Delicious fruit is far from being a new arrival on the skin-care scene. In fact, kakadu plum, avocado, and (duh) coconut oil are topical mainstays in your beauty routine for moisturizing, face masking, and makeup removing, respectively. And thanks to a piece of intel from Bird Bakery owner and Cupcake Wars judge Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, there’s now one more piece of produce you can rub all over your skin: papaya.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Hammer says that after first washing her face with Jurlique Balancing Foam Cleanser, she uses the tropical fruit as an exfoliator. “The way you take papa enzymes for digestion, it kind of works the same way on your face,” she says. “It loosens dead skin cells and really just gives you a clean glow.” Quite a statement, since it’s tough to look at Hammer without feeling just a tad bit jealous of her luminescent skin.
“[Papaya] is very effective at breaking down skin cells and also increasing collagen production because of the removal of dead particles,” —dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD
And New York City–based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD backs up her advice as being totally legit. “Papaya has fruit acids, which is a chemical exfoliant, AHA. AHAs are used [to treat] dry skin and to anti-age,” explains Dr. Engelman. “[Papaya] works to improve the skin by removing the top layers and weakening the lipids that bond them together, thus removing dull and dead skin cells and revealing healthy skin cells.”
So, just like a papaya smoothie acts as a refreshing hydrator for your internal organs, swiping the fruit across your face can grant your skin new life. “It is very effective at breaking down skin cells and also increasing collagen production because of the removal of dead particles,” Dr. Engelman continues, using the word “radiant” to describe the fruit’s effects on the complexion (in case you weren’t already on your way to the supermarket).
So before commencing your next multi-masking sesh, why not kick things off with a papaya pregame? Since you can enjoy the remaining slices as a bloat-busting snack, it’s a pretty clear win-win for inner and outer beauty.
Your pantry is basically the *only* cosmetic supplier you need. Just take a look at Jonathan Van Ness’ two-ingredient, anti-inflammatory face mask and Alison Wu’s DIY spot treatment for proof.
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