Kiwi Beauty: A Refreshing Snack for Your Skin

If you are planning to turn to food for some beauty solutions, the kiwi fruit should be top of your list as one of the best refreshing snacks for your skin. Don’t believe it? Here are some of the best benefits that you can get from this exotic fruit.

#1 Rejuvenates the Skin

Kiwis are nutrient rich and pack a load of skin-friendly nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidants are touted as the top three skin-friendly vitamins and are found in many supplements and skin care products available for women. This is because Vitamins A, C, and E fight free radicals and keep skin cells protected from oxidation limiting the damage it does to cells. These vitamins promote cell regeneration, rejuvenation, and boost the appearance of your skin to keep it looking young, firm, and taut.

#2 Reduces Signs of Aging

In addition to benefit number one, one of the best effects of antioxidants is that it speeds up cellular regeneration. Thus, regular intake and use of kiwi can delay signs of damage and aging like sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

#3 Promotes Detoxification

The kiwi fruit is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps to remove toxins from the colon and detoxify the body resulting in a wide range of effects, many of which are visible such as better and clearer skin.

#4 Promotes Healing

Rich in Vitamin C, regular intake of kiwi fruit fights inflammation faster and promotes faster production of collagen helping cuts and abrasions heal in a speedier manner.  It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, a compound that keeps cell membranes healthy and prevents a number of skin diseases

#5 Fights Acne

The pulp of the kiwi fruit contains natural alpha hydroxyl acids. When applied topically, its anti-inflammatory properties help to fight and clear out bacteria that cause infections while the AHAs promote micro-peeling to clear out the skin.

#6 Lightens Skin Tone

AHAs and Vitamin C in the kiwi pulp may help to lighten skin blemishes by exfoliating and peeling off micro-layers on the skin promoting a more even skin tone. This can be done by applying kiwi fruit paste to the skin every day before bedtime.

Kiwi and Yogurt Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe kiwi
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Peel the kiwi and cut it into small pieces.
2. Add the kiwi pieces and the yogurt to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth paste.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
4. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

Benefits: This mask works wonders to smooth and brighten the skin. Vitamin C, which is included in kiwis, can help lighten dark spots and level out skin tone. Natural exfoliants like yogurt can help remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, more radiant skin.

Kiwi and Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe kiwi
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Peel the kiwi and mash it with a fork until it becomes a pulp.
2. Add the honey to the kiwi pulp and mix well.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
4. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

This mask is great for hydrating and nourishing the skin.

#7 Other Health Effects

Aside from beautiful skin, regular intake of kiwi fruit promotes healthy functions in the body and lowers the risk of conditions such as asthma and respiratory illnesses, macular degeneration, high cholesterol, heart disease, and colon cancer. It can also help to manage symptoms of diabetes

So you see – the effects of kiwi fruits go beyond looking good on the surface. It can also help to keep you healthy from the inside so that you will glow. We all know that the best form of beauty is to have a healthy body.

Making the Most out of Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit can be used to achieve beautiful skin in two ways – you eat it or apply it topically to your skin.

If you decide to eat the fruit, here are a few serving ideas:

• Serve it as is – kiwis are delicious by themselves. One of my favorite ways to do it is to chill the unpeeled fruit for a while, peel it and eat it while cold.
• Add kiwi fruit slices to green salads for more vitamins and minerals!
• Serve sliced kiwi with strawberries. The flavors complement each other really well when served together.
• Add kiwi slices to yogurt.

Make sure that you eat it as soon as it is sliced. This is because of the actinic and bromic acid content in kiwi fruit, which tenderizes the fruit and makes it overly soft and soggy over time. Fruits also start to slowly lose important nutrients and antioxidants the moment they come into contact with oxygen.

Aside from eating the fruit, it can also be used on the skin. You can create a paste by blending or mashing the kiwi pulp. Take this paste a notch higher and create a brightening by adding some drops of fresh lemon juice or create a mild exfoliating scrub by adding some sugar.

Kiwis are a great addition to any diet and skin care routine. Do you have edible and topical recipes that involve kiwi fruit? Share them with us in the comments below.