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PUMPKIN SEED OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND HEALTH

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PUMPKIN SEED OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND HEALTH!

Learn what main benefits this plant oil can provide to your overall health.

I’ll be sharing with you its main properties so that you can use it as a daily supplement in your diet, or use it on your body to get beautiful skin, hair shine, and boost your immune system.

pumpkin seeds oil benefits for skin and hair: learn how to use pumpkin seed oil for skincare, hair growth and overall health

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When Autumn starts, we immediately think of pumpkins: pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, etc.

Pumpkin seed oil, on the other hand, isn’t widely known and used. 

This oil has so many benefits that it’s a pity it is so underestimated.

So, in this blog post I’m going to walk you through the many pumpkin seed oil benefits.

WHAT IS PUMPKIN SEED OIL?

Known as ‘green gold’, pumpkin seed oil is among the healthiest vegetable, cooking oils around.

Its colour varies from dark green to dark red, while its texture is light and smooth.

This raw pumpkin seed extract, is enjoyed for its intense and nutty taste. Therefore, pumpkin oil is widely used in cooking, especially in salad dressings.

It’s been processed since the 18th century in Austria and Slovenia.

The comedogenic rating of this carrier oil is 2.

Its shelf life is of around 1 year.

FROM HEALTHLINE.COM

“Pumpkin seed oil is a carrier oil with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. […] The oil contains multiple nutrients which provide benefits for health and for skin. These include:

  • linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid)
  • linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)
  • tocopherols (vitamin E)
  • sterols
  • vitamin C
  • carotenoids (antioxidants)
  • zinc
  • magnesium
  • potassium

Pumpkin seed oil can be used for food preparation and topically for skincare. It’s also available as a nutritional supplement (in capsule form) and as an ingredient in skincare products.”.

important

Always consult with your trusted medical practitioner before using any product, whether natural or not!

Pay particular attention if you are using any medication, are allergic to any ingredient, suffer from any condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

HOW IS PUMPKIN SEED OIL MADE?

Pumpkin seed oil is derived from the hulled seeds of pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo), often via cold pressing.

RAW PUMPKIN SEEDS BENEFITS

Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, so it goes without saying that the oil extracted from them has equal beneficial properties.

They are rich in:

  • Phytosterols, known to help reduce bad cholesterol;
  • Tryptophan, an amino acid needed for the production of serotonin, the “happiness” hormone;
  • Fibres, essentials to gut health;
  • Minerals, such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and magnesium; 
  • Vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, and vitamin K;
  • Antioxidants, that can support overall health.

In addition to that, research shows that eating these little seeds on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Their anti-inflammatory properties may also help in reducing pain from arthritis.

Pumpkin seeds certainly make for a nutritious snack on the go!

HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN SEED OIL

Pumpkin seed oil has a shelf life of around 1 year. It is best to store it in a dark place, away from direct sunlight.


IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CARRIER OILS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR SKIN, YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS POST!

ALSO, DON’T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE!


PUMPKIN SEED OIL BENEFITS

When buying, look for a high quality, organic and cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil, to ensure the best properties and benefits.

Let’s go through some of the many benefits of this plant oil.

I will categorise the main properties as follow: 

  • skin, 
  • hair and nails, 
  • women’s health, 
  • general health.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEED OIL FOR SKIN?

Rich in antioxidants (essential to fight free radicals damage) and essential fatty acids, it is a great ingredient for your skin health and your skincare routine.

As a carrier oil, pumpkin seed oil can be used directly on your skin without diluting first.

It can be used in a variety of ways for its beauty benefits.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL AND ESSENTIAL OILS

As mentioned above, pumpkin seed oil is a carrier oil. Therefore you can use it topically on its own. However, for added benefits, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil when using it topically.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL SKIN BENEFITS

Let’s have a look at the main benefits.

ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES

Thanks to its high levels of fatty acid content and antioxidants, the use of pumpkin seed oil is recommended to: 

  • fight premature aging;
  • increase skin elasticity;
  • help with a faster cell regeneration, and therefore with skin renewal;
  • support a youthful and even skin tone (due to the high level of vitamin E);
  • increase collagen production (thanks to its vitamin C content and the high amounts of zinc).

MOISTURISING PROPERTIES

The light and smooth texture of this oil make it an ideal moisturiser. It can easily be absorbed by the skin, leaving it soft and well hydrated.

Pumpkin seed oil use on dry skin is well known but, because of its low comedogenic rate, it can be safely used even on oily skin.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL BENEFITS FOR THE TONE OF YOUR SKIN

If you are looking for an oil that can help you to improve skin tone, look no further. Rich in vitamin C (known to brighten up the skin), vitamin A (that can soothe a dry skin), and vitamin E (shown to nourish skin cells), pumpkin seed oil can be applied topically or consumed with food to help you get a glowing and youthful complexion. 

PUMPKIN SEED OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN RENEWAL

By encouraging skin cell turnover, pumpkin seed oil helps in maintaining a healthy skin. It is the vitamin E present in this oil that supports the proper functioning of skin cells.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL AS A MAKE UP REMOVER

I normally use fractionated coconut oil as a make up remover, but pumpkin oil is a very good alternative, due to its low comedogenic value.

Simply add a few drops on a cotton ball or disc, and apply on your face to remove make up. Wash as per normal afterwards and follow up with your favourite moisturiser.

IS seed oil GOOD FOR acne-prone skin?

Acne is a very common skin condition that afflicts young people in particular.

Unfortunately, when it comes to use pumpkin oil to treat acne, dermatologists are divided.

Doctors agree that the use of this oil will not have adverse effects or negative side effects. However, additional research is needed to prove its effectiveness to treat acne-prone skin.

Some say that because of its content of poly unsaturated fats, pumpkin seed oil can be used to reduce redness and inflammation of the skin.

Furthermore, the zinc present in the oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

On the contrary, other dermatologists aren’t convinced that the use of this oil has any real benefits. 

IS PUMPKIN GOOD FOR WOUND HEALING?

Pumpkin seed oil has been found to help with wound healing.

Vitamin K promotes normal blood clotting and supports healthy and fast healing of the skin.

For example, if you have any condition that causes your skin to bleed, pumpkin seed oil can help. You could also apply it to your wounds to keep the skin hydrated and protected from bacterias.

IS PUMPKIN SEED OIL GOOD FOR HAIR GROWTH?

Pumpkin seed oil has many benefits even when it comes to hair care.

Unlike other commercial products, a cold pressed and organic pumpkin oil is completely natural and free from added chemicals, so it certainly something I’d recommend trying if you want to use natural solutions in your home.

Do pumpkin seeds help with hair loss?

From beautymunsta.com :

“Pumpkin seed oil has actually been proven to treat hair loss. A study published in the 2014 Volume of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that pumpkin seed oil successfully treated patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). In the research, 76 male patients with AGA received 400 mg of PSO per day or a placebo for 24 weeks. After 24 weeks, it was seen that the group that consumed the pumpkin seed oil had more hair after the treatment. Mean hair count increases of 40% were observed in the 76 patients while increases of 10% were observed in placebo group. Consuming pumpkin seed oil is a good way to treat alopecia and hair loss”.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PUMPKIN SEED OIL TO GROW HAIR?

From hairguard.com:

“It has been suggested that this should be repeated at least twice a week for a minimum of two months before expecting to see results.”.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL FOR INCREASED HAIR SHINE 

This carrier oil is also great to improve your hair shine.

You could add a few drops to your shampoo for example, or simply use it as a leave-in conditioner.

HOW TO USE PUMPKIN SEED OIL FOR HAIR

Aside from consuming this oil internally, you can actually use it topically.

You can massage your scalp with pumpkin oil as follow:

  • Wet hair and massage the oil into your scalp;
  • Wrap your hair with a towel;
  • Let it rest overnight for best results;
  • The following morning, wash your hair as per normal.

For best results, you could mix the pumpkin seed oil with olive oil.

IS PUMPKIN SEED OIL GOOD FOR NAILS?

If you want to grow healthy and shiny nails, you should consume pumpkin oil daily.

Your best option would most likely be taking it internally in capsule form.

This type of nutritional supplement is widely available at your local health store, or online.

WOMEN’S HEALTH: why are pumpkin seeds good for females?

When it comes to studies on easing menopause symptoms, unfortunately for us women, medicine is still behind.

Further research is much needed on the topic. However, a preliminary study done in the USA has demonstrated promising results.

This study has proved that pumpkin seed oil can:

  • Promote higher levels of good cholesterol;
  • Lower blood pressure;
  • Lessen severe hot flashes;
  • Help with joint pain;
  • Diminish the frequency of headaches.


PUMPKIN SEED OIL FOR GENERAL HEALTH

Pumpkin seed oil has many benefits for our overall health.

IS PUMPKIN SEED OIL GOOD FOR THE BLADDER?

Pumpkin seeds may help support healthy bladder and urinary functions.

Several studies have shown that this oil can help with a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition affects men and presents with an enlarged prostate and impaired urinary function.

Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil can also help treat overactive bladder symptoms. 

DOES PUMPKIN SEED OIL LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE? ARE PUMPKIN SEEDS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART?

Pumpkin seed oil is a form of unsaturated fat. These types of fats generally speaking help in lowering bad cholesterol levels. In addition to that, Pumpkin seed oil may help with lowering blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. In conclusion, it is an oil that can be beneficial for heart health.

OTHER BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN SEED OIL

Further research is needed to understand this oil better. However, small animal studies have shown that it can also help with:

  • Boosting mental health (thanks to the high levels of zinc);
  • Protecting against metabolic diseases;
  • Helping in managing pain (due to its anti-inflammatory properties).

IS PUMPKIN SEED OIL SAFE? does pumpkin seed oil have side effects?

Pumpkin oil is a natural product, and side effects are rare. However, it is always important to know of possible risks of an adverse reaction involved with anything you use. 

Possible side effects can include:

  • ALLERGIES. Some people are allergic to pumpkin seeds. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be headaches, skin rashes, itching, laboured breathing, etc. 
  • DIGESTIVE ISSUES. Excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or constipation.
  • WEIGHT GAIN. Pumpkin oil is high in fatty acids and may lead to weight gain, just like any other vegetable oil.
  • BLOOD PRESSURE ISSUES. Pumpkin oil is known to reduce blood pressure. Therefore it is not recommended to people that have low blood pressure. To be safe, consult with your doctor before using it.
  • SKIN IRRITATION. Pumpkin oil is very strong and might cause irritation of the skin. Test on a small area before applying it on your body. Wait for at least 24 hours to see if you have any reaction to it.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like “THE BEST PUMPKIN OATMEAL MUFFINS RECIPE”!


To get you in a Halloween spirit, I also have another post that you can check now. DON’T FORGET TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE WITH A HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY PACK FOR THE KIDS!


Till next time, Dee.

important

When using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.


Hi, I’m Dee!

Mom of three; printables creator, natural solutions, simple living and homemade food enthusiast; “Outlander” fanatic.

When I’m not busy writing and designing, you can always find me covered in a cloud of flour in the kitchen, playing and crafting with my children, or making up some blends with my Essential Oils. Also I’m practically obsessed with Crystals and reading during my spare time.

Come along on our crazy journey as a family living in the countryside of Ireland!

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