This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

The fall season brings crisp weather, brown leaves and a craving for pumpkin-flavored products in the form of pumpkin pie, lattes, cookies or bars. While pumpkin is widely popular for its scrumptious flavor, its versatility in health and beauty has remained hidden until now.

As Collegiates, we sometimes neglect to pamper our skin during the midst of midterms and other academic responsibilities. This yummy, autumn staple is not only a great treat for the season but can also be incorporated into your beauty and health regimen. Here are some ways you can utilize pumpkin puree:

For beauty uses:

Pumpkin puree is a gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin types. You can use pumpkin puree to cleanse your pores and invigorate your skin, which can become lackluster from the cold weather. You can make a facial masque with pumpkin and other common pantry items, such as brown sugar, honey and yogurt. After making a paste with these items, apply a thin layer to troubled spots on your face and rinse thoroughly after 8-10 minutes.

Using pumpkin combats previous damage because, according to celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, it “contains beta-carotene (which acts as an internal sunscreen and protects against UV damage), amino acids (which strengthen the connective tissue and reinforce elasticity) and antioxidants which fight the signs of aging.”

Pumpkin also has moisturizing properties and can be utilized as a body moisturizer and hair conditioner. You can make homemade conditioner by using a cup of pumpkin puree, half a cup of yogurt and two teaspoons of honey. After you’ve mixed these ingredients, apply as much as you need from the scalp to the ends. You can rinse it off after it hardens (15-20 minutes) and resume shampooing and conditioning your hair normally.

For health uses:

If you are still struggling with losing weight or just trying to fight off the holiday weight gain, consider including pumpkin in your diet for the fall season! You can use pumpkin to combat sickness as well!

For starters, pumpkin contains seven grams of fiber and provides 10 percent of your daily requirement of potassium per serving, which promotes digestive regularity. Also, one serving of pumpkin contains three grams of iron, which boosts immunity. Pumpkin is abundant in vitamins A, E, and K. vitamin A preserves and improves your eyesight, teeth and bones while vitamin E fends on sickness. vitamin K is responsible for generating necessary proteins. Lastly, research has shown that pumpkin may prevent heart and lung disease because it eases inflammation.

Who knew pumpkin was so precious? Now that you know, remember these tips the next time you buy a pumpkin. Make sure to save the pumpkin puree after you carve your pumpkins! And, as always, stay beautiful J.

Sources:

http://thebeautybean.com/site/…

https://www.healthyskinsolutio…

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-eating-pumpkin-puree-4645.html

http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/the-health-benefits-of-pumpkin

http://www.stylelist.com/view/expert-advice-the-beauty-benefits-of-pumpkin/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/15/pumpkin-beauty-benefits_n_4097301.html