Apples are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. It is for this reason that you can find apple-based ingredients in many skincare products these days. The main ingredient studied in research is apple extract fruit extract (Pyrus malus), which is essentially a super-concentrated form of apples. Some studies also looked at the effects of apple cider vinegar on skin health.
Generally speaking, apples have the following skin-care benefits:
- Skin protection and skin aging
Apples have two main natural compounds that can make a difference in skin aging: flavonoid antioxidants and phenolic acids. Apple fruit extract is rich in such antioxidants as quercetin, flavonol, and catechins. These ingredients are widely used in skin-care products for their ability to protect the skin from damage, pollution, and the elements.
- Brightening and exfoliation
Apple fruit extract also contains vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins can help brighten your overall complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Apples also contain natural acids that can gently exfoliate the skin.
- Skin hydration
Guess what gives apples their plump and juicy look - it’s vitamin E and water. This magic vitamin can help water stay in your skin, thus keeping it more hydrated and not dry and patchy.
Probably the easiest way to use apples in your skincare routine is by eating more apples. Consuming apples will help you get all of their health benefits, including improved digestion and immune health.
Interested in using apples topically? A simple way to do so is to choose skincare products that already contain apple extract or apple cider vinegar. Toners, serums, and moisturizers can all contain these ingredients - just look them up on the ingredients list at the back of the bottle. This way, you know that the products are formulated to go on your skin and are unlikely to cause irritation or any unwanted effects.
If you prefer to go straight to your kitchen, simply applying some apple slices on your face for 15-20 minutes as you enjoy a relaxing bath can also help. You’ll surely notice a bit more skin glow right after, and consistent use can also give you some of those antioxidant benefits we mentioned earlier too. Avoid using apple skins on your face. While it’s true that the skin contains slightly more antioxidants, it may also harbor bacteria, so it’s best to avoid using the skin and go for the apple pulp instead.
You can also try mashing up an apple and mixing it with a few drops of honey into a paste to create a DIY face mask. There are no precise measurements because the amount of honey you need to use will depend on the juiciness of the apple. The drier the apple, the more honey you’ll need to use. Using fresh apples rather than sugar-free applesauce is better for this mask because fresh fruits contain more antioxidants. Use the mask regularly to give your skin a hydration boost, clear up dark marks from acne, and brighten the complexion.
If you have sensitive skin or chronic skin issues, we highly recommend patch-testing this face mask on a small area of the skin before applying it to the entire face.
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H/T: Healthline, Femina
