Benefits of Papaya for Your Skin and Hair
Wrinkle reduction
Papaya is rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, that may defend against the visible signs of aging.
A 2015 studyTrusted Source indicated that much of the skin damage and wrinkling that occurs with aging can be attributed to excessive free radical activity.
According to a later studyTrusted Source, these antioxidants can help fight free radical damage which may help your skin remain smooth and youthful.
Papaya may also help improve the elasticity of your skin according to 2012 researchTrusted Source on rats. This improvement in skin elasticity could minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
A 2014 studyTrusted Source of older women who consumed a mixture of antioxidants including vitamin C and lycopene, had a measurable reduction in the depth of facial wrinkles.
Acne control
The enzymes papain and chymopapain in papaya can decrease inflammation. The protein-dissolving papain can be found in many exfoliating products. These products help reduce acne by removing dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Papain can also remove damaged keratin that can build up on the skin and form small bumps. A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggested that papain is a viable treatment for scarring.
Papaya is also rich in vitamin A. Although it’s believed that vitamin A might play a role in the development and treatment of acne, the impact of diet on acne remains unclear.
Retinol, a topical form of vitamin A, can help treat and prevent inflammatory acne lesions.
Melasma treatment
Papaya is a popular home remedy for melasma. Proponents of natural healing suggest that the enzymes, beta-carotene, vitamins, and phytochemicals in papaya have skin lightening properties.
Although unsubstantiated by clinical research, they claim that these qualities — combined with the clinically proven action of papain in dissolving inactive protein — can lighten and soften the skin.
Daily application of cold-pressed papaya seed oil may help lighten dark spots. Buy it online.
Hair conditioning
According to a 2012 studyTrusted Source, the vitamin A in papaya can have positive effects on hair by helping your scalp produce sebum which nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair.
You can create a papaya hair conditioning mask by mixing together:
1/2 ripe papaya
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tbsp. honey
Apply the mask to damp hair and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo, and condition your hair as you normally would.