How To Use 5 Beauty-Enhancing Fruits On The Skin

The idea of perfect, flawless skin is something we can all get behind. But how does a person make it happen? A solid skin care routine is an excellent start, but honestly, you don’t have to go far to get the best products. The answer might be in the fruits of your own kitchen. Remember, the skin is an organ. It’s your largest one, actually! Without the appropriate nutrients, the skin can’t be the best that it can be.

Besides, with a naturally beautiful complexion, you won’t have to depend on layers of chemical-ridden makeup. Why cover up the problem instead of fixing it? By adding fruits to your skin care lineup, you can achieve a healthy complexion without spending a pretty penny. Here are nutrients to focus on and where to find them.

Which Vitamins In Fruit Enhance Your Natural Beauty?

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C doesn’t just boost the immune system. It’s essential for producing collagen, a structural protein needed to make skin. The process of wound healing seriously depends on it. Plus, as an antioxidant, vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative stress. Even pathogens are destroyed, helping the epithelial barrier stay strong and healthy.^{1 2}

2. Vitamin A

The skin is highly responsive to vitamin A. In other words, cells in the epidermis and dermis have proteins and receptors that control how vitamin A affects the skin. A 2012 review in Frontline Medical Communications also shares that the nutrient is needed for keratinization. This process is how keratin, a structural skin protein, stays in tip-top shape.^{3 4 5}

3. Vitamin E

There’s a reason why vitamin E oil is such a popular remedy. As a nutrient that can combine with lipids and fats, vitamin E easily passes through several layers of the skin. It also accumulates in the epidermis and provides moisture and hydration. Additionally, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress. It absorbs energy from ultraviolet radiation, making it useful for photoprotection. Goodbye, sun spots and wrinkles!⁶

How To Use Fruits On The Skin

As skincare products, fruits are versatile and fun to use. You won’t have to deal with harsh chemicals or crazy price tags, too.

1. Banana Face Wash

Thanks to its rich and creamy texture, bananas will moisturize the skin. You can even use it to treat dry and brittle hair. The best part? Bananas are cheap and easy to find all year round.

Directions

• Mash ½ ripe banana.
• Mix into a paste.
• If you’d like, add honey or olive oil.
• Use as a face wash or mask.

2. Papaya Face Mask

Want a natural glow? Make a papaya mask for a healthy dose of vitamins A and C. Research has also shown that it enhances hydration, controls sebum, and kills acne-causing bacteria. Even melanin, the natural pigment behind discoloration, will decrease.⁷

Directions

• With a tablespoon, prepare 1 to 2 scoops of ripe papaya flesh.
• Mash up into a paste.
• If you’d like, mix with honey or oats for added benefits.
• Apply to clean skin.
• After 20 minutes, wash off and pat dry.

3. Berry Mask

Berries are some of the best sources of antioxidants. On the skin, the high vitamin C content will also support collagen production. Use any combination of berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

Directions

• Puree ½ cup berries in a blender or food processor.
• Mix with ¼ cup honey or plain yogurt.
• Apply on the skin.
• After 20 minutes, rinse off and pat dry.

4. Mango Scrub

Mango is another tropical fruit that’s jam-packed with vitamins. The flesh is easy to mix up, making it an excellent base for a body or face scrub.

Directions

• Cut ¼ mango and mash up.
• Mix with ¼ cup sugar or sea salt.
• Apply on the face, gently moving in circular motions.
• Wash off and pat dry.
• To make use of the peel, simply rub the flesh side on your skin and wash off after 15 minutes.

5. Watermelon Toner

Nothing says “vitamin A” like the bright red hue of watermelon. The fruit is also naturally cooling, making it perfect for irritated or sunburned skin.

Directions

• Run 1 cup cubed watermelon through a juicer.
• With a cotton ball, swipe across face to remove makeup.
• Store leftover watermelon toner in the refrigerator.