While most people enjoy Ruby Rise Red Papaya simply for its delicious tropical flavour and indulgent creamy texture, you might be surprised to discover it can also work wonders for your skin. Eating papaya regularly and applying it topically to your skin can create a smooth, glowing and blemish-free complexion. Here are some of the surprising ways papaya can help to maintain healthy skin.
Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
Eating papaya can help reduce wrinkles from the inside out, due to its high concentration of vitamin C. Studies have shown that people who consume higher levels of vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and fine lines, probably due to its important role in forming collagen which promotes skin elasticity and plumpness. But the benefits don’t stop there - papaya applied topically can also help to prevent wrinkles, with high levels of other antioxidants such as lycopene (along with vitamin C ) helping to prevent the free-radical damage that can lead to aging of the skin.
Boost skin moisture
As anybody who knows the first thing about skin health will tell you, there’s nothing more important than moisture and hydration. Containing nearly 90% water, papayas are a great food to eat if you’re looking to stay hydrated during the warmer months, helping your skin to appear well-nourished and glowing. Applying papaya topically is also a great way to boost skin hydration and treat dry, flaky skin. The high enzyme and antioxidant content of papaya makes it a very effective moisturizing agent.
Treat Acne
Papaya is often used in anti-acne skincare products as it contains high levels of anti-inflammatory enzymes papain and chymopapain. As well as reducing inflammation, these enzymes can work to exfoliate the skin, removing the dead skin cells that can clog pores, leading to acne. Eating papaya can also help create clearer skin from within due to its high vitamin A content. This vitamin plays a vital role in skin health, helping to promote healthy new skin production and strengthening the health of your skin.
Fade pigmentation or discolouration
While papaya has the ability to treat pigmentation, scarring and dark spots on the skin, it has yet to be substantiated by scientific studies however it has long been used as a home remedy for these conditions. It is believed that the unique blend of enzymes, beta-carotene and vitamins in papaya can work together to lighten discoloured skin.
Treating burns
While it may not be the first course of treatment in most Western cultures (and this shouldn’t be taken as medical advice), many communities routinely use papaya flesh to treat burns on the skin. Some studies have indicated it is effective at treating burns, preventing infection and accelerating wound healing.
How to apply papaya to your skin
While adding papaya to your diet is a no-brainer for improved skin health, you might be wondering about the best way to apply it to your skin. While there are plenty of skincare products on the market that contain papaya as their active ingredient, another cheap and easy option is to make a papaya-based face mask at home, using other ingredients like aloe vera, milk, honey, turmeric, lemon juice, cucumber, banana, or egg yolk. You can also simply mash papaya and apply it directly to your face. In fact, straight papaya makes a fantastic natural exfoliator.
