Food: Material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy

Fall is the time of year that pumpkin takes center stage in many spas that offer seasonal treatments. Personally, I love the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin facials, wraps, scrubs and massages. I especially like the fact that they are based on a natural ingredient - one that is not only safe to eat but good for skin. However, many of my acquaintances do not like the idea of food being used in their spa treatments. I really don't understand their objections. My reasoning that if it's good for you inside, it may well be good for you outside has not been persuasive. Here's what Naturopathica, maker of the Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel, has on their web site. Pumpkin is used as an exfoliation accelerator. It is a powerful antioxidant due to its high Beta Carotene content. Pumpkin is also a mild retinoic acid substitute and helps to break down dead skin cells for a soft, smooth finish. You can find information on other foods used in their spa products such as papaya, fig, citrus fruits, wild mango, wine grapes, sweet cherry and pear by going to Naturopathica's Ingredient Glossary.

The following are just a few seasonal pumpkin treatments offered by spas around the country and the benefits they provide:

Arizona

• Camelback Signature Facial at The Spa at Camelback Inn at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona
  • This facial uses a seasonal blend of pumpkin, grapefruit, mandarin orange, cranberry, and pomegranate. The therapeutic pure plant extracts are accompanied by a June Jacobs pumpkin enzyme mask that’s customized to skin type. The live pumpkin enzyme literally digests dead cell protein off the skin’s surface.

California

• Pumpkin Spice Zen Harmony Facial using Naturopathica Holistic Skincare products at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California
  • A gentle and exfoliating retinol treatment that brightens the skin
• Pumpkin Spice Exfoliation using Michele Steinert’s organic products at Raindance Spa at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa in Sonoma, California
  • Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and natural enzymes. Blended with sea salt, this combination makes a powerful exfoliator that sloughs off dead skin cells and produces soft, supple, and glowing skin. 
• Pumpkin Spice Facial at Glen Ivy Spas in Brea and Valencia, California
  • The thick, organic, nutrient-rich pumpkin puree used in this facial increases oxygenation and circulation clearing congested pores for softer, smoother and brighter skin.
• Pumpkin Oatmeal Body Scrub and Pumpkin Body Wrap at Spa Desert Springs at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California
  • In the scrub, natural apricot seeds are used to gently scrub away dead skin cells, while vitamin-rich pumpkin and oatmeal nourish the skin and work together to build up natural defense barriers. The pumpkin wrap exfoliates dead skin cells and provides stimulating cellulite-reduction therapy.  Pumpkin is rich in minerals and high in Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E – two powerful antioxidant agents to help combat the effects of aging. Once the wrap portion of the treatment is completed, an application of Pumpkin Body Butter is applied.

Florida

• Yogurt Power Peel at The Spa at One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach, Florida
  • During the treatment, guests enjoy a dry brush massage followed by an overall body cleanse. The yogurt exfoliant, containing natural Alpha Hydroxy, is applies to the entire body leaving the skin smoother and firmer. The pumpkin and orange mask then nourishes. It's great for dry skin or anyone who wants to bring a luminous glow to their body.

Idaho

• Essential Elements at The Cove at Shores Lodge in McCall, Idaho
  • A highly effective peel that combines yam and pumpkin extracts with vitamin A to boost collagen production, diminish sun spots, and leaves skin smooth, glowing, and more youthful.

Nevada

• Pumpkin Paradise Wrap and Pumpkin Paradise Facial at Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • This anti-aging and stimulating body wrap uses a combination of a pear and green apple sugar scrub with a pumpkin cream body wrap to stimulate blood flow and reduce fine lines, leaving skin with a natural and healthy glow. Pumpkin and yam enzymes work together in the facial to reduce fine lines, leaving skin with a natural and healthy glow. A great source of vitamins, this anti-aging service is great for all skin types
• Naturopathica Pumpkin Herbal Enzyme Facial at Spa & Salon Vdara at Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • A gentle resurfacing facial using pumpkin enzyme to clear the skin of any cellular build-up that may block pores. This purifying treatment is fortified with a mélange of beta carotenes to help slow down environmental damage to the skin.  Pumpkin is rich with antioxidants and vital nutrients that will pamper your skin with moisture, nourishing it with essential nutrients and minerals.
• Autumn Harvest Spa Package including a Pumpkin Spice Massage, Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub and a Pumpkin Spice Facial from Nurture Salon and Spa at Luxor Las Vegas in Nevada

New Jersey

• Pumpkin Spice Facial at Spa Toccare at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, New Jersey and Immersion Spa at the Water Club at the Water Club, Atlantic City, New Jersey)
  • Naturally rich in Vitamin A and other beneficial nutrients, pumpkin helps to promote smoother, younger looking skin. Your skin will be soft with a renewed glow as a result of this facial. 

Texas

• Pumpkin Enzyme Body Treatment at Barton Creek’s Three Spring Spa in Austin, Texas
  • This result-oriented treatment combines natural pumpkin enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells and bring radiant, naturally hydrated skin to the surface. After the exfoliating process, an anti-oxidant mask is applied. High in vitamin A, this mask protects and nourishes the skin. As a bonus, pumpkin contains more than 100 beneficial nutrients, which act as an alpha hydroxyl acid to help reverse the signs of aging.

At Home

You might want to make your own pumpkin face mask and pumpkin body scrub. Author of Bonding Over Beauty, Erika Katz, shares these recipes and explains the benefits of each ingredient.

Pumpkin Face Mask
2 tsp canned pureed pumpkin
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream
Mix all ingredients and apply to face.  Leave on for 10 min and rinse

Pumpkin Scrub
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
Mix all ingredients, scrub body and rince. 

• Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is very healing to the skin and is essential to maintain and repair skin tissue. It also helps reduce lines and wrinkles.
• Honey is a humectant [a substance that preserves the moisture or water content of the skin].
• Cream moisturizes and helps flaky skin.  

That's what I know about food for face (and body). Thanks for "listening." I am interested in hearing what you think about the use of food in spa products. Share it with me at jar@DiscoverSpas.com.