DIY natural solution ‘prevents hair loss’ and ‘thinning’ while boosting growth
With Halloween around the corner, many Britons will be carving pumpkins this weekend to get into the spirit of the spooky celebration on October 31.
Around 24 million pumpkins are sold every year in the UK to celebrate Halloween which means there are a lot of leftovers.
Bella von Nesselrode MCMA, a skincare expert working with Ripe Hair & Beauty has revealed how leftover pumpkins can be good for your skin and can even be used to treat hair loss.
She said: “Your skin needs extra TLC as the winter months set in. It can look dull, and its lipid profile can suffer from the colder temperatures.
“Pumpkin extract is great in skincare, as it contains many components that can have beneficial effects on the skin. It is high in vitamins A, C, and E, and contains flavonoids and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-histaminic and antimicrobial effects.
“Pumpkin seed oil has a number of potential benefits and practical uses for the skin when applied topically. For example, it can:
“Help wounds heal by increasing the content of bioactive components like tocopherols, fatty acids, and phytosterols. Help treat chronic hand eczema by reducing inflammation and resolving lesions.
“A 2019 study even found that regularly massaging pumpkin seed oil into your scalp can help to prevent hair loss.
“One thing to note is that pumpkin spice doesn’t actually include pumpkin. So, sadly, drinking that pumpkin spice latte won’t have the same impact!”
According to dermatologist Dr Karan Lal, pumpkin seed oil can block DHT – dihydrotestosterone – which is responsible for male pattern baldness.
Sofia Baig, a trichologist and renowned hair loss expert at Monpure London, told ELLE that pumpkin seed oil naturally blocks the production of DHT and can “minimise excess shedding”.
She added: “It then boosts the growth of follicles entering into a new cycle of the anagen phase. It’s an incredible natural solution against hormonal hair loss, such as thinning during menopause and after women give birth. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory that decreases oxidation, which also combats hair loss.”
Pumpkin seed oil can be bought online or from local supermarkets and health food stores.
However, it is fairly simple to make at home using just a few ingredients. All you need to do is blend the seeds into a paste and warm the paste in a Bain-marie to release the oils.
How to make your own pumpkin seed oil:
Blend shelled pumpkin seeds into a paste.
Place the paste in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water with a couple of tablespoons of water.
Warm the paste while gently stirring it to release the oil. Add more water as needed.
When the paste starts releasing oil, squeeze it into a muslin cloth and strain it into a clean container.
