The pharmacist specializing in cosmetology indicates the fruits that have beneficial properties for the skin
Both the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are constantly studying the chemical properties of foods to discover new benefits or possible formulas that can be used in the development of drugs and dermocosmetics.
Natural foods, such as fruits, are known to offer many benefits to our health and body. For this reason, studies at universities and medical centers around the world invest millions in research to find out how the fruits can be used even more by humans, both for their oral consumption and for the extraction of these fruits in the use of dermocosmetics.
And to clarify this topic, Maurizio Pupo, pharmacist, author of several books in the cosmetic field and professor specializing in cosmetology, brings more information on the different fruits and the benefits of each one for skin health.
1. Pomegranate
“Pomegranate is a fruit that brings many benefits to the skin, especially for its rejuvenation. But be careful: the fruit must be consumed and never used directly on the skin ― only in case of topical use with products based on pomegranate extract. Eating one pomegranate a day, or drinking just one glass of pomegranate juice a day, is enough to rejuvenate your skin. This happens because the pomegranate is very rich in antioxidants, which contribute to the renewal of our skin», explains Maurizio.
“By ingesting these antioxidants, they will fight free radicals, i.e. they go to the skin and, in this way, help reduce wrinkles, sagging and loss of elasticity, delaying premature aging. Furthermore, the consumption of pomegranate is also very useful for lightening skin spots, including melasma”, underlines the specialist.
The pharmacist also explains that pomegranate is rich in vitamin A, which is another boost to cell renewal.
“This is an important nutrient in the production of collagen in the skin and, therefore, with the combination of antioxidants and vitamin A, pomegranate is a very rich source in the fight against premature aging,” she says.
two. Banana peel
“The banana peel is rich in minerals, such as zinc and magnesium, as well as vitamins, such as vitamin A and the B complex. Thus, if used in a dermocosmetic, topically, as a cream, for example, the extract banana peel concentrate can bring benefits to the skin, such as anti-inflammatory properties,” explains the pharmacist.
“However, it is also important to warn fans of home recipes that banana peel, or other fruit, should never be used in this way, applied directly to the peel. We have reports of several cases of severe burns from people who have rubbed the fruit directly on their peel and then stepped out into the sun. In addition to not promoting the desired effect, fruit-based home recipes can cause serious problems with the dermis,” he says.
3. grape seeds
“Known as one of the healthiest foods in the world, grape seed has protective effects against sun-induced damage (when used topically through dermocosmetics with this active ingredient). Furthermore, the seed extract mitigates oxidative stress (which would be the imbalance between the production of live radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them), that is, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties», explains Maurizio.
4. Cocoa
“Because it is a fruit associated with chocolate, cocoa always ends up being a controversial topic. However, clinical and laboratory research conducted by the University of Molise, Italy, has provided scientific evidence of the use of natural substances derived from cocoa as an effective way to protect the skin,” says the expert.
“This is because cocoa is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds (and polyphenols are bioactive compounds found in plants that have a wide variety of health benefits) and also with a large amount of flavonoids (polyphenols found in vegetables), as well as being a source of essential minerals, such as magnesium, copper and iron,” he points out.
“That is, cocoa consumption improves blood flow to the skin and increases photoprotection, contributing to the maintenance and appearance of the skin. Furthermore, cocoa also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When used topically in dermocosmetics with cocoa polyphenols, it is possible to increase skin elasticity, prevent and reduce wrinkles, and also reduce the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light,” explains Maurizio.
5. Avocado
According to the expert, avocado is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are fats found in food, but which are good for health.
“According to studies carried out in Los Angeles, USA [o especialista não indicou quem fez o estudo], the consumption of an avocado a day ― in tests carried out for 8 weeks ― brought benefits to the skin such as elasticity, firmness, hydration and pigmentation. Another curiosity of this study is that women with increased abdominal circumference and high body mass index also had an increase in resistance to UVB rays,” says the pharmacist.
“When avocado oil is used topically through dermocosmetics, it is also possible to notice an improvement in skin elasticity, without however significant changes in hydration or sebum formation. Also, there is no evidence of improved UV resistance when avocado oil is applied topically,” he points out.
6. camu camu
“A fruit originally from the Amazon rainforest, but little used in Brazil, camu-camu is much studied abroad, especially in Europe and South Korea, for its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, this fruit has a high content of vitamin C, promising polyphenols such as gallic acid (antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial) and quercetin (anti-inflammatory antioxidant that prevents the appearance of clinical conditions related to skin aging).
Thus, the pharmacist explains that, when consumed orally, the camu-camu fruit can act as an anti-inflammatory for the skin and also prevent oxidative stress.
7. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is known to have many health and skin benefits with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fatigue properties.
“In addition to these benefits, according to studies, topical application of pumpkin extract may be beneficial for skin wounds, reducing inflammation and oxidative changes in the skin, as well as alleviating the symptoms of contact dermatitis,” he says the specialist.
8. red raspberry
“Wild fruits have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even anticancer properties, as they have a large amount of flavonoids. In this way, according to a study conducted in 2019 at China Medical University Hospital, ethanolic extract of red raspberry can reduce cell death caused by exposure to sunlight, as well as can prevent UVB damage to the skin and also decrease skin photoaging”, he underlines.
Maurizio also reiterates that, in order for these fruits to be beneficial for the skin, it is important to always be aware of the type of consumption indicated and never apply them directly to the skin through homemade recipes.
“We have seen here that, in some cases, oral consumption of the fruit may benefit the skin, but, in other cases, the benefits only occur when the fruit is used topically. However, for this benefit to really come about, there are many studies behind it to develop formulas with the extracts of these fruits and with the correct concentration of these extracts so that the properties of each promote the desired effect. In Brazil, we do not yet have dermocosmetics with all these options, but with studies advancing more and more, I believe that in a few years the Brazilian public will have access to the topical use of products formulated with these fruits,” concludes the pharmacist.
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Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
