Fruit peels for glowing skin

Shahnaz Husain *

If you throw away the peels of fruits and vegetables thinking it to be useless, then you are making a mistake. Before you throw the peels of your fruits, remember that they too are packed with nutrients, fiber, and skin-loving agents that can make a huge difference to your skin.

The inherent exfoliating and nourishing properties of fruit peels make them good for your skin. They are full of vitamin C and moisturizing agents that are all skin-friendly. Fruit peels are as effective as the scrumptious fruit itself which can work wonders for your skin.

So, the next time you’re throwing away peels of these three fruits, save and use them.

1--Orange------- Orange peel contains vitamin C and is best for your skin’s collagen production. Their acne-fighting properties, ability to lighten dark spots, and knack for boosting collagen production make them a skincare essential.

It is very helpful for problems like blackheads, dark circles, and dry skin. Mix orange peel powder with milk and apply it to the skin which will help in lightening the skin tone. Simply dry the peels and ground them to make a powdered texture. Combine peels with lime juice and rose water to make a DIY scrub. Exfoliate your skin with the scrub to keep oil and acne at bay.

Take 1 orange and squeeze the juice from it. Add a few drops of honey and a teaspoon of curd, and blend well. Apply it on a clean face and let it stay for a few minutes. Rinse well with water, this pack will make your skin well-toned and youthful.

2---Lemon----- Lemon peels contain a high amount of citric acid, which brings a glow to the skin and also prevents excess oil on the face. Rubbing its peel on the teeth makes them brighter and whiter.

The high level of powerful antioxidants that are present in lemon peel extract is great as an anti-aging ingredient. They can help to prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the form of premature aging. Vitamin C in lemon peel extract can help to stimulate collagen production, which can help to ward off sagging or loss of elasticity.

The citric acid in the lemon peel can help to dissolve away excess oils that can cause blackheads and clogged pores.

To use it, first dry the lemon peels and make its powder, now add honey to it and apply it like a mask. Take 1 tablespoon of lemon peel powder, 2 tablespoons of rice flour, and milk. Pour the rice flour into a bowl.

Mix it with cold milk and a pinch of lemon peel powder. Form a paste. Then apply the mixture evenly on your wet skin. Keep it for a few minutes and wash it off immediately before it gets too dry.

3---Banana------Banana moisturizes the skin, remove facial spots, and prevent it from drying out. Banana peels contain vitamins A, B, and C, along with antioxidants like lutein are considered super good for glowy skin. Applying banana peels to the skin removes facial spots and moisturizes the skin.

It is also a rich source of fatty acids which can treat issues such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, it is rich in potassium and moisture which help hydrate dry skin and make it soft and supple. Take a peel and exfoliate your skin gently, and then wash it off.

The inside of a banana peel, when gently rubbed on your skin, moisturizes, soothes inflammation, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines, leaving your skin looking plump and radiant. If you have issues with under-eye patches then, place the peel’s soft side under your eye area. Close your eyes and relax for 15-20 minutes. Remove the peel, rinse off, and apply an under-eye cream.

4----Papaya-----Papayas are a fruit that is easily available throughout the year and is quite affordable.

This peel is a natural exfoliator packed with an enzyme called papain and Vitamins which gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells to achieve perfect radiant skin. Vitamin C and folate content present in it keeps your skin hydrated.

Papaya is rich in the antioxidant lycopene that fights wrinkles and fine lines. It can improve skin elasticity, thereby making it look smooth and supple.

Rubbing papaya peel on the ankles and feet makes them smooth. Mash papaya peels into a paste and apply it to your face for a rejuvenating and refreshing treatment that unveils your skin's natural glow. Mash one 1 tablespoon of papaya and add 2 tablespoons of milk to make a paste of smooth consistency.

Apply the mixture all over the face using your fingers and massage well to thoroughly cleanse the skin. Wash with lukewarm water. Gently rub the inner side of a papaya peel on your face in circular motions. Leave it on for a few minutes, allowing the enzymes to work their magic, and then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Regular use helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a glowing com- plexion, revealing the natural luminosity of your skin.