Fruits are real beauty heroines! What is in them and what do they do for the skin? Lots of fresh facts come here!
Bring on the beauty fruits!
It is a tradition that fruits are used as beautifiers: Even in ancient times, the lightening effect of lemon juice was relied on. Soothing care packs made from crushed banana (also for the hair) are visually not very instagrammable, but are currently influencer favorites.
The inner values of the fruits, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, for example, also reach the skin via a few detours. Of course, it is easier if the active ingredients for cosmetics are “rebuilt” and then unfold their full external effect. Some of them are even real anti-aging stars (1 orange slice = great effect, 2 = even better, 3 = wow!).
Bananas
Labeling on packaging: *
* Musa sapientum, Musa acuminata
© Jan Rickers
Inner values: Minerals such as potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium. In addition: a lot of omega-9 fatty acids
External effect: Whether crooked, straight, yellow, green or even wine-red on the outside – the light-colored flesh contains important minerals for a healthy skin metabolism; the skin’s moisture is improved and omega-9 or linoleic acid soothes dry areas. The crooked things are really great for blemished skin, the white fibers on the banana have an antimicrobial effect.
Anti aging factor: 1
pineapple
* Pineapple sativus
Protective qualities: Due to their high antioxidant content, fruits can reduce UV damage.
© Jan Rickers
Inner values: Enzymes, minerals and trace elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper. Lots of vitamin C and A.
External effect: The enzyme bromelain, which is highly concentrated in still unripe fruits, makes pineapple a star in gentle peelings for sensitive skin. Unlike scratch-off grains, the enzyme removes loose flakes from the top layer of skin by dissolving their protein compounds. Another plus: pineapple extracts are excellent anti-inflammatory agents and have a decongestant effect.
Anti aging factor: 2
Pomegranates
* Punica granatum
Inner values: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin E, lots of potassium. In the kernels: punicic acid, a rare unsaturated omega-5 fatty acid, and phytoestrogens.
External effect: While minerals such as potassium improve the skin’s water balance, punicic acid specifically promotes its ability to regenerate. This becomes important as cell division slows down over the years. Phytoestrogens can increase cell production, which makes mature, thinning skin thicker and more elastic again. In turn, extracts from the shell inhibit enzymes that are responsible for collagen breakdown.
Anti aging factor: 3
Gives momentum: the scent of essential orange oil has a revitalizing effect. In shower gels and perfumes, it puts you in a good mood.
© Jan Rickers
Figs
* Ficus carica
Inner values: The bluish shimmering fruit, the inflorescences of which grow inward, mainly provides B vitamins (B1) and minerals.
External values: B1 is a skin helper, but a volatile vitamin. Stabilized in cosmetic products, it is a relief for itching. The soothing properties of fig extract and its excellent ability to bind water soothe irritated, sensitive summer skin in particular.
Anti aging factor: 2
Grapes
* Vitis vinifera
Inner values: The juice and peel of the fruit contain resveratrol, a powerful anti-inflammatory. Secondary plant substances (OPC) lie dormant in the kernels, especially of the red grapes, which can fight free radicals 50 times better than vitamin C. And their light, phytohormone-containing oil consists of around 70 percent of the care booster linoleic acid.
External effect: The grape active ingredients not only give mature skin plenty of moisture, antioxidant protection and healthy cell production. They work against inflammation – ideal for sensitive skin. A special highlight: the combination of phytosterols and linoleic acid. It serves as a vehicle to transport fat-soluble active ingredients deeper into the epidermis.
Anti aging factor: 3
Citrus fruits
* Citrus aurantifolia (lime), Citrus limes (lemon), Citrus sinensis (orange)
Golden yellow center: Lemons provide vitamin C and fruit acids for an even complexion. Since they make the skin sensitive to light, it is better to use citrus cosmetics in the evening.
© Jan Rickers
Inner values: Minerals like potassium, calcium, vitamin C (especially in lemons) and A (especially in oranges)
External effect: Citrus fruits are fresheners! They contain the cell protection vitamins A + C, which are extremely sensitive and need to be stabilized. But then they can be used in cosmetics, e.g. B. also in fruit acid peelings, give the skin an incredible glow. And on top of that, they tighten by stimulating collagen production. The slightly brightening and complexion balancing effect of vitamin C is particularly popular. In addition to what is found in lemons, limes and oranges, cosmetics manufacturers use the fresh, tart oil from the peel as an invigorating fragrance.
Anti aging factor: 2
Berry
* Ribes nigrum (black currant), Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberry), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)
Inner values: The skins of blue-black, blue or red berries contain a particularly large number of anthocyanins (plant pigments) as radical scavenger superheroes.
External effect: Oxidative processes in the skin are slowed down by the anthocyanins – this prevents premature skin aging. In addition, these plant substances strengthen the skin’s very own immune system by fighting off bacteria, fungi and viruses. The oils from the pressed berry kernels are the basis in light facial oils; they are similar to skin oils and are quickly absorbed.
Anti aging factor: 2
© Jan Rickers
Plums
* Prunus domestica
Inner values: Vitamins A and E, essential omega-6 and especially omega-9 fatty acids plus lots of colorings that act as free radical scavengers.
External effectsg: The kernels in particular hold a special treasure: They contain between 60 and 80 percent oleic acid. This special omega-9 fatty acid regulates the skin’s fat and moisture balance and effectively strengthens its barrier function. Plum extract and oil also greatly improve the skin cells’ ability to regenerate and repair mechanisms – and the oil smells like heavenly marzipan.
Anti aging factor: 3
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