Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin spice latte, commonly referred to as PSL. It's synonymous with the autumn season, much like cozy flannels, candles and changing leaves. And now, PSL lovers can kick their love affair up a notch by incorporating pumpkin into their skincare!
"Most of the enzymes used in skincare come from fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, papaya and pumpkin," explains NYC Dermatologist Hadley King, MD.
"These proteolytic enzymes help to break down proteins, including keratin proteins, in the outer layer of our skin," King says. Translation: this sloughs off dead skin, leaving skin softer, smoother and less discolored.
Get ready to fall in love with these PSL beauty products the experts love.
Mask
Wake up on the bright side with the Sunrise Service Mask from Loops Beauty ($30). "The Sunrise Service mask is rich in baobab oil, pumpkin extract, flower extracts and a probiotic, designed to hydrate, moisturize, brighten, smooth, depuff and protect from free radicals," says King.
Made with pumpkin puree and green tea, the Eminence Organic Skin Care Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque ($52) does a number on skin brightening. Plus, it smells just like pumpkin pie! "I love this mask because it directly targets environmental stressors and helps improve the skin's natural moisture barrier," says Denise Dixon, Author and Owner of the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas.
Scrub
Bring life back into dull skin with ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment ($88). This exfoliating pumpkin scrub is made with with aloe vera. Worden says it's super gentle and can be two to three times a week. Apply it in the shower to allow the steam to activate the enzymes.
Cleanser
Ever wanted to rub pumpkin butter on your face? Now's your chance with Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter ($38) from Elemis. "It's an amazing cleansing butter that takes off your makeup, dirt and oil and leaves your skin hydrated," says Taylor Worden, Celebrity Esthetician and Founder ofTaylor Worden Skin.
Highlighter
PSL as a highlighter? Yes, please! Use this Pumpkin Spice Latte Highlighter from Sydney Grace ($8) for a soft, golden shimmer to make those cheekbones pop or use as an eyeshadow, says Kevin Maberly, Dermatologist at Tiger Medical.
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Lip Balm
No one likes chapped lips in the fall or winter, so glide on this nourishing Burt's Bees Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm ($3.59). It's a favorite product ofDavid Gray, Owner of Talking Tan. "Everybody needs lip balm when the weather starts to get cooler, so why not use this amazing one that has pumpkin spice, nourishing beeswax, and coconut oil?" he says. Since it's a limited edition, grab that fall feeling while you can!
Moisturizer
Schaf Moisturizer ($45) is formulated with hyaluronic acid and a blend of hemp seed, avocado, grapeseed and pumpkin seed oils, is as luxurious as it sounds.
It delivers a light application while still doing what a heavy moisturizer does: hydrating the skin. "It also contains antioxidants and anti-aging peptides**, as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids," says King.
Serum
Drunk Elephant's C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum ($103) is a beloved product. “It’s anti-aging, evens skin complexion and contains several active ingredients that all work great together in addition to the serum’s vitamin C,” says Dixon. If you have sensitive skin, you’re in luck, as the pumpkin ferment is a natural and gentle exfoliant. It’s what pumpkin dreams are made of.
