Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo) is a natural ingredient rich in nutrients that benefit the skin. Extracted from pumpkin seeds by cold pressing, the oil has moisturizing and regenerative properties.

Pumpkin seed oil is distinguished by a biochemical composition rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It contains a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9). The oil is also an important source of tocopherols (vitamin E), carotenoids and sterols, as well as zinc and selenium. These components act synergistically to give the oil protective and regenerative properties for the skin.

One of the main benefits of pumpkin seed oil is its ability to deeply hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid, play a key role in maintaining moisture by strengthening the epidermal lipid barrier. This barrier, composed of lipids, prevents excessive transepidermal water loss, which helps keep skin supple and well-hydrated. Oleic acid, on the other hand, helps soften the skin and improve its elasticity. By strengthening the skin's barrier function, pumpkin seed oil also prevents dehydration and helps maintain optimal hydration, which is especially beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin.

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in antioxidant compounds, including tocopherols and carotenoids. Tocopherols, which include different forms of vitamin E, play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals that cause skin aging. The antioxidants in pumpkin seed oil work by reducing this oxidative damage, maintaining the skin’s youthful appearance.

Additionally, pumpkin seed oil is rich in carotenoids, plant pigments that also enhance protection against the harmful effects of UV rays and improve the skin's resistance to environmental stress. These compounds also promote cell renewal, which helps maintain smooth, glowing skin.

Pumpkin seed oil is an asset for skin attacked by environmental and climatic conditions. Linoleic acid plays a crucial role in reducing inflammatory skin responses. By modulating the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, this fatty acid helps soothe irritation, redness and inflammation of the skin. This makes it a valuable ingredient for the treatment of inflammatory dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. The phytosterols present in the oil, especially beta-sitosterol, also act as modulators of inflammation, inhibiting the enzymes responsible for inflammatory processes. In addition, these compounds participate in skin regeneration, promoting the healing of damaged tissues and reducing inflammatory reactions.

Pumpkin seed oil finally has regenerative properties, which makes it particularly beneficial for damaged skin. The combination of essential fatty acids and antioxidants promotes the regeneration of epidermal cells and strengthens the integrity of the skin barrier. In particular, fatty acids help restore damaged cell membranes, while antioxidants protect new cells from oxidative damage. The oil is also rich in zinc, a mineral essential for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that maintains the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Zinc promotes wound healing and plays a crucial role in the repair of skin tissue. Thanks to this synergy, pumpkin seed oil is particularly effective in accelerating the healing of minor skin irritations and lesions.