Cover Increasingly present in cosmetics, papaya has antioxidant and exfoliating properties that can benefit the skin (Photo: Getty Images)
Increasingly present in cosmetics, papaya has antioxidant and exfoliating properties that can benefit the skin (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
This tropical fruit is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and a very specific enzyme called papain, which can help tackle blemishes, dull complexions and skin ageing
Fenty Beauty, Herbivore and Glow Recipe are some of the cosmetics brands that have made papaya an essential ingredient in their make-up and skincare products. This natural ingredient boasts a host of virtues that is a must-have in your beauty routine.
Originally from southern Mexico, before being introduced to Africa and India, this fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fruit acids, and contains papain, an enzyme with powerful cosmetic properties that has been used for thousands of years in South America.
You might also like: Tatler House Stories: A panel discussion on the future of Hong Kong’s beauty industry
Removing dead skin cells
Papain, an enzyme known for its skin and health benefits, is extracted from the latex of the papaya and collected when the fruit is still green.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe pain and certain wounds, and it also gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin while preserving healthy cells, very much like how enzyme-based exfoliators that have recently become popular in the cosmetics industry help exfoliate the skin. This optimises the cell renewal process, and leaves skin radiant and bright.
A burst of antioxidants
Rich in vitamins and trace elements, papaya is a food that is full of antioxidants, and molecules that are well known in the beauty industry for their ability to neutralise free radicals. By neutralising them, they help fight against certain kinds of inflammation and disease, but also against premature ageing of the skin, thanks to flavonoids found in papaya, which stimulate the production of collagen to make keep skin firm and plump.
And if you still need convincing, papaya can be a great ingredient for facial cleansers and anti-blemish products thanks to its purifying properties, and are perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.
All rights reserved ©2023 Agence France-Presse
