There’s no denying that fruits are good for your health, especially your skin. They contain vitamins and minerals that both protect and nourish and because they are natural, they usually don’t have any adverse effects. This is why skin care and cosmetics companies all over the world have products that use fruits as the main ingredients — they’re effective and they’re safe.
Here are just a few fruits that you should definitely look for in your skin care products.
Avocado
This tropical fruit is chock-full of vitamin C and E. The former fights skin inflammation and aids in the production of collagen and elastin, while the latter prevents free radicals from damaging and aging the skin and gives a healthy, natural glow. Avocados also contain high amounts of oleic acid, which helps maintain the skin’s moisture and helps regenerate skin cells. Korean skincare brand Skinfood has a range of products that contain avocado, such as lip scrubs, lip balms, serums and emulsions, leave-on hair conditioners, and even hand and foot creams.
Papaya
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which acts as a powerful exfoliator and skin lightener. This is why papaya is a popular ingredient in whitening soaps and lotions. But apart from removing skin impurities and revealing a brighter complexion, papain can also help fight acne since it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya also has a generous amount of vitamin A, which supports skin health and also helps the scalp produce enough sebum to keep the hair moisturized.
Pineapple
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and also a natural exfoliator because of its acidity. This is why fruits like pineapple are popular ingredients in exfoliators and body scrubs. What’s more, pineapple also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which softens the skin and fights inflammation. Together with vitamin C, bromelain also helps in synthesizing collagen resulting in firmer, more flexible skin.
Lemon
Lemon, just like pineapple, contains high amounts of vitamin C that helps maintain the health and beauty of the skin. Lemon juice can also lighten dark spots, age spots, acne scars, and even freckles. If you have darker skin on your elbows, knees, and underarms, you should look for soaps or creams that contain citric acid — which is abundant in lemon and other citrus fruits. Citric acid also helps remove excess oil on your face, which contribute to the accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells, and the formation of blackheads.
Banana
When it comes to skin care, banana isn’t usually on top of the list. However, its skin benefits should not be ignored. Bananas contain high levels of potassium, which keeps the skin moisturized and supple. It also contains vitamins C and E, which are both vital in promoting healthy, naturally glowing skin. Bananas can also help exfoliate the skin and control excess oil. Another not-so-well-known characteristic of bananas is their anti-aging property — it contains beta carotene and various antioxidants that improve the overall texture of the skin, delay the onset of skin aging, and prevent cell damage. Look for banana face masks to reap the benefits of this humble fruit.
Apple
The saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is all but cliched, but no one can deny the health and beauty benefits of this fruit. It contains antioxidants that prevent cell and tissue damage, and also has copper, an essential mineral in the production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that serves as the skin’s natural protection from the sun. Lastly, apples also have high levels of pectin, a carbohydrate that helps hydrate the skin and enhances the cell activity to promote regeneration. Apples aren’t as common as other fruits in skin care products, but you’ll still be able to find quite a range of cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that have apples in their ingredient list.
Of course, these fruits shouldn’t just be in your bathroom cabinets – you should also make them mainstays in your fridge and pantry to receive their maximum beauty benefits.
Mulberry extract that is present in good lightening creams like Caspah is also great for improving the tone of the skin. Therefore, look for this ingredient in skincare products if you want to brighten your skin tone.
