Moisturisers, masks, serums, scrubs… there is just so much product that goes into making our skin look healthy and pretty. But did you know, that aside from all this topical application, the things we eat also affect the skin? Did you know that fruits — those sweet, sweet candies of nature, are amazing for the skin? Well, if you did and still didn’t take crazy advantage of this fact, then here’s a little reminder for you. And if you didn’t, then here’s a guide to the best fruits for skincare.
1. Papaya
Papaya has been trusted to work for the skin since time immemorial. Many old civilisations have sworn by its benefits. Papaya is considered a natural moisturiser for the skin and helps keep it soft and smooth when applied. Eating papaya enriches you with Vitamins like A, B and C that improve your gut health, thereby reflecting in the clear, radiant glow of your skin. Studies also point to papaya being helpful in wound healing.Tips for Consumption:
- Take papaya slices as a snack
- Add them to your juices or smoothies
- Or apply some mashed papaya on your skin as a natural mask
- You can also rub the skin of papaya all over your face and neck, leave it for 10 minutes and wash it off for an instant glow
2. Oranges
‘Oranges and lemons, sold for a penny…’ but they are worth a whole lot more. The truth is, any kind of citrus fruit is healthy for the skin. Because it contains high levels of Vitamin C, a nutrient that is essential for radiant and healthy skin. It helps in the production of collagen, has antioxidants that push back ageing, and keeps the skin looking young and beautiful. Orange also has natural oils that help hydrate the skin for a supple and plump appearance.
Tips for Consumption:
- Eat a single orange fruit with your breakfast or as a snack
- Take a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice with its fibres (not packaged cartons)
- Add orange slices to your fruit salads or smoothies
- You can also apply orange juice on your face to lighten pigmentation spots
- •3. Watermelon
Watermelon is a wonderful fruit to keep the body hydrated. This also means that your skin remains moisturised. With its 90%+ water content, watermelon is also rich in Vitamin A, B1, B6, C and Lycopene. These help keep the skin supple, soft and even-toned. Vitamin C is a boon for anti-ageing as it works on wrinkles and fine lines. While Lycopene prevents tissue damage. Watermelon is also a fat-free fruit that is filling and recommended for dieting.
Tips for Consumption:
- Watermelon juice or smoothies
- Watermelon pieces as a snack or in a fruit salad
- Grill Watermelon slices as a part of your barbecue
- •4. Lemon
As we mentioned above, any citrus fruit is good for your skin. But oranges and lemons are especially great. Lemon is in fact so good that it features in many cosmetic and skincare products too. It has a quality that helps in healing pigmentation by lightening the skin, as well as preventing acne, ageing and other skin problems. High in Vitamin C, lemon can also quicken the healing of scars. Since it is a bleaching agent itself, lemon juice may also be beneficial on tanned or sun-damaged skin.
Tips for Consumption:
- Squeeze lemon in your salad dressings, pastas etc
- Drink it in lemonade, warm honey water or even mixed-fruit juice
- Rub lemon juice and sugar granules on sun-tanned skin
- Lemon juice is also helpful on dark circles when mixed with cold milk
5. Cucumber
Cucumber is a very versatile fruit as it is high in water, contains essential vitamins and nutrients, and can be used as veggie in salads as well as for juices and sandwiches. The hydrating nature of cucumber helps keep your skin moisturised. Vitamin K and C in it promote skin brightening, cooling and soothing of puffy under eyes.
Tips for Consumption:
- Eat cucumber slices as a snack or a side salad with your main dish
- Add cucumber to your morning juices
- Cucumbers are also great in sandwiches and wraps
- Apply cucumber slices to your closed eyelids for some cooling under-eye care
So get your fruit shopping in order and set out to get these amazing fruits home. Adding these to your daily diet will definitely help you with your skin, and also nourish your body. A pro tip is — instead of eating fruits as a rule of thumb, try and incorporate them into your meals so that they don’t feel like a military regime. This way you will enjoy them a whole lot more!
