Dolly Kumar lists the benefits of green papaya for your skin
Who doesn’t love a fresh papaya salad? Whether you consume the ripe, fleshy fruit or the grated raw green papaya, do you know the all-around benefits of this super fruit? Papaya is a storehouse of vitamins A & C and is used as a universal remedy for many health disorders and diseases.
In addition to its health benefits, green papaya has gained popularity as a natural remedy for glowing skin. Well, thanks to an enzyme called ‘papain’ present in it.
So, without further ado, here’s how this fruit can be a boon for your skin.
Reduces signs of ageing
Papaya is rich in carotenoids, an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage. It also prevents collagen and elastin from breaking down. This helps tighten your skin while fading wrinkles. Plus, green papaya contains lycopene and when you apply it to your skin it makes it look radiant, rejuvenated and smooth.
Heal scars & remove impurities
A natural healing remedy for certain skin conditions, the papain present in papaya helps in exfoliating dead skin and clears impurities, and helps in curing acne. You can simply mash boiled green papaya and apply the pulp to your skin. In no time, it can help remove dead skin from the face, leaving it bright and glowing.
Stimulates collagen production
Loaded with beta carotene antioxidants, green papaya can flush out toxins from the skin. As a result, it can quickly restore components that help in improving skin texture, reduce creases and sagging, and so on. This can, in turn, make your skin soft and supple.
Goodness of vitamin A & C
As already mentioned, the super fruit is infused with these vitamins, which are known for clearing scars and uneven pigmentation while helping to lighten skin tone and remove tan. Also, when the enzymes in papaya penetrate interior layers of skin, it eliminates dust, grime, sebum secretion, etc. This can further make your skin soft and supple.
Natural skin moisturizer
Green papaya can be great for treating skin concerns such as dryness, as it contains hydrating properties. The array of enzymes and antioxidants present in papaya acts as a moisturizer that helps in treating flaky or dry skin.
Now that we have established the many benefits that this fruit provides, let’s take a look at how to get the best out of this magical fruit:
Peel off mask
Peel-off masks can be extremely beneficial as they are soaked in nutrient-rich serum, which gets absorbed into the skin within 15 minutes of the application. These nutrients go into your pores and remove impurities, dead cells, debris, etc. So, look for a peel-off mask infused with the properties of green papaya for your skincare.
Exfoliating pack
A treasure trove of plant-based antioxidants and enzymes, green papaya exfoliation packs can help in removing impurities from the surface of your skin. It can also help get rid of oils and sebum to reveal a clear, bright complexion.
DIYs
You can even use the fruit as a face pack, or extract the juice from grated green papaya and use it as a face mist. Let's look at how to make:
Face pack
All you need is a cup of green papaya, and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Blend them until it forms a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your face and neck evenly. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off gently with cold water. This mask can help in moisturizing your skin while giving it an instant glow.
Dark circle remover
Looking for a remedy to get rid of dark circles? Green papaya could be the answer. You can grate half a cup of green papaya and half a cup of cucumber together. Apply the mixture to the affected area. Leave it for 10 minutes, and rub it in gently. Then, wash off your face gently with lukewarm water. Repeat daily for best results.
All in all, green papaya is packed with benefits inside out. So, next time when you pick up a fruit, or a skincare product, don’t forget to add this jewel-like fruit to your cart.
(The author is a cosmetic engineer and the founder of Skinella, a skincare brand.)