Importance of fruits in cosmetics
The smell or color of a cosmetic product does not always indicate the actual content of fruit extracts. They are often the product of chemical reactions created in laboratories, and this is especially true for shampoos and foam products.
The smell of cosmetics, which has a strong influence on our well-being: the smell of watermelon, melon, strawberry immediately evokes pleasant associations in us. Unfortunately, the fragrance itself, moreover, produced in unnatural conditions, will not have a beneficial effect on the condition of our skin. Today people are becoming more conscious and demanding.
Note! The use of fruits in cosmetics is determined by their properties, among which anti-aging, healing and protecting the skin from the harmful effects of external factors are in the lead.
The most popular fruits in recent years have been brought by their acids, which have smoothing properties, delay the aging process, and brighten. In addition, preparations containing fruit acids provide the skin with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Useful properties of fruits in cosmetics
For health and ideal skin condition, it is not enough to follow a diet rich in fruits, it is also worth using them externally.
Natural fruit acids are rarely found in cosmetics. They are often created artificially in the laboratory. Making your own fruit-based cream or mask is easy. Almost any natural product is suitable for a face mask.
As you know, fruits are a rich source of vitamins. Fruits contain a huge vitamin potential – vitamins C, E, A, K, PP and group B. Vitamins A, E and C have an antioxidant effect.
Fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs for short) derived from apples, grapes and citrus fruits have healing properties for acne lesions and also have a firming effect on the skin, especially dry and mature.
Additional Information! Fruits are a source of fiber, so it is a dietary basis for weight loss, firming and anti-cellulite therapy.
Fruit-scented cosmetics are refreshing and stimulating thanks to the content of essential oils. Fruit oils are also an important ingredient in perfumery. Their scents are uplifting. They not only smell wonderful, but also nourish:
- tangerine narrows the pores of the skin;
- orange – slows down the aging process;
- lime – has an antiseptic effect; grapefruit – helps to eliminate cellulite.
Fruits contain a rich source of minerals, including iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium, which are involved in the proper functioning of the skin.
Fruits have antioxidant properties that neutralize the action of free radicals. The strongest of them is lycopene, which is rich in tomatoes (according to botanists, these are fruits) and red grapefruits, apricots and watermelons.
Tannins make the skin more resistant to external factors. In addition, they have an astringent effect, tighten pores, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. They are used in the treatment of skin diseases such as ringworm or acne. Their sources are raspberries.
Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and cranberries are rich in anthocyanins, known as natural colors with a fairly wide range of colors. At the same time, they are excellent antioxidants, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and also significantly affect the lipid composition and protect vascular fragility.
Fruits are able to lighten age spots due to the presence of arbutin compounds, which are found in large quantities in blueberries, as well as in mulberries. Lemon is also known for its brightening properties.
What fruits are used in cosmetics?
Many types of fruits are used in the cosmetics industry, including raspberries, grapes, citrus fruits, apples, and many others.
Raspberries have a wide range of nutritional and medicinal properties, as well as aromatic properties. It is a rich source of vitamins C, E, as well as moisturizing sugars and pectins. They have a calming effect on the skin, reduces irritation, smoothes its structures.
They regulate the work of the sebaceous glands, respectively affecting the amount of sebum secreted, perfectly improving its appearance.
Grapes contain vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene and minerals. They have moisturizing, nourishing, and also protect the skin from harmful UV radiation.
Natural medicine has always valued strawberries for their health benefits. Strawberry extract is also found in cosmetics, participating in the process of exfoliating the epidermis, resulting in smooth skin. This is due to salicylic acid with a strong cleansing effect. It is mainly thanks to him that strawberries have anti-acne and seborrheic properties.
Apples are rich in AHA acids, i.e. exfoliating agents. What’s more, they help restore proper skin hydration. Therefore, this extract is mainly used in exfoliating and skin-smoothing formulations. These acids also support the regulation of the sebaceous glands, so they work well in cosmetics designed to care for oily skin.
Citrus fruits are also renowned for their wealth of valuable health and beauty ingredients. Bitter orange fruit extract makes skin smooth and hydrated. Cosmetics with orange extract are characterized by a strong firming and cleansing effect.
Lemon juice is used by women in hair and skin care. Included in homemade masks, scrubs and lotions. Prepared face masks provide effective skin cleansing, and also help in the fight against freckles and age spots. thanks to its strong brightening and smoothing properties.
How do fruit acids work?
Fruit acid peels have a wide range of applications and are generally suitable for all skin types, except for particularly sensitive skin or skin affected by dermatological problems.
Additional information ! Peeling with fruit acids removes the outer dead cells of the stratum corneum, loosening dead skin cells, and removing them more easily. Cosmetics with fruit acids reduce wrinkles, lighten pigment spots and stimulate skin renewal.
In the case of mature skin, cosmetics with fruit acids counteract the formation of wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Pale, gray and tired skin regains freshness and color.
For people with enlarged pores, fruit acids will help restore the even structure of the epidermis and reduce spots and impurities. To obtain satisfactory results, it is recommended to carry out a series of several procedures. Only longer treatment brings improvement.
Fruit acids also lighten age spots and uneven skin texture caused by acne. The frequency of their use should not be more than 1-2 times a week.
After peeling with fruit acids, intensive moisturizing care is applied, since the action of acids reduces the water content in the skin. When deciding on treatment with products based on fruit acids, it is necessary to remember about sun protection.
