Papaya has many benefits for skincare. It is the ripe papaya that is used in fruit packs and other treatments.
Papaya contains papain, which is a powerful enzyme. It also contains valuable vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, which nourish and revitalize the skin. Papaya contains antioxidants too, which delay visible ageing signs on the skin. It also increases the production of collagen, protecting the skin’s youthful qualities.
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Papaya has a healing action on the skin. In the olden days, it used to be applied to the skin surface on sores and injuries, because it helped in the removal of surface cells, allowing healing to take place. It also contains potassium, which moisturises the skin, while its flavonoids content gives it antibacterial and antifungal properties. Papaya suits all skin types.
In beauty treatments, papaya is useful as an excellent cleanser, due to the enzymes it contains. It softens and breaks down dead skin cells, which adhere to the skin surface and helps their efficient removal from the skin. It is particularly useful for oily skins, making them look more translucent and also adds a glow.
Ripe papaya pulp can be added to face packs too. So, check out papaya face packs for different types of skins, as shared by skin-care expert Shahnaz Husain.
Applying papaya on the face for 20 minutes helps pimple prone skin and also adds brightness to the skin. In fact, ripe papaya also helps to remove tan if used regularly over a period of time, as it removes the dead cells and their contained pigment.
Ripe papaya pulp and grated cucumber can be mixed together and applied under the eyes to reduce dark circles. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
For normal to dry skin, take half a cup of ripe papaya, two teaspoons powdered milk and one tablespoon honey. Make a pulp of the papaya and add milk and honey to mix into a paste. Apply the pack on the face and neck and wash off after 20 minutes. Do this twice a week.
Mix 3 teaspoons oats with ripe papaya pulp and yogurt; apply on the face two or three times a week, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off after 20 minutes. This helps to remove dead cells and brightens the skin. It also removes tan and lightens skin colour over a period of time.
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The skin of a ripe papaya can also be rubbed on the skin after peeling the papaya. To moisturise the skin, add a little honey to papaya pulp and apply on the face. Wash off after 20 minutes. For a body scrub, mix ripe papaya pulp with sesame seeds (til) and a little olive oil. Rub gently on the body and wash off during your bath.