Spotlight on 2 Ingredients - Wonderful Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel.
The Skinsmith | 23rd October 2023
What Exactly is a Pumpkin?
From a botanist’s perspective a pumpkin is a fruit in the family Cucurbitaceae which includes cucumbers and melons. The fruit classification is because it’s a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants whereas vegetables are the edible portion of plants such as stems, leaves, roots, bulbs, flowers, and tubers. Pumpkins tend to be viewed as a vegetable from a culinary perspective because they are less sweet and more savoury.
Saying all this they are a beloved central symbol of many autumn festivals, and their image has become inseparable from Halloween. They are as much a part of cakes, cookies, and sweet drinks as they are savoury stews, pies, and roasts. This is one versatile sweet/savoury, fruit/vegetable hybrid!
Interestingly pumpkins are 92% water and an excellent source of potassium, vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene (the powerful antioxidant which gives orange fruits and vegetables their colour). These vitamins and nutrients are delivered deep into the skin when skincare containing pumpkin as an ingredient is applied topically helping to soften and soothe dry skin. Pumpkin also boosts collagen production which keeps skin from looking cracked and scaly. The vitamins and minerals in pumpkin also have brightening properties which leave the skin glowing and radiant.
And How About a Yam?
Most of us get a bit confused between Sweet Potatoes and Yams but while they are quite similar, they are in fact different. Sweet potatoes are not a type of yam, and yams are not a type of sweet potato. They are both tuberous root vegetables that come from a flowering plant, but they are not related and don’t even have a lot in common. Yams have rough, dark brown skin often compared to tree bark and their flesh is dry and starchy like a regular potato. Sweet Potatoes have smooth reddish skin, softer flesh (when cooked) and a sweet flavour whereas Yams have a cylindrical shape with blackish or brown, bark-like skin and white, purple, or reddish flesh. Compared to sweet potatoes, yams are starchier, drier and have a more neutral taste. They’re carried in more grocery stores these days, but your best chance of finding them is to look in international and specialty markets. Sweet Potatoes are part of the Morning Glory (Convolvulaceae) family which includes things like bindweed whereas Yams are closely related to lilies.
When used in skincare yams hydrate the skin helping to reduce roughness and bring smoothness and clarity. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties which soothe skin and reduce swelling and irritation. Yam also contains a high number of antioxidants that protect skin from damaging and ageing environment factors while repairing and replenishing damaged skin. It stimulates collagen production and elasticity which gives firm, plump skin and improves the tone and texture of your skin. Yam also contains Vitamin A which not only possesses anti-ageing benefits but can also help with cell and hair growth and renewal.
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Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
This delicious puree of yam and pumpkin leaves skin looking firm and radiant, it accelerates the exfoliation process removing dead skin cells with enzymes reducing the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines, and sun damage. It’s great for all skin types except for active acne areas.
Use either a fan brush or fingertips to easily apply a thin layer of product over clean and dry face and neck. Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is a great cleanser to use in preparation for the peel, it cools and balances the skin leaving it cleansed and calmed.
A tingling sensation lasting a few minutes is a natural response to application of this product allow to remain on the skin for 10-15 minutes and gently massage with your fingertips to loosen dead skin cells before removing product.
Our Soothing Chamomile Tonique is great to use after removing your peel, it neutralises, calms, and restores the skin. Spray directly onto cotton pads and gently compress into the skin. Follow with damp sponges or rinse with cool water. Follow up with Bamboo Firming Fluid for firmer and tighter looking skin then moisturise. During the day using an SPF is a really good idea after a peel, Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 is formulated with vanilla, shea butter and all mineral SPF 40 and is suitable for all skin types.
Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel is packed full of amazing ingredients, aside from the obvious (Yam and Pumpkin!!) it also contains pineapple to purify the skin, papaya with its vitamins and fruit enzymes and willow bark extract to minimise the appearance of pores to name but a few. Your skin will be left refined, plumped (collagen is boosted), and smoother with the appearance of dark spots reduced.
Alternatively, you could try a professional yam and pumpkin treatment at one of our spa locations, the at home version is a 5% peel whereas the professional is a highly active 20% so penetrates more deeply, you can use the home version every two weeks in conjunction with professional treatments.
Discover The Benefits of Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
You can also learn more about the key benefits of using a Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by speaking to a member of our experienced and friendly team today on 01305 300950or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
