Fruit Pulp

Our faces are usually the first to show the effects of seasonal changes. We then spend a small fortune on various products to restore our skin to its natural healthy glow. Often we don’t get the desired results despite using the best of products. Believe it or not, but your own fruit basket is filled with pure, natural ingredients which are not only good to eat, providing health and vitality on the inside, but are also beneficial externally. What’s more, fruit facials are being recommended like never before because of their gentle, non-abrasive properties.

The best way to look after your skin is to ensure you cleanse, tone and moisturise on a daily basis. Once a week treat your skin to a home facial to give your skin a boost of essential nutrients. And nothing works better than fruits.

First cleanse your skin, then exfoliate with a gentle face scrub and apply a fresh fruit or vegetable pack. To do this, gently scoop out the pulp, mash it and spread it on the face and body. Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes, remove with lukewarm water, tone and moisturise. Try the following natural solutions:

Skin types

Dry: Mashed banana or thinly sliced slices melon.
Mature: Mashed avocado or apple pulp.
Oily: Thin slices of cucumber or pear pulp.
Normal: Peach pulp or thin slices of zucchini
Blemished: Believe it or not shredded cabbage works wonders!
Dull skin: Papaya pulp restores natural radiance.

How do they work?

* Apples help to reduce skin inflammation, and are a good source of vitamin C, and peptin which tones and firms the elastin and collagen fibres. These are essential for skin turgidity.
* Bananas stimulate cell production and are a good source of potassium, vital for nerve function.
* Avocado contains essential fatty acids which stimulate cell renewal and deeply nourish the skin. They contain the anti-oxidant vitamins C and E, which fight free radical damage as well as high levels of potassium and vitamin B6.
* Cabbage contains a substance called S-Methylmathionine which promotes healing. It also has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin and is a good source of vitamin C, which stimulates cell renewal.
* Zucchini are a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C which all help in repairing environmental damage.
* Cucumbers are 96.4 per cent water and are therefore refreshing and cooling. They also have a neutralising effect on surface oil.
* Papaya contains a substance called papain which helps to break down the build up of superficial dead skin. They are also a good source of the anti-oxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
* Peaches are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, providing one-third of the daily requirement if eaten. They stimulate the production of fresh new skin, restoring radiance to the complexion.
* Pectin is present in abundant quantities in pears. It firms and tones the skin, and is an excellent source of the all important vitamin C and potassium.
* Pears and bananas are most suitable for sensitive skins as they rarely cause allergic reactions. However, all of these face packs can be used by even the most sensitive skins as they are all gentle in their action and non-irritating.
* So save your pennies on costly products, get yourself down to the market and let Mother Nature work her magic!

Caution: If you are allergic to a particular fruit or vegetable please do not use it as this will cause irritation.