Climb aboard the pumpkin spice bandwagon. We’re embracing everything autumn in our daily rituals this season–from our morning caffeine to our skincare routine. A good facial scrub is essential year-round but particularly indispensable in the fall and winter. As the air turns cooler, it becomes drier, and your skin suffers the consequences.

This homemade organic pumpkin facial scrub is one of our favorite exfoliators because it leaves skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Get the recipe below, plus our tips on keeping skin looking and feeling its best in dry weather.

The benefits of a facial scrub

A facial scrub offers gentle exfoliation to the skin, sloughing off dead skin cells and encouraging new cell turnover. This helps give skin a smoother appearance and texture, not to mention a healthy glow.

A quick warning: when using a facial scrub, it’s important to avoid abrasion to the skin. Ingredients that are too coarse or simply rubbing too hard or vigorously can result in skin irritation. And that defeats the purpose! So be gentle when you use a scrub on your face’s delicate skin.

Why make your own facial scrub?

DIYing your facial scrub is cost effective, can be whipped up on the fly, and can be adjusted to suit your skin needs and preferences. Plus, you know exactly what’s going on your skin.

We’re huge proponents of sticking to simple, high-quality, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, and avoiding anything artificial. However, because there are no preservatives, take care to only mix what you’re going to use that day or save any leftovers in the fridge. Use within 3 to 4 days. 

Skin-loving ingredients

Pumpkin

This vibrant winter squash is known for its exceptional nutritional value, but using it externally can be beneficial too. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties¹. Additionally, it contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which help brighten skin, and natural exfoliating enzymes. Pumpkin is also rich in Vitamin A (which stimulates collagen) and Vitamin C (an antioxidant)². 

Honey

Honey has been used in skincare and wound care for thousands of years. It is revered for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is an effective binding agent³. Honey is also a natural exfoliator, helping the skin cell turnover rate. Choose raw honey or Manuka honey for best results.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is an abundant natural element used around the world as a remedy for a variety of diseases. Thanks to its detoxifying properties, it has been shown to alleviate irritated skin⁴.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. As an oil, it is highly moisturizing and helps protect the skin from UV damage⁵. Opt for pure tocopherol acetate, the most stable form of Vitamin E, to maximize benefits.

Ginger Powder

Ginger is loaded with compounds that benefit the body inside and out. Ginger powder is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help reduce excess oil production when applied to the skin⁶.

How to deal with dry skin

As temperatures drop, the moisture in the air plummets too. You can’t do anything about the change in seasons, except maybe escape to the Caribbean, but you can manage its effect on your skin. Here are a few quick tips on how to cope:

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is a daily challenge, but did you know that many foods help support proper hydration, and protect skin from environmental damage? Read more in our post 5 Foods that Nourish Dry Winter Skin.

Avoid long, hot showers

This is completely counterintuitive when you’re feeling chilly, but taking a short, warm shower will prevent your skins oils being stripped away and keep irritation at bay. Plus, you’re saving energy and water! So it’s a win-win.

Moisturize right after bathing

Applying oils, lotions, and creams directly after washing will help lock in the moisture.

Use a humidifier

If the air in your home tends to be dry, try supplementing with a humidifier.

Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation will improve the turnover of dead skin cells so fresh new cells can take their place. Gently exfoliating helps skin feel plumper and smoother⁷.

Time to get down to business. Without further ado, here’s our favorite, fall-inspired facial scrub recipe:

Organic Pumpkin Facial Scrub Recipe

For kissably soft skin and a lovely fall aroma, try our easy-to-make recipe for this organic pumpkin facial scrub.

Ingredients

• 1 T pumpkin puree
• 1/2 t honey
• 1 t bentonite clay
• 1/8 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions

1. Mix ingredients together in a small to medium bowl.

How to use

1. Apply a small amount (just enough to cover your face with a single layer) of the scrub to a recently-washed face, and gently massage into your skin.
2. Let the scrub sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Wipe your face clean with a warm washcloth.

Storing

Store your scrub in the fridge (discard after 3 to 4 days). Pumpkin puree is not a shelf-stable or long-term product, and you’ll want to use it and keep it fresh. Put your extra pumpkin puree to good use in a fall-inspired muffin, smoothie, or soup recipe.

BONUS! We can’t get enough of the pumpkin-y goodness for our skin, so we thought we’d share another recipe that will turn your shower into a festive autumn event.

Organic Brown Sugar + Pumpkin Body Scrub Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup organic white sugar
• 1/4 cup organic pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup organic brown sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon raw honey
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

1. Mix sugars and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
2. Add in the raw honey and pumpkin puree. Mix until well combined.
3. Store extras in an airtight glass jar.

How to Use

1. Apply a small amount (just enough to cover your face with a single layer) of the scrub to a recently-washed face, and gently massage into your skin.
2. Let the scrub sit for 5-10 minutes
3. Wipe your face clean with a warm washcloth.

Storing

Store your scrub in the fridge (discard after a week). Pumpkin puree is not a shelf-stable or long-term product. You'll only want to use it while it's fresh.

Looking for more DIY skincare recipes? Check out our Turmeric Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin recipe, and learn more about the benefits of exfoliating.

Disclaimer: All information provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should be interpreted as, medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and Humble Brands products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with questions you have regarding your health. Although every effort has been made to ensure the information published is accurate, Humble Brands accepts no responsibility or liability.