Pumpkin DIY Beauty Recipes for Skin, Face and Dieting!

Carving pumpkins this weekend? If you don't want to make pie, why not use the leftovers to look better than ever with these quick and easy do it yourself pumpkin beauty recipes. C'mon give the jack'oLantern a higher purpose!

You know you'll be binging on Halloween candy leftovers so balance your diet AND your weight with this soup recipe from Dr Oz that is only 85 calories and full of carotene to keep your immune system pumped up. It takes less than a minute to make and tastes great! 

Dr. Oz's Pumpkin Purée Side Dish

The carotenes found in pumpkin are converted to vitamin A, which is essential for a strong and healthy immune system. One cup of pumpkin a day will get you to the recommended daily dose. This recipe from Dr. Oz is only 85 calories, tastes like mashed sweet potatoes, and can be prepared in under a minute.

Ingredients

1 can 100% pumpkin purée 

1 tsp cholesterol-lowering spread 

Pinch of stevia 

Pinch of cinnamon 

Directions 

Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about a minute. Let cool and serve.

COOKS NOTE: To roast pumpkin, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut whole pumpkin in half and then cut each half into several pieces. Discard seeds or reserve for another use. Place pumpkin on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until tender but not falling apart, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool, peel away skin, and dice.

Pumpkin MASKS for Skin and Hair

Pumpkins are also great for your skin because they contain antioxidant vitamins C and E, and zinc which soothes irritated skin. Here are a few recipes that I've tried and modified depending on your skin type to leave it looking better than before - or make your own recipe using these as your base!

Pumpkin Face Mask for Dry Skin and a Great Deep Conditioner to Use on your Hair:

• 1/3 cup pumpkin (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cream

{Milk or whipping cream is great for dry skin and will help nourish and moisturize.}

For Normal skin:

• 1/3 cup pumpkin
• 2 Tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

{Honey hydrates and is antibacterial. Yogurt contains lactic acid and helps refine pores.}

For Oily skin:

• 1/3 cup pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice

{Egg whites exfoliate and tighten the skin while the yolk helps moisturize. Apple cider and cranberry contain natural antiseptic properties}

Mix all ingredients together and apply to your face for 20 minutes. Rinse well with cool water.

Shelley GoodStein

TO learn more beauty secrets from Ford model Shelley GoodStein check out her new book Face THIS Real Advice from Real Models on Amazon, Kindle, Nook and iTunes.