DIY fruit packs for glowing skin

Try these quick and easy homemade packs that will boost your skin health.

Papaya and honey face pack for blemishes and acne
Rich in vitamin A and papain, an enzyme with gentle exfoliating properties, papaya is an amazing fruit for the skin. This helps remove dead cells, helping even out blemishes, and reduce scars, and fine lines, while also making the skin firm. Its anti-inflammatory property helps in soothing acne-prone skin. Honey for its part is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helping clean clogged pores, while nourishing the skin thanks to its moisturising properties. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 to 3 pieces of papaya. Blend into a pulp and apply it all over the face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse off.
Photograph: freepik.com

Tomato, yoghurt, and oats to brighten skin
Yes, botanically tomatoes are fruits! Though they are also popularly classified as a vegetable. This mask is a great alternative for those who don’t want to use strong lemon juice to remove a tan. Along with their cooling and astringent properties (reducing open pores and blackheads), tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce acne and brightens dull skin, as well as vitamin A and a host of antioxidants. Yogurt and oats work to exfoliate the skin, removing dry, flaky skin, clearing clogged pores and also providing a heavy dose of some much-needed hydration. Blend together 1 teaspoon of yogurt with 1 tablespoon of oats and 1 small tomato. Massage the paste onto your face and neck. Rinse off after 10 – 15 minutes.
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Cucumber and milk pack for dry skin
Like tomatoes, cucumbers are fruits that are popularly considered vegetables because of their culinary use. Cucumbers are known for their cooling properties, helping relieve tanned and burnt skin, and relief from any irritant. They also reduce inflammation and prevent water retention, leaving skin rejuvenated and healthy. Milk for its part is a mild natural exfoliator, removing dead cells, oil, and dirt, thereby unclogging your pores. It also hydrates, heals, and soothes dry skin, making it a great ingredient in any face mask. Blitz ½ a peeled cucumber to make a puree. Mix it with ¼ cup of milk to make a paste. Apply the paste on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off and pat dry.
Photograph: freepik.com

Strawberry face pack for dull skin
A delicious treat, strawberries also do wonders for your skin. Strawberries contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, which fights free radicals, ellagic acid, which works to reduce spots and blemishes, and anthocyanin pigments, which protect the skin from harmful UV rays and reduce cell damage. Just mask 4 to 5 strawberries into a pulp and apply it on your face for 20 minutes. You can add a bit of water or milk if the paste is too thick.
Photograph: jcomp /freepik.com

Avocado and kiwi to combat premature ageing
Both fruits are packed with minerals and vitamins C and E, which regenerate damaged skin and help enhance skin health. The powerful antioxidants present in these fruits protect skin from environmental damage, which often causes premature ageing. Avocados also contain fatty acids like oleic acid (the predominant fatty acid in olive oil), which traps in moisture, keeping skin supple and moisturised. Peel the skin of 1 avocado and 1 kiwi. Mash the 2 fruits together till you get a smooth paste. Massage this paste into your skin and leave on for 15 -20 minutes.
Photograph: Foodie Factor / Pexels.com

Lead photograph: freepik.com