I was one of those crazy women who was at the coffee shop bright and early last weekend to snatch up the very first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. I jump on board the "pumpkin everything" craze like it's the last year any of it will ever be available and take it to the extreme without any hesitation. So this year, even before the leaves begin to turn and the scarves come out, I'm adding a festive, fall update to my beauty routine and incorporating nutrient-packed pumpkin into my facial masks, body butters, and other DIY  beauty products.

While we love the scent and flavor of pumpkin as the weather cools, pumpkin also holds some incredible beauty benefits that we shouldn't ignore. Pumpkin is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin A, fruit enzymes, and alpha hydroxy acids. This festive food has the potential to boost collagen, calm irritation and breakouts, brighten, smooth, and nourish all in one.

Convinced you should add pumpkin to your beauty routine?

Well, to celebrate the season and give you the best skin yet, here's a few natural beauty recipes to try out!

Pumpkin Latte Body Scrub

Whip up a luxurious pumpkin latte body scrub by mixing:

-1/2 cup pumpkin puree

-1/4 cup ground coffee

-1/2 cup brown sugar

During your next shower, scrub this over your body to instantly feel smoother, softer skin. Since the pumpkin is so moisturizing, you'll save some time and be able to skip on applying lotion. Store the refrigerator.

How it works: The caffeine from ground coffee reduces the appearance of cellulite while the brown sugar acts as a gentle exfoliate. When combined with pumpkin puree, the results are more moisturized, softer, smoother skin.

Pumpkin Hair Mask

As the weather cools and the breeze becomes more crisp, it can leave your hair more brittle and dry. Whip up this simple Pumpkin Hair Mask to leave strands shinier, more manageable, and less frizzy. Mix the following:

-1/2 cup pumpkin puree

-1/4 cup plain yogurt

-1 tablespoon of honey together

Apply to dry hair, focusing on dry ends. Wrap in a warm, wet towel for 30 minutes before washing and styling as usual.

How it works: Yogurt contains natural lactic acid which clears away dead skin cells and cleanses your scalp. It's also is loaded with natural proteins that make hair grow stronger and healthier. Honey is added to strengthen hair follicles. When we combine honey and yogurt with the natural benefits of pumpkin, you'll have shiny locks all season long. 

Pumpkin Face Mask

On chilly mornings when you want to relax and sip your pumpkin latte extra slowly, whip up this all-in-one facial mask to leave your skin bright, refreshed, toned, and moisturized as well. To prepare, mix:

-1/2 cup pumpkin

-2 tablespoons ground coffee

-1 tablespoon of honey

-1/4 cup of yogurt together

Mix until well-blended. Apply to your face and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. You'll notice your skin is instantly softer and with regular use, will also see a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and breakouts. Store in the refrigerator and use 3 times a week for best results.

How it works: The caffeine from ground coffee firms and tightens aging skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid in yogurt reduces the appearance of pores and dissolves dead skin to naturally and gently exfoliate without scrubbing or irritation. Honey has been used in facials for centuries to slow the signs of aging with it's powerful antioxidants and calms and reduces breakouts/ acne with it's naturally occurring antibacterial qualities. 

Our little family has had a lot of fun playing with pumpkin beauty recipes so far this fall and I really hope yours does too! We'll continue to keep experimenting with recipes and let you guys know when we create new ones.