It’s pumpkin season. There’s jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pies, pumpkin breads, pumpkin soups, pumpkin bars — and in Austin, pumpkin facials.

Local spas are offering a variety of services this fall, from hot stone massages to pumpkin-based beauty treatments, to help clients prepare for the cooler weather.

“We have several October specials,” said Gideon Thompson, co-owner of Healing Palms Spa, 313 N. Main St.

An October Massage Package runs $130 and includes a pumpkin body wrap, a sauna session, a 30-minute warming massage with cinnamon essential oil, a 15-minute face massage and a pumpkin mask.

The spa’s Web site calls their key ingredient, pumpkin “one of the richest sources of alpha carotene for a skin plumping effect on collagen.”

One of Healing Palm Spa’s new therapists, Ellie Ramseth, is offering an early “Thanksgiving Treat” this month. For $50, clients can have a pumpkin pie facial, a pumpkin exfoliation and a hand/scalp/arm massage.

“Just about all of our therapists are offering something special right now,” Thompson said.

Fall and winter are busy seasons for spas, according to Pat Larson, manager of Essential Life Spa, 610 First Ave. SW.

“Skin care is very important this time of year,” she said.

Essential Life Spa esthetician Melodie Watts said body wraps, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and hydrating masks are very effective services to keep in mind this time of year.

It is a good time to have treatments that can make skin sensitive to sun exposure, she added.

“During fall it is important that massages work on strengthening breathing,” Essential Life Spa massage therapist Christina Tracy said.

One popular autumn service at the spa is “Blissful Feet,” she said, describing it as “an exfoliating refreshment for your feet.”

“Hot stone massages are nice now and during winter because they warm you up and comfort you,” Essential Life massage therapist Megan Kubes said.

“This time of year is associated with reaping the harvest and letting go of what is past,” Tracy said.

She added, “It is important just to treat yourself and let yourself rejuvenate.”

For more information about Healing Palms Spa go to www.hpmassage.com. For more about Essential Life Spa go to www.essentiallifespa.com.