Papaya
Papaya has an enzyme called papain, vitamin A, Beta Carotene as well as Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This not only reduces pimples and acne but it also exfoliates the skin, softens it, removes dead skin cells, evens skin tone and hydrates it, thus, making the skin supple and reducing signs of ageing.
Use it: The next time you cut a papaya, mash a couple of ripe pieces, or the pulpy parts still stuck to the skin with a spoon and apply it directly to the face, neck and even hands. Use it directly as a mask and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with regular room temperature water.
Pineapple
Pineapple is filled with Alpha Hydroxy acids that help reduce wrinkles, moles and warts. It’s also a great exfoliator, helps in rejuvenating the skin and reduces the signs of ageing. Apply this fruit mask about once a week for optimum results.
Use it: Either extract pineapple juice or mash a ripe piece and apply on the face and neck area. This can also be mixed with a little bit of honey or cold pressed almond oil or olive oil so as to make it more moisturising. It is imperative though that the mask should be washed off within 5-7minutes. If not, it can burn your skin due to its high acidic properties.
Watermelon
An easily available fruit, watermelon is filled with antioxidant lycopene, vitamin A and vitamin C, making it highly regenerative. It can add an instant glow to the skin as well as prevent breakouts.
Use it: Mash a few pieces of ripe watermelon, strain the pulp and collect the juice. Mix this juice with a little yogurt and apply it on the face and neck to remove dead skin cells and to brighten the skin. You can also use the juice/pulp directly on the skin for glowing skin. Relax with it on the face and wash it off after 10-15 minutes.
Orange
Filled with vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids this fruit is a boon to the skin. Vitamin C exfoliates and revitalises the skin and AHAs help reduce signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles and improves elasticity. The yellow pigment in oranges also helps fight skin damage caused by the sun.
Use it: Collect orange peels in a plate and dry it in the sun. Grind it to make a powder. Mix with a little water and apply directly to the face and neck. This helps in reducing sun damage. Alternately, mash a couple of orange pieces and collect the juice. Mix this with a little bit of yogurt to make a mask. This can brighten up the face considerably. Or just use the orange juice directly to reduce blemishes and dark spots.
Banana
Bananas are abundant in potassium, zinc, iron, manganese and vitamins A,B,C and E. It adds moisture to repair the skin. It reduces the effect of free radicals on the skin, thus, slowing the ageing process. It also helps in reducing skin discolorations, blemishes and spots.
Use it: Mash a piece of ripe banana, mix it with honey and apply to the skin. Keep it on for 20 minutes and wash it off. This tightens and hydrates the skin. You can apply the mashed banana without the honey also for great results.
So, here are five fruits, easily available almost throughout the year, which can rejuvenate and repair your skin. All you have to do is spend about 15-20 minutes, pamper your skin with the fruit that’s at home and get the glow back on your skin!
XOXO
little red tote
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Written by Fleur Xavier and Nethra Raghuraman on 25th Jul 2014