This blog post is specifically going to look at fruits- or rather five of them and how they can help your skin look amazing and make you feel great. You can’t stop yourself from ageing, (unfortunately!) but there are fruits that can revitalise the skin, giving it a youthful appearance. Later, we’ll also add a post about how you can use these fruits in different forms which will include recipes so you can try at home!

Before we start, this article is going to mention a couple of things throughout. Free radicles are one of them. A free radical is the skins number one enemy. Not only do they steal oxygen from healthy cells, but they also destroy collagen, and heaven knows we need that! Without it, lines and wrinkles will start to appear on the skin. Another thing we will talk about is an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants help protect or even stop cell damage from harmful molecules called (you’ve guessed it) free radicals.

STRAWBERRY

 

// Anti-ageing
// UV protection
// Blemish/acne scar reduction

Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, and vitamin C does an important job of fighting free radicals. They contain the anti-oxidant known as ellagic acid, which prevents collagen destruction. It also works against  harmful UV rays by helping to reduce the production of MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase) which are a type of enzyme that also contribute to the destruction of collagen.  Along with ellagic acid, this fruit also contains alpha-hydroxy (a class of chemical compounds), which both remove dead skin cells and cleanses at the same time and have also been proved to improve and rejuvenate photo-damaged skin.  Strawberries are also a great way to help assist in the removal of acne. Due to the acidic nature of strawberries, they are able to remove excess oil in the skin. The juice of the strawberry is also a great asset as the ellagic acid along with salicylic acid will  lighten blemishes and acne scars, plus reducing hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. Eating strawberries will help prevent wrinkles from forming on your skin and will give it a lovely supple look. What a multi talented fruit this is!

 

APPLE

// Anti-Ageing
// UV protection
// Blemish/acne scar reduction

Apples are stuffed full of various vitamins and minerals. This fruit has the highest content of collagen and elastic, which is vital for keeping your skin glowing and youthful. Used frequently to help exfoliate the skin, it also hydrates and cleanses. An apple a day may keep the wrinkles away! Consuming apples on a regular basis will help to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Like strawberries, apples help to protect against sun damage as they contain UVB particles. As regards to blemishes, dark spots and acne apples can help, not to mention give mild relief to sunburnt skin as it contains cooling properties.

LEMON

//Defence against blackheads
//Exfoliates the skin
//Synthesis of collagen
//Exfoliator

Lemons are bursting to the brim with nutritional goodness. In fact 88% of our daily vitamin C needs can come from a lemon. Peel to the pulp, its all stupidly amazing for your skin. If you combine the oils present in the zest of a lemon with the vitamin C, healthier looking skin is just one of the many advantages you can get from this fruit. Blackheads, everybody gets them and everybody hates them, however the antibacterial and anti-fungal properties are a natural way to reduce these pesky little blips! Lemons can help to exfoliate the skin as well (recipe coming soon), and because it removes dead skin cells, it will leave your lips feeling softer, smoother and looking totally kissable! The vitamin C present will also help with the synthesis of collagen production.

 

PINEAPPLE

//Prevents cell damage
//Acne reduction
//Collagen synthesis
//Skin hydration

 

Pineapples contain huge amounts of anti-oxidants which fight against free radicals by preventing cell damage to the skin. This yummy fruit helps to keep the skin flexible and firm by increasing collagen synthesis. The vitamin C and amino acids present are all very skin friendly nutrients and when acne strikes, pineapple can fight the cause thanks to the anti-inflammatory substances it contains. The vitamin C will help your body heal while the anti-inflammatory substances will help to prevent anymore break outs, or the worsening of current ones. Pineapple can also be used as a natural exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. If your skin is looking a little dull then we have the perfect recipe for a DIY face mask (recipe in our next blog). Similar to above, it can help with dry and chapped lips by hydrating them and removing dead skin cells.

KIWI

//UV protection
//Collagen synthesis
//Exfoliation
//Cell regeneration
//Acne reduction

The kiwi is the leading source of vitamin C fruit in the world. Impressed? You should be! It will rejuvenate your skin in no time- full of many skin friendly nutrients including, vitamin C, E and anti-oxidants this fruit will boost the quality of your skin in no time. The vitamin E present will keep your skin moisturised and helps to regenerate skin cells, which will maintain that youthful look you already have! Vitamin C is also beneficial in keeping your skin young and glowing and as previously discussed, is a great source of collagen production. Collagen is needed for the skin to stay firm and supple. It also has other qualities such as assisting with healing e.g. abrasions and cuts. If you want glowing, smooth skin, then check out the recipe available in our next blog. Kiwi and its anti-oxidants fight free radicals constantly, and without this your skin would age quicker, developing fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. The anti-inflammatory properties will help fight acne and clear pores and prevent any further breakout. Amino acids present will help protect your skin against harmful UV rays. It is also great for exfoliation and generating new skin cells.