Fresh fruit is not only a great addition to your diet, but it also does wonders for your skin. Fruit-based skincare has gained popularity in recent years and for good reason. Fruits are natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes and each has a range of benefits for your skin.
How Does Fruit-Based Skincare Work?
Fruit-based skincare products harness the natural benefits of fruit to nourish and regenerate the skin. Fruits are rich in antioxidants and fight free radicals that can damage the skin. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are generated by the body and can cause inflammation, premature aging, and even cancer. Antioxidants work to neutralise these free radicals, protecting the skin from damage.
Fruits are extremely vitamin-rich, particularly Vitamins A, C, and E, which studies have shown are all beneficial for the skin. Vitamin A helps to regulate oil production and prevent breakouts. Vitamin C is known for its brightening and anti-aging effects, while vitamin E is a potent moisturizer that helps to improve skin elasticity.
Why Are Vitamin A, C, and E Significant in Skincare?
Vitamin A: Also known as retinol or retinoid is a potent antioxidant that aids in reducing the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It promotes the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. In a study conducted by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition, it was reported that “women who consumed high amounts of Vitamin A had a significantly lower risk of developing wrinkles.” Additionally, Vitamin A is beneficial in treating acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Papaya, often called the “fruit of angels,” is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and natural enzymes such as papain. Papain helps in shedding dead skin, promoting skin cell regeneration, and reducing blemishes and dark spots. A research study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that “Papaya extract had a significant lightening effect on melasma, and improved the overall skin radiance.” The study also concluded that papaya extract is a safe and effective alternative to chemical skin-lightening agents. Papaya can be used to make a face mask or a skin-brightening cream.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is one of the most studied antioxidants in skincare products. It’s often listed as ascorbic acid, ascorbate, or ascorbyl on ingredient lists on skincare packaging. Vitamin C is well-known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from sun damage and other environmental stressors. It is an essential nutrient in collagen production and plays a vital role in maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that “Vitamin C has pigment-protecting and anti-inflammatory properties, which can improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin radiance.” Vitamin C also helps to reduce skin inflammation and promote wound healing.
Lemon is a citrus fruit that is high in vitamin C. A study conducted by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found that “higher intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid were associated with better skin ageing appearance, including fewer wrinkles and less age-spot pigmentation.” Lemon also contains natural acids that exfoliate dead skin cells and remove excess oil, thereby reducing the occurrence of acne and promoting even skin tone. Lemon juice can be applied directly on the skin or mixed with other natural ingredients such as honey and cucumber to create a face mask.
Oranges are another rich source of vitamin C and support the production of collagen, reduce hyperpigmentation, and increase skin brightness. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology reported that “topically applied vitamin C was shown to reduce melanin index by 25%, and increase skin lightness index by 20%.” Oranges can be consumed as a fruit or used topically on the skin in the form of a face mask.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin against damage caused by UV radiation and environmental stressors. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and moisture retention. A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology found that “Vitamin E has photoprotective effects and can prevent UV-induced skin damage by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.” Vitamin E is also beneficial in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Resveratrol: Grapes contain a potent antioxidant called Resveratrol, which is beneficial for the skin. A research study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that “Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can brighten the skin and even out skin tone.” Resveratrol also protects against UV-induced skin damage and reduces melanin production, which is responsible for pigmentation. Grapes can be consumed as a fruit or applied topically on the skin as a homemade mask or cream.
What Role Do Fruit Enzymes Play in Skincare?
Enzymes are another important component of fruit-based skincare and work to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother and more radiant complexion. Papaya and pineapple are two fruits that are often used in skincare due to their high enzyme content.
How to Add Fruit-Based Skincare to Your Routine?
Well, the good news is that adding fruit-based skincare to your routine is easy. There are a wide variety of fruit-based skincare products available, including cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers you can ask your dermatologist about or just visit your nearest beauty supply store. We recommend that you look for products that contain fruit extracts or oils, as these will have the most potent effects on your skin.
You can also create your own fruit-based skincare products at home. For example, mash up an avocado and apply it to your face as a mask for a hydrating treat. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that avocado contains beneficial fatty acids that can help moisturize and improve skin barrier function. Alternatively, a combination of honey and mashed papaya together creates an effective exfoliating mask to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
– article continues below –
The Skin Hydration Checklist
BEAUTY TREATS
The Anti-Inflammatory Cookie
AED 90.00
BEAUTY TREATS
The Good Mood Cookie
AED 90.00
RUT ESSENTIALS
Argan Oil
AED 75.00
RUT ESSENTIALS
Sweet Almond Oil
AED 75.00
NAMASTEA
Oh My Glow Rejuvenating Tea Bags
AED 20.00
NAMASTEA
Candy Crush Rejuvenating Loose Tea
AED 44.00
RUT ESSENTIALS
Rose Pure Essential Oil
AED 125.00
RUT ESSENTIALS
Neroli Pure Essential Oil
AED 125.00
X50
Green Tea Raspberry Flavour
AED 275.00
X50
Green Tea Assorted Flavours
AED 275.00
What Dermatologists Say About Fruit-Based Skin Care?
Many dermatologists worldwide recommend using fruit-based skincare products or incorporating fruits into at-home skincare routines to help achieve brighter, healthier-looking skin. Dr. Howard Murad, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare, believes that fruits like pomegranates and blueberries can help repair and protect the skin from damage. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that fruits such as pomegranates and blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends using fruit-based exfoliators to gently remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. He suggests using papaya or pineapple enzymes. Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says that fruits like citrus and papaya are rich in vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant that can help brighten and even out skin tone. Dr. Anjali Mahto, a board-certified dermatologist in London, UK, believes that fruits like kiwi and strawberry can help improve skin texture and tone due to their high vitamin C content. She also recommends using fruit-based toners to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Near home base, Dr. Nyla Ali Khan, a UAE-based dermatologist, recommends using fruit-based products that contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Dr. Shazia Ali, a Dubai-based dermatologist, recommends using fruit-based cleansers and toners that can help unclog pores and remove dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Moutusi Audhya, a dermatologist at the Medical Arts Clinic in Dubai, also recommends using fruit-based masks that contain ingredients like pineapple and papaya enzymes, which can help improve skin texture and tone. A study published in the Journal of Advanced Research found that papaya and pineapple contain natural enzymes that can gently exfoliate and improve skin texture.
So, experts far and wide, and close to home recommend incorporating fruits into skincare routines or using fruit-based skincare products that contain antioxidants, natural enzymes, and acids to help achieve healthy, glowing skin. Whether you choose to purchase fruit-based skincare products or create your own at home, incorporating fruit into your skincare routine can have remarkable benefits for your skin.
The Gaggler team is passionate about finding and sharing great products with our readers. We take pride in researching and testing products to find the best of the best, and we only recommend things that we love and think you will, too.
