Papaya fruit naturally contains a super enzyme known as papain which can do wonders for smooth, glowy skin. Additionally, papaya contains vitamins A and C – both of which are well regarded for their anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. It’s found in the ingredients list of many luxury beauty products, however we recommend trying our homemade face mask recipe below for a cheap and easy alternative!
What Is Papaya?
Papaya is an exotic fruit native to Mexico and Central America, however it is now cultivated throughout the tropical world.
A ripe papaya has a mild to fairly sweet taste and a creamy texture which melts in the mouth. Across the world, papaya is commonly used as a breakfast fruit, for smoothies and juices and in dishes such as Thailand’s famous and spicy Som Tam salad.
What Does Papaya Do For Our Skin?
Think of papaya as a natural, super-charged, skin-brightening exfoliator. Papain, a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit, dissolves dead skin cells when applied to the surface of our skin. This makes it extremely useful in clearing marks and scars left behind by blemishes.
After exfoliating with a papain mask, the texture of our skin is smoother, the colour more even, and our skin’s hydration increases. Plus, our pores are de-clogged, resulting in less pimples.
Vitamins A and C work to fight against environmental and UV damage, quell inflammation, encourage healthy skin cell production and accelerates the formation of collagen.
Who Should Use Papaya In Their Skincare Regime?
As papain clears dead skin cells, thereby de-clogging pores, it works well in both the prevention and treatment of acne.
That said, the antioxidant benefits can be enjoyed by all skin types. Especially those with ageing skin will see an improvement in hyper-pigmentation and fine lines.
Homemade Papaya Face Mask Recipe
5 tbsp of papaya
1 tbsp honey
Combine the ingredients in a blender to form a smooth purée. Spread the mask all over your face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use once per week.
Our Top Papaya Picks:
Miracle Mask With Papaya (60ml) Evolve
€22.95
Buy it here: SkinSpace
100% natural fruit molecules deliver smooth and plump skin, whilst Peruvian maca, an ancient energy booster, increases the renewal of cells leading to more radiant and healthy-looking skin. Papaya naturally exfoliates the skin and provides vitamin A and papain, whilst acids from bilberry, orange, lemon and sugar maple all work to smooth the texture of skin and reduce signs of ageing.
Papaya-S Sun Cream (50g)
Benton
€16.95
Buy it here: SkinSpace
Offering effective sun protection and locking in moisture to the skin, this lightweight sun cream shields against the rays whilst revitalising the skin with its infusion of minerals and vitamins. Papaya extract replenishes the skin’s dull complexion whilst rejuvenating skin cells, leaving it feeling nourished and refreshed.
Daily Detox Face Wash (100ml)
Evolve
€17.95
Buy it here: SkinSpace
Detoxify and rebalance with this delicate foaming face wash from organic British skincare brand Evolve, which cleanses the skin’s impurities with natural sugars. With organic papaya enzymes to exfoliate and organic aloe vera to soften the texture.
Papaya SOS Marmalade (30g)
Ere Perez
€26.95
Buy it here: SkinSpace
The bartender has created an off-menu special with this nourishing coconut, hemp, chia, grapefruit oil and fermented papaya potion, from cult Australian brand Ere Perez. Essential antioxidants and vitamins repair skin breakouts, scars and dryness as the marmalade heals and protects your face, hands, feet, body and even your hair.
