Ask Kitty Magoo: Pumpkin Pie Facial Mask

Dear Kitty,

I love fall, but the change in seasons is causing my face to freak out. Help!

Signed, Fluctuating in Florence

Dear Fluctuating,

Rest assured, you’re not the only one whose skin gets screwy when the seasons change. In order to ease the transition, try whipping up a calming facial mask.

In EcoBeauty, author Lauren Cox suggests using one of fall’s signature ingredients, pumpkin, to help soothe stressed skin. Try this recipe adapted from Cox’s book.

Pumpkin Pie Mask

• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 3 drops pure vanilla extract

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until they form a paste. Spoon mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in refrigerator for up to two weeks. To use, spread one tablespoon onto clean face, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse well.

Not only is pumpkin full of vitamin A and other beneficial nutrients, it also contains exfoliating enzymes. Dead cells on the surface of your face can lead to clogged pores and dull-looking skin; the enzymes in pumpkin gently dissolve these dead cells, revealing the fresh and radiant skin beneath.

Once you’ve exfoliated your skin, I suggest applying a simple facial oil. Although it may seem counter intuitive to add oil to oily skin, it actually helps your skin bring itself into balance. This balance is especially important during skin-stressing times like the change in seasons. Try pressing a few drops of argan oil into damp skin, or pick up one of the many superb facial serums sold at Community Pharmacy. Happy fall!

Meow!