Papaya, scientifically known as Carica papaya, is a tropical fruit that is not only delicious to eat but also offers a plethora of benefits for the skin. Its natural properties have made it a popular ingredient in skincare products and home remedies for decades. In this introduction, we will explore how papaya can work wonders for your skin.
Papaya is a nutritional powerhouse, containing essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and E, as well as folate, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients play a crucial role in promoting healthy skin.
One of the key components of papaya that benefits the skin is an enzyme called papain. Papain is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. This exfoliating action can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
# Moisturizes SkinPapaya can be a boon for those with dry skin. Using a papaya face pack can make your skin soft and supple. The enzymes present in papaya can assist in treating dry and flaky skin and hydrate it.
What You Need1 tablespoon mashed papaya
1 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do- Mix the papaya and the honey.
- Apply the mask to your face. Keep it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
# Clears PigmentationIf a bout of acne has left you with scars, or if you are suffering from uneven pigmentation, papaya contains carotenoid that can help reduce it. Papaya has skin-lightening properties that help clear blemishes and pigmentation. Also, the beta-carotene, enzymes, and phytochemicals present in papaya help promote fairness. The enzyme papain, along with the alpha-hydroxy acids, acts as a powerful exfoliator and dissolves inactive proteins and dead skin cells. This, in turn, can make your skin lighter and softer.
What You Need1 tablespoon papaya juice
Cotton balls
What You Have To Do- Soak the cotton balls in the papaya juice.
- Apply this to the affected areas.
- Keep it on for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.
You can also make your skin tone lighter by using the method below:What You Need1/4 cup papaya pulp
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
What You Have To Do- Mash the papaya pulp to make a lump-free puree.
- Add lemon juice and honey to the mix and blend well.
- Wash your face and pat it dry.
- Apply this paste as a face mask and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use lukewarm water to gently wipe off the mask.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- Follow this process once a week for fair skin.
# Reduces WrinklesAging and fine lines can cause stress, because a firm skin is everyone’s goal, right? Papaya peel might act as a stress relief in this case because it can help reduce the signs of aging and aid skin rejuvenation. Some claim it to be as effective as Retin-A. The peel contains enzymes that remove dead cells from the surface of the skin (5). This helps remove wrinkles and age spots.
What You NeedPapaya peel
What You Have To Do- Rub the papaya peel all over your face and neck.
- After 20 minutes, rinse with cold water.
# Reduces Under-Eye Dark CirclesUsing green papaya pulp on dark circles is a good way to get rid of them. Since it is a natural bleaching agent, green papaya helps erase skin discoloration.
What You Need1/4 cup mashed green papaya
What You Have To Do- Apply the mashed paste on your dark circles and leave it on for at least 10 minutes.
- Rub your skin gently with your fingertips and then wipe the paste off with a clean cloth.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
- Do this daily to banish those dark circles.
# Helps Treat Eczema And PsoriasisOur ancestors used papaya to heal scars, burns, and skin diseases.
As discussed earlier, the enzyme papain in papaya exfoliates dead skin cells to cure skin impurities. When mashed and applied directly on the affected area, raw papaya can help prevent itching and redness. You can also have a glassful of papaya milk daily to assist in the treatment of skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.
# Treats MelasmaPapaya can help treat melasma due to its exfoliating properties. Apply ripe or unripe papaya on pigmented skin to make it smooth and supple and impart an even skin tone.
# Removes TanThis exotic fruit contains vitamins A and C in abundance. In combination with papain, they help lighten your skin. Use the below method to get rid of that annoying tan within a few uses:
What You Need4 cubes ripe papaya
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon honey
What You Have To Do- Mash the raw papaya cubes.
- Add turmeric powder and honey.
- Mix well to form a thick paste.
- Apply it on your clean face evenly and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Use this paste once a week for healthy and glowing skin.
# Controls Acne BreakoutPapaya treats acne and prevents future breakouts as well.
Again, the proteolytic enzyme papain makes papaya an effective treatment for acne. Apart from the fruit itself, the leaves, skin, and seeds also contain certain enzymes that can diminish scars and blemishes.
Use the thick and even pulp of a ripe papaya as a face mask and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash this paste with cold water. With regular application, you will notice a marked difference.
Note: You can also use the juice of raw papaya on the acne affected area to reduce inflammation and soothe soreness caused by acne.