Fruits For Skincare

We are a reflection of our thoughts – we are what we think. In addition, our lifestyle habits and what we eat also play a major role in defining our personality and outward appearance. When it comes to food, the best approach is a wholesome diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits are a great source of fibre and vitamins and being high in nutritional value, they are essential to one’s daily diet.

Not only do fruits form an essential part of the dietary chart, but they also find their way in skin care. Many fruits are used as natural beauty treatments and as home remedies for both skin and body care. Organic fresh fruits and dry fruits are easily available and serve as a natural alternative to the chemical-laced creams and facials offered in the market.

Fresh fruits can be included in your skincare routine by blending the fruit to make a pulp, which is then used as a face/body pack, as required. Packs are generally applied for 15 – 20 minutes and then washed off as during that time the essentials of fruits permeate the skin. After 20 minutes, the reverse happens. Use the following packs depending upon your skin type and requirement:

Avocado – is considered a wonder fruit because it is packed with omega 6 & 9 fatty acids, minerals and most vitamins like B1, B2, B3, vitamin A, C, E and K which also makes it a rich source of nutrition for the skin. Vitamin A assists in cell regeneration, vitamin E is excellent for the skin as it is an antioxidant that prevents skin damage and promotes longevity. Avocado is also known for its hydrating properties and is a natural moisturizer suitable for all skin types. It also has anti-ageing benefits since it aids in collagen formation which assists the skin in maintaining its elasticity and strength.

The following fruits are best suited for dry skin,

Banana – has moisturising properties and makes an excellent pack for dry skin. It not only hydrates the skin, but also helps in toning it. One can also add honey to mashed bananas in case of very dry skin, for additional hydration. In case of acne, add a few drops of lemon juice to the pulp.

Watermelon – locks in moisture and is best suited to provide moisture. Apply a watermelon pack to hydrate as well as soothe dry and scaly skin.

Pomegranate – is known to improve the moisture retention ability of the skin. Along with hydrating properties, it is also an excellent antioxidant. It aids the skin’s process of cell renewal.

Cucumber – has cooling and hydrating properties that makes it an excellent face pack, especially in summers.

If you have oily skin, turn to fruits rich in vitamin C, that help in keeping the oil accumulation in check,

Tomatoes – the acids present in tomatoes help in controlling the build-up of oil that can get accumulated in one’s skin’s pores. Thus tomatoes make an effective treatment for acne. Tomatoes can be used as is, or combined with cucumber and used as a face pack to combat pimples.

Grapefruit & Orange – like most citrus fruits, grapefruit and orange are excellent for oily and acne prone skin. They have a cleansing and toning effect on the skin thereby proving effective in reducing oiliness.

Ageing, fine lines and wrinkles is a matter of concern for women with mature skin. Fruits rich in antioxidants have an anti-ageing effect on the skin,

Grapes – are considered a powerhouse fruit packed with phytonutrients. They contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain alpha hydroxy acids that reduce wrinkles and sagging of skin. Thus grapes serve as excellent anti-wrinkle face packs.

Strawberries – they contain antioxidants which prevent the oxidation process. As a result, strawberry face packs assist in rejuvenating the skin, thereby delaying the onset of wrinkles and lines.

Kiwi – contains more vitamin C than oranges which helps in collagen formation and therefore in keeping the skin firm. It also contains vitamin E that makes the skin look younger.

Exfoliation is an important aspect of cell regeneration. The layer of dead skin cells need to be removed to make way for new cells, which gives the skin a youthful and glowing appearance,

Papaya – is known to contain an enzyme called papain which proves useful in removing dead skin cells. As a result, papaya packs find extensive use in skin exfoliation. Ripe papaya can be used on the face or one can mix it with oatmeal or yoghurt to get a thick consistency for application.

In cases of sun damage, special care needs to be taken to soothe inflamed skin and skin irritation. If neglected, it can lead to permanent skin damage. Certain berries are an effective cure for the same,

Cherries – sunburn can leave one’s skin damaged and inflamed. Similar to aloe vera, cherries too contain anti-inflammatory properties. They have a cooling effect and help soothe sun damaged skin.

Cleansing, toning and moisturising are the daily 3-step-skincare routine one should follow. Toning is an important aspect since it cleans the skin and restores its ph balance,

Apples – an apple a day might keep the doctor away, but what it will also definitely do is keep your skin supple and fresh. Apples are great skin toners and leave one’s skin fresh and toned. They are also known to boost skin elasticity.

Use these organic, simple and convenient face packs to reap maximum benefits from fresh fruits for better looking skin!