Exfoliation is a vital part of a skincare routine and everyday you see newer procedures and interesting ingredients come together to make sure we do it right. However, if you have sensitive skin and are prone to acne, exfoliation is tough to follow because you need the right ingredient to work with. While glowing skin is mandatory, one also needs to make sure skin is hydrated, moisturised, and enriched in the process. Which brings us to enzyme exfoliators, a natural alternative to harsh exfoliating beads. Enter: Pumpkin skincare
What exactly are enzyme exfoliators? They come straight from nature and often contain extracts from fruits like papaya, pineapple, and citrus fruits, and suit dry, sensitive, aging skin. Not only do these star ingredients brighten and hydrate the skin, they also come with added anti-inflammatory properties that will sooth and make it look flawless in minutes. The newest ingredient to hit the spot is the humble pumpkin. In the modern skincare manuals, this special fruit is fast gaining momentum and making sure our skin gets a dose of healing with a hit of alpha-hydroxy acids as well as antioxidants.
Not only do labels like Drunk Elephant favour it, it also features in many Indian labels – O3+’s Plunge Pumpkin Glow Sleeping Mask is one such new product that is being applauded for its gentle effects. Pumpkin is also used in hair care (we spotted a few over at Juicy Chemistry) and pumpkin seed oil is another popular skincare add-on that many labels are betting on. And if you’re looking for the ideal pumpkin product to start out, here’s a list of the best pumpkin skincare products that can help. Some products are perennial favourites, some are new, and some are indie, homegrown labels that are doing some good work.
If you’re a skincare junkie, you’ve already heard of Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma serum. Despite being a potent Vitamin C serum, it has more to offer. It contains fermented pumpkin extract and pomegranate enzymes to slough off dead cells, revealing healthy skin that glows.
One of the latest innovations in skincare is exfoliating moisturisers that will renew your skin without drying it out. If you’re not too bothered with having a lengthy skincare routine, this category is an option for you. We recommend the Exfolikate Glow Moisturiser – its potent blend of pineapple, pumpkin and papaya enzymes promise softer and smoother skin just after one use.
This Instagrammable burnt orange-hued mask isn’t just pretty to look at. It is packed with vitamins A, K, C, as well as pumpkin extract to unearth hydrated and brightened skin.
For some serious exfoliation action, this powerful wash-off mask gives life to dull and congested skin. Its highly raved-about Triple Action Technology consists of manual, chemical and enzymatic exfoliants — aluminium oxide crystals, alpha hydroxy acids, and pumpkin enzymes.
After a long day, most of us just can’t wait to hit the bed but don’t let laziness get in the way of good skincare habits. This Korean sleeping pack is a cult favourite. Perfect for dry skin, its ultra-rich texture locks in moisture with aloe vera and squalane while softening the skin with pumpkin extract. Nothing beats treating your skin while catching up on your beauty sleep.
- A new label in the market, this one uses a lot of interesting ingredients and with yam and pumpkin, this one’s ready to polish your skin to perfection. Yam pulp purée is known to be high in beta-carotene which helps tighten pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars in the process.
This all in one face mask is targeted at damaged and dry skin, and works beautifully to deliver hydration while you sleep. Let’s not forget that the instant glow comes from the pumpkin fruit extract that is known for its antioxidant value. It makes sure you wake up with smoother and brighter skin, and we are big fans of overnight creams and masks.
It’s a dream to work with interesting, performance-based products, and Eminence is a label that does just that. The exfoliation process with this enzyme peel is easy because it aims to remove dead skin cells and also help with hyperpigmentation.
Nothing beats a mineral infused scrub whose main goal is to add glow in a jiffy by using the power of pumpkin, and it also soothes the skin with aloe vera. The scrub also restructures damaged skin and reduces acne scarring.
