With more and more filters coming up to make our pictures look perfect, many of us have been feeling more and more insecure about our skin. Most of us are moving towards products that will make our skin look gorgeous instantly. Let me tell you the bitter truth - NOTHING WILL.
I have sensitive skin and literally, anything can cause a breakout. I have tried so many things that promised to change my skin overnight. But nothing works. A full-coverage make-up may hide it for a few hours but in long run, it only harms your skin.
There are more skin clinics and skin experts now than there were ever. There are so many skin care products available, some natural, some promising instant results, and some with ayurvedic formulations. In spite of all that skin problems are on the rise.
The reason is our lifestyle, our sleep routine, pollution, the food we eat, and many more. It is not just one thing that is causing these skin problems.
I am concerned about all the packed food that we are having the most. The fruits in our diet are going in through packed juices more than they go naturally and that is a matter of concern. The benefits of including fruits in raw form are many. Fruits are extremely beneficial for the skin and the benefits are listed below.
Benefits of fruits for your skin:
1. Fruits contain vitamins and essential nutrients which are necessary for the body.
2. Fruits contain natural sugar or fructose in place of refined sugar which is a major ingredient of packed juices. Refined sugar is known to increase breakouts and acne.
3. Many fruits are filled with antioxidants which are responsible for anti-aging processes.
4. Vitamin C in fruits aids in collagen production. So many of us take collagen supplements for anti-aging and firm skin.
5. Most fruits have adequate quantities of water to keep your body and skin hydrated.
6. Regular topical application of certain fruits can provide you results in 15-20 days.
Whether you intake fruits or use them topically fruits are always beneficial for your skin.
Caution: People who have sensitive skin should do a patch test before using fruits topically as some people can be allergic to certain fruits.
It is best to have fruits that are seasonal and locally sourced and have not been preserved for long times. But some taste choices are welcome too.
I am trying to list certain fruits that have worked for me in the past with the benefits and 'how-to-use' guide.
Oranges:
Loaded with Vitamin C, oranges are the best fruits for winter. It boosts your immune system. Oranges also aid in collagen production which as I mentioned before is responsible for firm and smooth skin. It does not contain fat and has good fiber content which helps clean your digestive system and benefits your skin indirectly too. Oranges are also said to reduce the cortisol levels in your body and hence help in stress management. The best way to consume oranges is in their raw form and not juices ( even when the juice is fresh and homemade)
How to use orange topically on your skin?
1. Sun-dry orange peels and powder them. You can keep this powder in a jar for a few days. Whenever needed form a paste of the orange peel powder and yogurt. This paste when applied topically will also help deal with dry and flaky skin along with all the other benefits of oranges.
2. Orange- Aloe paste is also beneficial for the skin. Aloe vera is known as the miracle plant for the skin. The benefits of aloe vera are many and mixed with the goodness of orange it can do wonders to your skin.
Strawberry:
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants. It is a rich source of vitamin C manganese and folate too. As they are 90 % water, strawberries are also a good hydrant for your body. A cup of strawberries is a good option for between meals snacking as they are low in calories and carbs.
How to use strawberry topically on your skin?
1. Mash the strawberry and mix it with a teaspoon of honey. Apply the paste to your face and keep it for 15 minutes. Wash it with lukewarm water.
2. The seeds of strawberries act as exfoliants hence mashed strawberries can also be used as a scrub.
Watermelon:
Watermelon is high in water content and hence keeps your skin hydrated. It acts as a natural toner. It helps in reducing inflammation, acne, and dry skin. It is packed with essential nutrients and hence acts as a booster for your skin.
How to use watermelon topically on your skin?1. Mix together some yogurt and watermelon and smear it on as a mask.
2. Take some watermelon juice on a cotton pad and apply it to your face. It acts as a natural toner and helps reduce pores and oil secretion.
Banana :
Banana is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and potassium. It is also a high calories item and high in sugar hence eating a lot of bananas is not suggested for people with obesity issues and diabetes. But banana is high in fiber content and is hence good for digestive health. It contains vitamin C too which is an essential ingredient in collagen production.
How to use Banana on your skin?
The best way to use banana on your skin is to cut a one-inch piece of banana and mash it with your hands. Massage your face with this paste for 10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Apply this paste twice a week. You will see the results within a couple of months.
Cherries:
Cherries are not so easily available in India and they are also a little expensive. Hence adding it to your regular diet ( even for 2 months when it is available) can be pinching on your pockets. But if you can cherries can do wonders for your skin. Cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is claimed to be one of the superfoods. Cherries also contain melatonin which improves your sleep quality and a good night's sleep is super beneficial for your skin. It is loaded with vitamin C and B which is beneficial for both your skin and your hair. It has anti-aging properties and promotes soft and supple skin. Eating a cup of cherries every day for the entire season would add a pink glow to your skin. Cherries are energy boosters and also stimulate better circulation and it helps fight free radicals to give you youthful skin. So eat them as long as you can.
How to use Cherries on your skin?
Though I do not prefer to use cherries directly on my skin and I love eating them, if you want quicker results you can mash 3-4 cherries and massage your skin with it for 10 minutes before washing it off.
Indian Gooseberry:
Indian Gooseberry, popularly known as amla, is available only in the winter months. The Vitamin C and antioxidants present in amla helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and offer radiant skin. It also is beneficial in reducing bad cholesterol, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing weight. All this in turn helps improve your skin. Drink amla juice every morning empty stomach. AMla will help boost your metabolism. Using it topically on your skin will help reduce sun tan and also improve your skin tone.
How to use Gooseberry/ Amla on your skin?
1. You can mix amla juice and mashed papaya to prepare a paste. Apply it on your skin and keep it for 15 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water.
2. To reduce tan, use a mix of amla, honey, and yogurt. Mix in equal quantities and apply on your face. Keep for 10 - 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Use these 6 fruits according to seasonal availability and my suggestion is always to have the fruit and avoid juices. Using the fruits topically can give you quicker results but eating them will truly work in long run.
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