4 Surprising ways to use papaya in your beauty routine

Angela Goh

23 Mar 2017

updated the 3 May 2019 à 06:46

Packed full of skin-friendly benefits, there’s more to this fruit than just its tasty flesh!

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Papaya is a great moisturiser
You may have wondered why papaya extract is more and more commonly found in skincare products. The enzymes found in the fruit are extremely nourishing to the skin and they also serve to lighten dark spots and diminish dullness. This makes papaya an ideal moisturising mask. Mash 1 - 2 cups of papaya with a dollop of honey, spread this mixture on your skin for 5 minutes, then wash off.
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Papaya can be used as a sunburn soother
Starting to peel from a dreadful sunburn? No worries - apply some mashed papaya to your skin to gently remove all the dead skin cells. The cooling fruit contains a natural exfoliating and anti-inflammatory agent, papain, which will aid in reducing the angry redness and help you regain your smooth, pre-burnt skin in no time. Keep the papaya on your skin for 5 minutes before rinsing off.
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Papaya can be used as a hair mask
For stronger and more revitalised hair, a natural mask made from the flesh of a papaya combined with some plain yogurt can help. Generously apply the mixture to damp hair and cover with a shower cap - leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing, shampooing and conditioning as usual.
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Papaya is an excellent exfoliant
As mentioned earlier, papaya can be used to exfoliate the flaking, peeling skin from your sunburn. To create a more effective exfoliant, you can add some brown sugar or fine salt to the papaya pulp before rubbing it onto your skin.

Never thought of slathering mashed papaya onto your skin? You may be missing out! The common tropical fruit is, surprisingly, full of amazing enzymes and nutrients for your body, and we can harness these benefits not just through consuming the fruit, but through simple topical beauty treatments, too!

From brightening your dull complexion to soothing sore patches of sunburn, there are a myriad of interesting ways you can use the cooling papaya fruit to your advantage. Head up to the gallery to see how you can incorporate it into your beauty routine.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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