Compiled & Medically reviewed by
Dr.Sanjana.V.B. Bhms. Dbrm.Cdn

  Papaya for rejuvenation of your skin

     Papaya is a fruit known widely as a cosmetic agent and as an edible fruit for improving gut health and digestion. The scientific name of the plant is Carica papaya and belongs to the family Caricaceae.

Papaya is rich in many essential vitamins, fibres, folic acid and papain enzyme. It is used in cosmetic treatments and products as an exfoliator and depigmentation agent due to its skin lightening properties.

The enzyme papain is a good exfoliator of the skin and it helps in removing dead cells &improving the skin tone. Papaya pulp has been using as a face mask for many centuries as an amazingly nutritious beauty enhancing agent because of its skin lightening , smoothening and exfoliative properties.

 The beta carotenes of papaya will enhance the radiance of the skin if it is included as a regular fruit in your breakfast. Papaya is rich in many antioxidants. Carotenoids are the most potent antioxidants of the fruit and they are effective free radical scavengers.

Carotenoids of papaya prevent collagen and elastin breakdown in the skin. The antioxidants and folic acid in papaya improve skin radiance and scalp hair growth.

Papaya is a major ingredient of many lightening face packs and pigmentation treatment cosmetic products as it softens the skin by gentle exfoliation, improves circulation and lightens the complexion.

Papaya face packs for naturally young & healthy skin

1. Face pack for oily skin

Preparation of pack:

a] Prepare and keep aside a paste of papaya pulp in a bowl.

b] Mix 2tablespoons of mashed papaya pulp  with 1 teaspoon  of lemon juice and one table spoon full multani mitti [ Fuller's earth]powder. Add a little water to make it a paste.

Usage:

Step 1

Gently apply papaya pulp all over the face and neck for 5 minutes. Massage gently. This will help to exfoliate the dead cells and improve the skin tone.

Step 2

After 5 minute apply the face pack already prepared. Let the pack dry for 20 minutes .Now remove the pack slowly with cold water. Gently dry your face ,touching with a soft towel. Do not rub over your face.

      Papain enzyme is a good exfoliator and the lightening and smoothening properties of papaya pulp will definitely give your skin a glossy look .Fuller's earth will tighten the sagged skin and  it will help improve circulation and shrink the pores. Fuller's earth helps to remove  dirt and excess oil from your skin and reduce pigmentation by gentle exfoliation.

This pack will smoothen your skin, removing tan and lightening pigmentation. The glow and radiance of your skin will improve by regular usage. This face mask is recommended to use once in a week.

2. Face pack for normal and dry skin

Preparation:

a] Prepare a mix of papaya pulp [4tablespoons] and rice powder[ 3 teaspoons] in a bowl by stirring slowly. Add water when it is required. Keep the mixture aside.

b] Mix 1 table spoon of papaya pulp juice with 1 tablespoon of milk, and 2teaspoons of honey,2 table spoons of sandal wood powder. Mix everything well into a paste.

Usage:

·       First gently exfoliate the skin of face with the mixture

[a] .Scrub the face and neck  with it gently for 5 minutes.

[b] .    Apply mixture on face after gently scrubbing the face and washing it in cold water. Let this face mask dry out on your skin for 20 minutes .Now wash the face and neck well in cold water.

This face pack may help to remove blackheads and dead skin due to the exfoliative property of papain enzymes and rice powder. Papaya, lemon and honey have lightening properties and you may get glowing smooth brightened facial skin,  if you use this pack once in two weeks. The good cooling effects of sandal wood powder in the pack will make your skin feel rejuvenated and lightened slightly.

Extra tips

For sustainable results use sunscreen when you go out , as it can prevent further sun rays induced damage to the skin later. The face pack will de-tan, rejuvenate and soften your skin . But you must protect the rejuvenated skin now from harmful rays of sun which can affect your skin adversely always. Hence sunscreen covering is recommended.

 Benefits of intake of papaya as a rejuvenating agent.

Papaya is rich in vitamin A and C. Eating papaya regularly helps to improve digestion, vision and skin health. Vitamin A&C boost immunity and protect from infections. Vitamin A is an important nutrient for the health of gastrointestinal epithelium as well as the eyes. It acts as a potent antioxidant. The antioxidants in papaya reduce the free radical damage on skin. It also provides small quantities of vitamin E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and folate.

 Folic acid present in papaya helps to detoxify homocysteine amino acid in meat. Papaya converts homocysteine into harmless amino acids. Papaya is rich in minerals copper, magnesium and potassium which are essential for healthy functioning of heart and growth of hair.

 It contains substantial amounts  of  carotenoids,  flavonoids  and polyphenols. It contains beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A and vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant against oxidative stress on your skin.

 Papain and chymopapain enzymes improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Papaya fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber and hence it helps in preventing constipation. The fiber content of papaya can also help in reducing high blood cholesterol levels. Fibers help you lose weight and prevent obesity 

·       After treatment with antibiotics the health rendering intestinal bacterial flora also is lost along with harmful microorganisms causing disease. Eating papaya or drinking its juice can help to replenish the intestinal microflora.

·       The role of papaya on anti- ageing:

Flavonoids in Carica papaya are mainly kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and their glycosides, phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, are the major ROS[ reactive oxygen species free radicals] suppressors and antioxidants .

Caffeic acid and rutin are the main anti-skin aging components due to their photo protective action against collagen degradation. The anti-skin aging role of rutin was supported by a human trial, which showed enhanced skin elasticity and less wrinkles in individuals treated with rutin-containing cream. However, more research studies are needed in this topic to substantiate the potential of rutin more precisely.

  Cautions

The normal consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy does not pose any significant danger. Only small quantities of fully ripe papaya fruit is safe during pregnancy, as green unripe papaya and papaya seeds can cause miscarriage, particularly if taken in large amounts.  However, the use of unripe or semi-ripe papaya should be considered as unsafe during pregnancy.

REFERENCES

·      https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324418355_Nutritional_and_Medicinal_Values_of_Papaya_Carica_Papaya_L

·       https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8066973/