Internet-based skin care forums are full of recipes for natural wrinkle fighters, from plain yogurt to crushed aspirin. While researching different treatments, you might also see papayas mentioned as home remedies for pesky fine lines; they're listed for good reason. These tropical fruits contain a powerful cocktail of antioxidants that just might keep Father Time at bay.
Identification
The papaya is a tropical fruit. According to California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc, or CRFG, papayas originated in Central America and southern Mexico, although they're now grown in tropical locations all over the world. There are two main kinds of papayas: Mexican and Hawaiian. Hawaiian papayas weigh about one pound each and look like yellow pears. Inside, the sweet and juicy fruit is orange or pink with edible black seeds. Mexican papayas are much rarer; they are often more than a foot long and weigh up to 10 pounds.
Nutrients in Papaya
Papayas contain a number of nutrients that help fight the signs of aging. In "Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles," author Allison Tannis notes that papaya's supply of potassium, fiber, folate, panthothenic acid and magnesium all contribute to smooth, healthy skin. In addition, papaya contains carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins A, C and E, which act as antioxidants to fight the free radicals that destroy your skin's supply of collagen.
Papaya as Exfoliator
Papaya also acts as a natural exfoliator, according to Tannis, thanks to an enzyme called papain. This enzyme helps loosen and brush away dead skin cells that might otherwise become trapped in hair follicles, clogging pores and potentially causing acne. This is why many exfoliating wrinkle creams contain papaya extract; the natural fruit enzyme loosens dead skin cells and gently polishes the top layer of skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and emerging wrinkles.
Papaya Facial Masks
In "Natural Beauty for All Seasons," author Janice Cox offers directions on making a homemade papaya facial mask. The natural fruit acids, she writes, help exfoliate and nourish skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking. To make the mask, mash 2 tbsp. of papaya and stir in 1 tsp. aloe vera gel. Spread this mixture on your face and leave it on for no more than five minutes. Cox warns that this mask can be very drying if you leave it on for more than the recommended time; set a kitchen timer to help yourself remember to take it off. Wash it away with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry.
Papaya Products
You can buy ripe papayas at the grocery store to use in a homemade skin treatment, or look for papaya-infused wrinkle creams, masks and lotions. According to author Brigitte Mars in "Beauty by Nature," you can also buy green papaya powder that might be even more effective for fighting wrinkles. Mars notes that unripe green papaya contains more of the wrinkle-fighting enzymes than ripe grocery store papayas. If you buy this potent powder, you can mix it with a little water to create a nourishing facial mask.
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