Pumpkin's Not Just for Pie

Thanksgiving is just days away. This year, my parents flew back to the East Coast, leaving just me, my hubby, my sister and my nephew here in Washington to celebrate. Instead of having turkey and all the trimmings, we're having tacos! (And margaritas!!) But we're sticking to a little bit of tradition: we're having pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for dessert (yum!).

I am not a fan of Thanksgiving. But the one thing I do like is all the spice and pumpkins. Did you know that pumpkin is an aphrodisiac? It is! And it's also good for your skin. So have your pie and eat it to with these pumpkin skin care products:

The Body Deli’s Pumpkin Spice Botanical Butter Scrub: This is a healthy and delicious scrub that features the turmeric, a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. Tumeric is often used in Indian cooking, but is also extremely beneficial in skincare products because it gives the skin a natural glow and keeps harmful bacteria away from the body. The scrub also features cardamom, allspice & clove, cinnamon & ginger and raw certified pumpkin. Full of herbs and spice! Detox and decongest!

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel: This is a detoxifying peel for your face and neck.Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin. Plus it has a delicious, irresistible pumpkin scent.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath: Leave it to Philosophy to have a yummy pumpkin product like this! The ultra-rich formula cleanses skin and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. Not only is the warm, gooey smell of pumpkin spice muffin appealing to the senses—according to scientific research, this aroma has been found to arouse men and women. It's a smell that's so irresistible, you'll lather, rinse, and definitely want to repeat.

And, if you're a DIY girl, try making this pumpkin mask (the recipe is from Bethenny Frankel, one of the Real Housewives of New York):

2 cups canned pumpkin
4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Combine ingredients. Smooth onto face. Rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off mask.