall look of your skin, at least temporarily.
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