Papaya is popular all over the world and for good reason.
This tropical fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and has antioxidant properties. It also contains magnesium, potassium, niacin, carotene, protein, fiber and an enzyme called papain that provides many health benefits.
Not just the fruit pulp, even the seeds of papaya have many health benefits.
Papaya has several components that are great for your skin as well as hair. This is why this fruit enzymes are found in many cosmetic, beauty and hair care products.
* Brightens Skin Complexion- Rub the fleshy part of a thin slice of ripe papaya on your face, neck, hands and legs. Allow it to dry, then wash it off with cold water. Do this 3 or 4 times a week.
- Another option is to make a face pack by mixing ½ cup of mashed ripe papaya and the juice of 1 lemon. Massage the mixture all over your face and neck. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Do this at least once a week.
- Also, you can blend 1 cup of green papaya and 1 teaspoon each of vitamin E oil, honey and plain yogurt into a paste. Gently massage the paste onto your skin. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
* Hydrates Skin- Blend ½ cup of ripe papaya into a fine paste. You can also add a little raw honey. Apply the paste all over your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off carefully with cool water and pat dry your skin.
- Include ripe papaya in your diet. You can enjoy this fruit as it is or blend it with other hydrating ingredients such as watermelon and cucumber to make smoothies.
* Prevents Signs of Aging- Thoroughly mash ½ cup of overripe papaya.
- Mix in a few drops of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Apply it on your face and neck.
- Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
- Use this face mask once or twice a week.
* Reduces Acne and Pimples- Extract the juice of a few raw papaya pieces. Apply the juice on the affected skin using a cotton ball. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use this remedy once daily to get rid of acne and pimples.
- You can also simply rub a piece of raw papaya gently on the affected skin for 10 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily.
* Fades Skin Spots- Mix ¼ cup of raw papaya paste, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and ½ tablespoon of raw honey.
- Apply it on the affected skin.
- Allow it to dry, then wash it off with cool water.
- Use this face mask 3 or 4 times a week to reduce spots of any kind.