Pumpkin Seed Oil For Skin Care
Growing up, I always looked forward to watching the Peanuts
special: The Great Pumpkin. Little did I know that once I grew
up, I?d learn just how great pumpkins really are- especially
for skin care.
I?ve seen a big interest in pumpkin seed oil as a skin care
product, and wanted to find out more about its skin boosting
benefits. This article will share with you what I?ve learned
about pumpkin and why it works so well in a modern skin care
regimen.
Antioxidant properties
It appears that the biggest skin benefits of pumpkin seed oil
are that it possesses very high levels of the natural
antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Pumpkin seed oil
is especially high in the gamma-tocopherol form of Vitamin E,
which is a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidants protect cell structure and health by neutralizing
?free radicals?, which are unstable molecules generated from
sources like radiation, air pollution, and peroxides. Left
unchecked, free radicals can attack the skin?s structure,
leaving it vulnerable to wrinkling, infection, and other
damage.
Vitamin E works by stabilizing the free radical- Vitamin E
gives up one of its electrons to complete the unstable
molecule. This, in essence, renders the free radical harmless,
and helps the skin retain its normal structure.
Vitamin E has been shown to have a wide range of skin benefits.
Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the amount of scarring from
wounds, and has been shown to diminish the appearance of
stretch marks on the skin. Also, it has been shown to decrease
the effects of psoriasis, and to diminish the redness
associated with erythema, which is one symptom of rosacea.
Fatty Acids
Aside from the high levels of Vitamin E found in pumpkin, there
is also a high level of oil content (as high as 50%). The four
fatty acids which comprise 98% of pumpkin seed oil are
palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and oleic acids.
Palmitic acid works to promote natural oil regeneration. Oil is
an important component for the skin to retain its protective
barrier. With too little oil, the skin will crack and bleed;
opening it to a greater risk of infection and disease.
Stearic acid acts primarily as a lubricant. It allows the skin
to retain the proper moisture balance vital for good health
(and good looks).
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, which means our
bodies don?t manufacture it, and so we must ingest it in our
diets. Linoleic acid is one step for the manufacture of
prostaglandins, which decrease inflammation in the body.
Linoleic acid helps maintain smooth skin, and will help repair
flaky, itchy, or rough skin.
Oleic acid is the final fatty acid found in pumpkin seed oil.
It works to replenish and maintain skin?s moisture and
lubrication. It is an Omega 9 acid and has similar health
benefits (both general and to the skin) as the more well-known
Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids.
Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Taken together, it?s clear that pumpkin seed oil has
significant benefits for skin health and skin care. With
powerful antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, it appears
that adding pumpkin seed oil to your skin care regimen will
help you retain moisture, maintain normal cell structure, and
keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
About The Author: Ally McNeal is the a self described
“skin-a-holic”; someone who enjoys learning and teaching about
skin care. If you’d like to learn more about healthy skin
nutrition, please visit:
http://healthyhabits.skincaresmarts.com/vitamin-e-for-healthy-skin/
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