lola's secret beauty blog: Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Masque Review

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Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Masque is a non-abrasive, and cruelty-free, enzyme exfoliating mask that effectively loosens and removes dead skin cells and encourages skin cell turnover without any harsh exfoliating particles. Initially, I wasn't sure that any of the products from Banish would be a good fit for my normal/combination skin since the brand is known for exquisite acne clearing products, but they assured me that they do far more than treat acne, and they were right!

Their Pumpkin Enzyme Masque exfoliates dead skin through the use of pumpkin enzymes and glycolic acid, and I definitely feel an initial warming and tingling, but it is neither uncomfortable, nor painful for me. The first time I used it, I only left it on for about 5 minutes, instead of the recommended 10-15 minutes, and I spot tested it on my chin to see how my skin would react. Once I saw that I didn't have a negative reaction, then I left it on for 15 minutes the next time I used it. It effectively dissolved dead skin cells, and left my skin soft, smooth and with a pronounced clarity. I don't have much in the way of hyperpigmentation, and my skin is even in tone, but I do have a small spot of sun damage on my cheek that I will watch to see if sustained weekly use of this mask helps fade it. It is very important to use a high SPF sunscreen, and reapply it about every 75 minutes, when exfoliating the skin. Currently, I have been using Banish The Defender Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (Reviewed HERE) because it is quite nice and it has a high SPF. The mask smells like pumpkin puree, and makes me think of baking pumpkin pie each time I use it!

According to Banish,

Exfoliates skin without harsh scrubbing. Made with a blend of raw pumpkin, lemon peel extract, orange peel extract, glycolic acid, bilberry fruit extract, and ginger root to deliver renewing and radiance boosting ingredients directly to skin. Vitamin C and Beta Carotene increases skin firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

When you apply expect to feel an initial tingle. This is normal and that's just the enzymes doing its job to remove surface dead skin cells. When you rinse the mask off, skin should look soft and refreshed without irritation.

Skin Benefits of Pumpkin - Pumpkin Fruit contains naturally occuring AHA acids that exfoliate skin. Raw pumpkin is the base ingredient in the mask and the exfoliating process with this mask is essential in acne prone skincare routines.

The enzymes will help break down surface level skin to increase skin renewal. As we get older, our skin renewal process starts to slow down, which can lead to more persistent dark spots, and clogged pores. The pumpkin enzyme mask speeds skin turnover up to help fade dark spots much quicker and reduce likelihood of breakouts!

Pumpkin also contains Vitamin C which is an ingredient known for increasing collagen and brightening up dark marks. Pumpkin is high in vitamin a in the form of beta carotene. Pumpkin Enzyme masks also contain zinc naturally, as we know zinc is beneficial for acne prone skin and has great healing properties.

What it does:

Resurfaces Skin with AHAs
Reduces oily skin appearance
Reduces congested skin to help clear pores, blackheads & prevent acne
Improves dullness
Improves Skin Clarity and Skin Tone

Why it works:

Glycolic acid molecules are small enough to deep clean pores
Clogged pores + excess oil = acne
Prevent acne by using the Pumpkin Enzyme Masque regularly

Suitable For: Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Dry Skin and Normal Skin.

Shelf Life: 6 Months - store in a cool dark place like the fridge to extend and maximize shelf life.

Directions: Spread thin layer on face and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash off thoroughly. Mild tingling sensation within the first minute or two of applying the mask is normal. If excessive stinging or irritation occurs, rinse off with cool water. Use 1-3 times a week or as often as needed. Store in a cool dry place. Wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ during the day.Avoid sun exposure or wear SPF 30+ while using this product.

Ingredients: Pumpkin Fruit, Organic Bilberry Fruit Extract, Organic Sugar Cane Extract, Organic Orange Peel Extract, Organic Lemon Peel Extract, Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vitamin E, Phenoxyethanol, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Neem Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Cinnamon Bark Powder, Ginger Root Powder, Nutmeg Powder.

Free of artificial fragrance & dyes. Use 1-3 times a week. Less often if you have sensitive skin.