Apples are the fruit par excellence, practical to take with you, they are juicy, tasty and fragrant. And they are also healthy! Each bite of an apple guarantees benefits to the heart, to the lungs, since apples help in fighting asthma, and to the whole body thanks to their anticancer properties (Hyun et al, EXCLI J, 2016). But it's not just this. The apple, in fact, can also become a real beauty cosmetic, useful for illuminating the skin, exfoliating it naturally, fighting wrinkles, blemishes and even acne and impure skin. So let's see what science says about the beauty properties of the apple and how we can use this fruit to make exquisite and effective face masks.
Apple as a beauty ingredient, what science says
Apple is a precious source of antioxidants and exerts the maximum of its anti-aging action if it is used whole, without excluding the peel (Palermo et al, Oxid Med Cell Longev., 2012 ). Then, if the apple is red then it also contains anthocyanins, another type of substance with a high antioxidant power. Studies have observed that applying apple extracts locally has allowed, thanks to the antioxidant action, to counteract the damage of pollution but also of UV rays on the skin, ideal after the summer in which the face has been more exposed to the sun (Opris et al, Molecules, 2022). The apple also provides vitamin C, which stimulates the synthesis of collagen and helps to make the complexion homogeneous by contrasting dark spots, and malic acid, which makes the skin more hydrated, rejuvenated and luminous thanks to its anti-aging and exfoliating action (Palermo et al, Oxid Med Cell Longev., 2012 - Tran et al, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol., 2015 - Al Niaimi et al, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2017). Not only that, even apple pectin has shown, if applied locally, to bring benefit to the skin, reducing any inflammation and promoting healing processes in case of wounds and injuries (Lazareva et al, Antibiot Khimioter, 2002).
Apple face beauty mask
Get an organic apple, wash it well, remove the core and blend it without peeling. Mix the apple puree with two tablespoons of Greek yogurt and apply on the face, for an anti-aging, illuminating, smoothing and firming effect, also useful in case of impure skin. Leave on for ten minutes, then rinse and continue with your usual treatment. The extra idea? Add a teaspoon of pomegranate juice to the mask. In fact, the topical application of pomegranate juice has shown a powerful anti-aging action, as well as an antibacterial effect, especially against the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, which plays a key role in the formation of acne (Henning et al, Sci Rep, 2019).
