From acne to wrinkles, papaya can help in tackling your beauty problems

Increasingly present in cosmetics, papaya has antioxidant and exfoliating properties that can benefit the skin. Photo: AFP

Fenty Beauty, Herbivore and Glow Recipe are some of the cosmetics brands that have made papaya an essential part of products in their makeup and skincare lines.

For good reason too, since this fruit is full of vitamins, antioxidants and a very specific enzyme called papain, which can help tackle blemishes, dull complexions and skin ageing.

This natural ingredient with a host of virtues is a must-have in your beauty routine. After conquering our taste buds, our skin is now poised to enjoy the countless benefits of papaya.

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Removing dead skin cells

Papain, an enzyme known for its skin and health benefits, is extracted from the latex of the papaya, collected when the fruit is still green.

Its anti-inflammatory properties allow it to soothe pain and certain wounds. More than that, papain also gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, while preserving healthy cells, in the manner of enzyme-based exfoliators that have recently become popular in the cosmetics industry.

As a result, the cell renewal process is optimized, and skin is radiant and bright.

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A burst of antioxidants

Rich in vitamins and trace elements, papaya is a food that is full of antioxidants, molecules that are well known in the beauty industry for their action on free radicals.

By neutralising them, they help fight against certain kinds of inflammation and disease, but also against premature ageing of the skin.

Not content with helping the skin to heal, papaya is also effective in fighting the signs of ageing. This action is bolstered by the presence of other substances called flavonoids, which stimulate the production of collagen to make skin firm and plump.

And if you still need convincing, papaya can be a great ingredient for facial cleansers and anti-blemish products thanks to its purifying properties.

Benefits that make it the perfect ally for oily or acne-prone skin. – AFP Relaxnews