For fruity beauty

Having a facial with fruits rejuvenates skin and makes it healthy

Fruits have been traditionally used in home remedies and in recipes handed down from generation to generation. Ayurveda has also made use of fruits in their formulations, for the treatment of various ailments, including problems of the skin and hair.

For example, bael (Indian quince) is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for hair problems. Similarly, lemon and amla have been mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts, along with several other fruits. We also use fruits in our treatments in the clinic, where fruit pulp is applied on the skin.

For instance, in the Galvanic Facials, a specialised Galvanic gadget is used along with the fruit pulp. This helps better penetration of the product and enhances skin absorption. Fruit extracts are not only rich in vitamins and minerals but have specific healing properties. We have been using apples, oranges, papaya, pineapple, banana and cucumber.

Nutritionally speaking, of course, fruits are excellent and should be a part of the daily diet. They can also be used for beauty care. In fact, you can set aside one day in the week for a home facial, using fruits, as they have many beauty benefits. They can be used for cleansing, toning, nourishing and even exfoliation (getting rid of dead cells) because many fruits contain enzymes that soften and remove dead skin cells.

Most fruits suit all skin types. That is why it is easy to select fruits for a general fruit facial. However, some fruits, like lemon, may suit an oily skin more. Make pulps and grate the fruits that you will need for the facial and keep in the fridge for about an hour. Ingredients like yoghurt, honey, milk or egg may be mixed with the fruits if you wish.

For cleansing and exfoliation, you should have lemon or orange juice, papaya, as well as dry and powdered lemon and orange peels, or ground almonds. Apples are wonderful skin toners. They contain pectin and tannin, which helps to tone and tighten the skin. Pectin is also said to have a soothing effect on sensitive skin.

They also stimulate blood circulation to the skin surface. Fruit packs can be easily made by making pulps of fruits like papaya, banana, strawberry, melon, etc. A little milk, honey or curd may be added to the mixed pulps. Oats or ground almonds can also be mixed to give body to the face pack.

First, take a headband or scarf, place it just above the forehead, along the hairline and tie it at the back just above the neck. This is to protect the hair. Start by cleansing the skin thoroughly. Lemon juice and rose water can be mixed together in equal quantities and applied on the face for oily skin.

For dry skin, mix a little cold milk with the lemon juice and apply the same way. Wipe off with moist cotton wool. Lemon has cleansing and skin brightening properties, rose water tones and milk softens the skin.

Next, you can exfoliate the skin. Mix dry and powdered lemon and orange peel, with papaya pulp and put little oats in it. Curd or lemon juice may also be added with the peel powder. Apply on the face and leave on for a few minutes. Then rub gently on the face with small circular movements.

Wash off with water. After washing the face, apply apple juice or grated apples on the face, to tone the skin and close the pores. Keep apple juice mixed with rose water, in the fridge, with cotton wool pads soaking in it.

After washing the face, apply fruit pack, which is great for adding radiance to the skin. Mix together one tablespoon each grated apples, ripe papaya pulp and mashed banana. Other fruits can also be added, like mango pulp, watermelon, strawberry, oranges.

Add oats to make a mixture that does not drip. Apply it on the face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with plain water. It not only adds a glow but also cleanses the skin and removes tan. Keep in the fridge and after some time do a cold compress with it.