Sure, pineapple tastes great when barbequed, but did you know that your favourite fruit can work wonders for your skin and body too?
The tropical fruit, full of vitamins, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, and packed with umpteen health benefits for the immune system, digestion, etc.
Pineapple carries numerous skin benefits too. The crowned fruit is rich in nutrients and is good for the hair, skin, and bones.
It substitutes an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down and help sweep away dead skin cells, making it an ideal ingredient for a face mask.
Drinking, eating, and topically applying pineapple puree or juice on a regular basis is a proven way for you to achieve clear, radiant and youthful skin.
Beyond its plump and juicy golden interior, the stem and rough peel of pineapple plants are also praised for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting abilities.
Benefits and uses of pineapple for skincare
Pineapple is good for your overall health and you can consume this fruit by slicing it or by making juice out of it. Here are some benefits and uses of pineapple:
1. Improves skin texture
Pineapple juice contains Vitamin C and essential antioxidants that can help cure acne, sunburn as well as uneven skin tone. Having a glass of fresh pineapple juice a day can help you get rid of the scars left due to acne and leave your skin well hydrated and clear. Alternatively, rub a cube of freshly sliced pineapple on your face and neck, avoiding more sensitive areas (especially eyes and pimples). Let the juice sit for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cold water. After a few applications, you’ll begin to notice your skin looks younger and brighter.
2. Promotes healthy skin
Eating raw pineapple, apart from its juice or eating a cup full of it helps promote healthy skin too. It contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant plus antibacterial properties said to profit the skin in many ways. Pineapple helps get acne-free skin and reduces skin irritation or visible sunspots. The ascorbic acid present in pineapple helps to reduce the look of dark marks and even out skin tone. Simply apply pineapple juice to the affected areas, let sit for 5 minutes and rinse.
3. Gives a lift to lips
You can use pineapple to plump and smooth lips with a pineapple-inspired lip scrub. To prepare one, you only need a few ingredients. Take 1/2 tablespoon of pineapple juice or pineapple puree and mix it with 1/2 tablespoon of slightly melted coconut oil. Add this mixture to 2 tablespoons of white sugar. And voila, you’re done. Massage a small dab of this homemade scrub over your lips, remove using a damp cloth and pucker up. Avoid using this scrub if you have cracked or split lips as it can cause irritation.
4. Treats pimples
Paste prepared using pineapple puree and turmeric can also be used to cure pimples, zits, or cuts on the skin. Mixing a mash of the fruit with a little turmeric and applying this paste on the skin, will help with quick recovery from acne and scars. The bromelain present in the fruit along with the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric acts as an all-natural remedy.
5. Useful as an exfoliant
Take some amount of gram flour, pineapple, and some oatmeal. Mix it well till a grainy consistency is reached. Apply this mask onto your face and neck in a circular motion and leave it on for 10 minutes. Gram flour with pineapple will work on the complexion along with reducing dark spots and acne, while the gram flour and oatmeal will prevent oil formation, which is a major factor in preventing acne. Pineapple will also keep your skin hydrated and make your skin clear.
Ensure to add a glass of juice to your daily routine or have a small cup of this fruit whenever available. While this fruit has numerous skin benefits, a tip of caution here is to consume it in moderation as overconsumption can lead to skin rashes, swelling in the mouth etc.
