Once upon a time there was the ... purple carrot! Yes, because, in reality, the original color of this exquisite vegetable was purple or violet. It was in a Dutch field in the seventeenth century that farmers created the orange carrot, as we know it, by crossing various seeds. And they did this in honor of William of Orange, the one who started the revolt of the Netherlands against Spanish domination. In an instant, the orange carrot supplanted its violet-colored sister as it is sweeter and more pleasant to look at, so much that nowadays, at the greengrocer's, orange-colored carrots are practically the only ones that can be found! And do you know that carrot not only enriches salads and side dishes but can also become an amazing cosmetic for the skin? Today we are talking about how to use the leftover carrot to make it a precious beauty ally.
Carrots, cosmetic properties
Carrots are a source of beta carotene, a substance with an antioxidant and protective action on DNA (Lee et al, Nutr res Pract, 2011). Beta carotene has the ability to counteract the damage of UV rays and prevents erythema and this action is not only found for beta carotene taken orally through food, but also for topically applied beta carotene (Balic et al , Antioxidants, 2019). In fact, the application of products containing beta carotene protects the skin from attacks by external agents, such as the sun and pollution, and from the aging processes that cause the premature appearance of wrinkles and skin spots (Balic et al, Antioxidants, 2019). External use of beta carotene has been shown to attenuate, if not even completely remove in mild cases, melasma, which is a form of skin hyperpigmentation with the appearance of dark spots (Kar et al, Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol, 2002).
Carrot mask
So, as we have seen, carrot, which contains beta carotene, can be used to make face masks in order to make the skin soft, radiant, hydrated and rejuvenated. Try blending a well-washed and brushed carrot, but don't peel the carrot because beta carotene is found mostly in the outermost layers. Add 1 large spoonful of Greek yogurt, capable of improving skin hydration and radiance (Yeom et al, J Cosmet Sci, 2011), mix. An extra note? Try adding a drop of carrot essential oil, which enhances the antioxidant, anti-aging and rejuvenating action of the skin mask (Singh et al, J Cosmet Laser Ther, 2019). Apply to the face for ten minutes, then rinse, spray a hydrolate such as rose water and apply your face cream or a few drops of a serum oil. Here is a splendid mask, ideal after a day at the beach or in the mountains, to soothe irritation and regenerate the skin.
