Papaya fruit is a rich source of nutrients such as provitamin A carotenoids, vitamin C, B vitamins, dietary minerals and dietary fiber. Papaya skin, pulp and seeds also contain a variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols.
The ripe fruit of the papaya is usually eaten raw, with or without skin or seeds. ( from Wiki)
While it is healthy fruit to eat, you can also use it as an excellent cleanser. Take a piece of papaya and rub it on your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with tepid water. Your skin will feel soft and moisturised. I am more inclined towards eating papaya as a fruit and once in a while I do use it as a cleanser. I also like the papayas in the glass of milk and 1/2 tsp of sugar blended in a mixer. It is a healthy papaya shake.
Anyway, not to digress, here are some packs that you can try at home with papayas.
Papaya and Honey Mask
Take a papaya that is not fully ripe. Take two cubes of the papaya and either mash it with the back of a fork or blend it in a mixer. Add one tablespoon of honey to it. Now wash your face with some warm water and apply this mask. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. You can use this mask at least twice a week to help rebuild skin and prevent wrinkles.
Papaya and Sandalwood Mask
Take two cubes of the papaya and either mash it with the back of a fork or blend it in a mixer. Add one tablespoon of sandalwood poder to it and mix well. Apply this mask and leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This mask is especially good for dry skin, but is also suitable for all skin types.
Papaya is known to be excellent in skin-firming and anti-aging. It also helps in removing blemishes and dark spots. After a regualr application you will notice a better skin tone and a glow on your face.
I did a bit of research on Papaya and its benefits on skin care and I realised that it is also applied on face to cure acne. I was not aware of this aspect. Also please do make a note to carry out a sensitivity test for all packs I mention. Some of you could have an allergy to a particular fruit. Do a patch test by applying a small portion of it on your hand. Wait for 24 hours to check if you develop an allergy or sweling.
Also do not keep a papaya mask for more than 10 minutes as it can dry your skin and cause it to itch.
Some trivia:
- Papaya is marketed in tablet form to remedy digestive problems.
- The black seeds of the papaya are edible and have a sharp, spicy taste. They are sometimes ground and used as a substitute for black pepper.
- Papain is also applied topically (in countries where it grows) for the treatment of cuts, rashes, stings and burns. Papain ointment is commonly made from fermented papaya flesh, and is applied as a gel-like paste.
The trivia has been taken from the Wiki site and the pic is from http://sapsiamfood.com
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