Pumpkin Seed Oil For Skin: Benefits And How It Works
Get youthful and healthy skin with this moisturizing and refreshing oil!
Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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Pumpkin seed oil is known for its anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-soothing benefits. You may use pumpkin seed oil for skin rejuvenation and moisturization. Since it is lightweight and gets absorbed quickly into the skin, it is a common ingredient in skin care products like serums, scrubs, massage oils, face masks, and lotions. Read on to know more about pumpkin seed oil’s benefits and how to use it for healthy and youthful skin.
Know Your Ingredient: Pumpkin Seed OilWhat Is It?
Pumpkin seed oil for the skin is a natural oil extracted from pumpkin seeds
What Are Its Benefits?
It helps with acne, inflammation, and skin infections like boils and cellulitis, and reduces signs of aging.
Who Can Use It?
Anyone except infants, and pregnant or lactating women.
How Often?
Few teaspoons in moderation for topical application.
Caution
Avoid using it if it causes allergic reactions like redness, swelling, or inflammation.
In This Article
Nutrition Facts Of Pumpkin Seed Oil
When talking about the extensive list of pumpkin benefits, we tend to forget that other parts of the vegetable and plant may also be nutrient-rich and have many benefits for our overall health. As a derivative of its seed, pumpkin seed oil also has a rich nutritional profile and contains the following nutrients:
- Essential fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids (1), (2)
- Antioxidants like vitamins A and E (3), (4)
- Minerals like zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and potassium (1), (5)
- Unsaturated and saturated fats (6)
- Bioactive compounds like beta carotenes, alpha-tocopherol, lutein, and phytosterols (6)
When consumed, these nutrients may help reduce inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular issues (6). However, applying pumpkin seed oil on your skin may also help with moisture retention, reduce free radical damage, and keep your skin soft and healthy. Check out the next section for some insights into the benefits of using pumpkin seed oil.
Benefits Of Pumpkin Seed Oil For The Skin
It’s an incredible plant-based ingredient for our skin, particularly our face, as it’s high in:Vitamin A –
keeps skin firm and healthy.
Beta Carotene – a precursor of vitamin A that helps maintain healthy skin.
Vitamins B2 & B3 – They soften the skin and improve complexion.
Potassium – It helps regulate the amount of water in cells (along with sodium).
Magnesium – This is an essential mineral for skin health.
Zinc – It helps with the formation of new skin cells and collagen production.
Fun Fact1. Helps Manage Acne And Other Skin Inflammation
Pumpkin seed oil contains beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective against acne-causing bacteria like P. acnes and S. aureus. When taken orally or applied topically, pumpkin seed oil can reduce acne inflammation and soothe other acute and chronic skin inflammatory conditions (5), (7).
2. Prevents Skin Infection
Pumpkin seed oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is active against fungi like Candida albicans and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (5). Candida albicans causes candidiasis, an itchy skin rash, and S. aureus causes impetigo (a red, itchy sore) and other skin infections like boils and cellulitisi Skin infection caused by bacteria which leads to pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness in the affected area. (other than acne).
Moreover, pumpkin seed oil contains phloem exudate (liquid secreted by the tissue), which adds to its antifungal activity (5).
3. Promotes Wound Healing
A study conducted on rats showed that cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil could promote wound healing.
Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil contains tocopherols, sterolsi Organic compounds present in animal and plant lipids or fats that help treat irritated skin and improve skin elasticity. , and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These compounds make it an excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent to promote wound healing (8).
4. Minimizes Aging Signs
The saturated fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E in pumpkin seed oil prevent free radical damage and minimize signs of aging. It contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc, and other nourishing ingredients that give healthy skin from within, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture, elasticity, and integrity, and prevent conditions like dermatitisi An inflammation of the skin that can cause rashes, dryness, itchiness, or small blisters on the skin. (5),(7), (9), (10). Additionally, it contains vitamins B2 and B3 which keeps the skin soft and improves its complexion.
5. UV Protection
A study shows that pumpkin extract has protective effects against UVB-induced skin damage.
It works as a photoprotective agent and minimizes UV-induced collagen damage (11). Several studies confirmed that pumpkin seed oil in herbal and cosmetic formulations could provide superior photoprotection. Its antioxidant properties can reduce the risk of UV-induced skin cancer, photoagingi Skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation. It results in the breakdown of collagen and leads to premature aging. , and skin redness (12), (13).
6. Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Red pumpkin seed extract can also prevent UV-induced hyperpigmentation. It blocks the reactive oxygen species that trigger the Nrf2 signal (a pathway that mediates inflammatory factors), thus minimizing the risk of developing pigmentation (14).
7. Makeup Removal
Pumpkin seed oil can be used as a natural oil cleanser to remove makeup. It thoroughly cleanses the skin without irritating it (15).
You can consume pumpkin seed oil or use it topically to leverage its benefits. Here are a few ways to add pumpkin seed oil to your skin care regimen.
How To Use Pumpkin Seed Oil
- You can use pumpkin seed oil as a moisturizer and apply it directly to your skin. You can also mix it with your favorite skin products and creams.
- Use skin care products that contain pumpkin seed oil.
- Add pumpkin seed oil to DIY face masks or use it as a carrier oil.
- Consult a nutritionist or dietitian and add pumpkin seed oil to your diet.
Lisalise, a blogger, shares her love for pumpkin seed oil for its skin-loving qualities, except she can’t get rid of its unpleasant smell. In one of her blog posts, she writes, “I love what this oil contains and offers for skin care – and would really like to make it work – but no matter what I mix it with, it can’t pass the ‘nose test’ (i).”
Quick TipConduct a patch test before using pumpkin seed oil as it may cause some minor side effects. Read on to learn in detail about some of them.
Side Effects Of Pumpkin Seed Oil
While there are many pumpkin seeds benefits for your health in numerous ways, it may cause allergic reactions like:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Inflammation.
Consult a dermatologist if you experience any of the symptoms.
Infographic: 5 Benefits Of Pumpkin Seed Oil For Skin And Tips To Use It
Pumpkin seed oil helps treat acne, improve pigmentation, prevent signs of aging, and address several other skin problems. You can use this oil to get clean and clear skin without burning a hole in your pocket. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Takeaway
Pumpkin seed oil is a lightweight and nutrient-dense oil popular for quick skin absorption, moisturization, and refreshment. Using pumpkin seed oil for your skin regularly may reduce skin aging, prevent skin infections, and soothe acne and other skin conditions. You can apply pumpkin seed oil directly on your skin or choose products that contain this ingredient. Although considered safe, pumpkin seed oil may cause side effects such as redness, swelling, or inflammation. If you develop an adverse reaction, consult a doctor immediately for further treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pumpkin seed oil tighten skin?
Yes, pumpkin seed oil contains vitamin A, which tightens the skin by improving its texture and elasticity. But more research is needed to prove this claim.
Will pumpkin seed oil clog pores?
Pumpkin seed oil may clog your pores if you have oily or combination skin as it has a low comedogenic rating. However, it is recommended for acne, which is common in oily skin, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Does pumpkin seed oil help with cellulite?
Pumpkin seed oil may help reduce cellulite. Pumpkin flesh contains flavonoids, which may have anti-cellulite properties.
Is pumpkin seed oil good for your lips?
Yes, pumpkin seed oil is good for the skin on your lips. It keeps your skin moisturized and can reduce dryness or chapped lips.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin seed oil helps moisturize and rejuvenate your skin with its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
- Serums, oils, masks, and lotions— there are multiple ways to include pumpkin seed oil in your skincare routine.
- While it is a safe oil to use, it may lead to rash and irritation for some skin types.
Illustration: Pumpkin Seed Oil For Skin: Benefits And How It Works
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Make your own pumpkin seed oil for healthy and beautiful hair and skin! To achieve the best results, watch this simple step-by-step video tutorial for more information.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Pumpkin seed oil – packed with vitamin powerhttps://www.lisaliseblog.com/2011/05/pumpkin-seed-oil-packed-with-vitamin.html
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9182978/ - Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ - Macro‐ and microelements in pumpkin seed oils: Effect of processing crop season and country of origin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526651/ - Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/ - Facial Acne Therapy by Using Pumpkin Seed Oil with Its Physicochemical Properties
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325575102 - Evaluation of Fatty Acid Compositions, Antioxidant, and Pharmacological Activities of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Oil from Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8402081/ - Physicochemical Properties of Pumpkin Seed Oil & Therapy of Inflammatory Facial Acne Vulgaris
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319464119 - Oil from Pumpkin (cucurbita Pepo L.) Seeds: Evaluation of Its Functional Properties on Wound Healing in Rats
https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12944-016-0237-0.pdf - Characterization and Formulation of Skin Cream from Seed Oil Extracted from Cucumis Melo
https://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/articles/characterization-and-formulation-of-skin-cream-from-seed-oil-extracted-fromcucumis-melo.pdf - A Comprehensive Review of the Versatile Pumpkin Seeds (cucurbita Maxima) as a Valuable Natural Medicine
http://www.journalcra.com/sites/default/files/issue-pdf/10247.pdf - Combined Oral and Topical Application of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Alleviates Contact Dermatitis Associated With Depression Through Downregulation Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8141732/ - New Cosmetic Formulations With Broad Photoprotective and Antioxidative Activities Designed by Amaranth and Pumpkin Seed Oils Nanocarriers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669018305922 - Amelioration of Uv Radiation-Induced Photoaging by a Combinational Sunscreen Formulation Via Aversion of Oxidative Collagen Degradation and Promotion of Tgf-Β-Smad-Mediated Collagen Production
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0928098718304950 - A Red Pumpkin Seed Extract Reduces Melanosome Transfer to Keratinocytes by Activation of Nrf2 Signaling
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12716 - In Vitro and in Vivo Removal Efficacies of a Formulated Pumpkin Seed Oil Makeup Remover
https://aocs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsde.12315
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