Overview
Many over-the-counter products are available to exfoliate your skin, reduce skin inflammation and irritation, and help aid in wound healing. However, over-the-counter products can be expensive and are not always well tolerated. On the other hand, natural alternatives to over-the-counter products are also out there. One natural option that can be used for each of these skin conditions is pineapple.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit native to South America and is a rich source of vitamin C, manganese as well as a good source of vitamins B-1 and B-6, copper, magnesium and dietary fiber, according to the "Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods." Pineapple is also a rich source of bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme with strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Bromelain can be used to cleanse skin and exfoliate. Susan Ozlen and colleagues explain in their U.S. patent that bromelain gently lifts and removes older, upper layers of your skin. This reveals the younger, fresher-looking skin cells that lie beneath. The removal of older skin cells results in softer, smoother skin and diminished appearance of fine lines.
Cleansing and Exfoliating
To make a homemade pineapple skin cleanser and exfoliator, crush a slice of pineapple and a tablespoon of sea salt in a bowl. Mix until it creates a consistency good for scrubbing your face. For a face mask, mix crushed pineapple, a whole large egg, a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and powdered oats or rice flour in a small glass bowl. Apply the paste to your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Inflammation and Wound Healing
Bromelain has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Rubbing the inside of a pineapple peel over itchy inflamed skin, allergic skin reactions or insect bites can help alleviate the itching. In addition, applying pineapple to a wound or burned skin will help remove dead skin and promote wound healing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center
No comments:
Post a Comment