Properties of citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are one of the healthiest fruits that provide us with many vitamins and nutrients.
There are more than 50 different types of citrus fruits, all of which grow in tropical climates. Some of the most famous and popular are: oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits and tangerines.
Citrus fruits are a valuable source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), potassium, thiamine, folic acid, lycopene, magnesium, niacin, and vitamin B6. Their high nutrient content makes them beneficial for our health and condition of hair, skin and nails.
Note! Citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C. However, it contains less than, for example, currants, strawberries or peppers. When there is not enough fresh fruits and vegetables that would provide vitamins, citrus fruits can replace them in this.
However, citrus fruits also have many other benefits and provide the body with many valuable nutrients.
First of all, they play an important role in the fight against free radicals. Their antioxidant capacity is high, they help maintain the body’s protective barrier, fight germs and bacteria. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Citrus is a powerful antioxidant, and thus slows down the aging process of the skin. They are also valued for their aroma, which improves mood, relieves nervous tension and depression.
These fruits are also high in fiber, which helps flush out toxins and keep you feeling full longer. Therefore, it is worth consuming citrus fruits to maintain a healthy weight.
Cosmetic properties
Citrus cosmetics soften rough, cracked and dry skin, heal it and are ideal for problem skin care. The strong cleansing properties make this citrus mask ideal for oily and acne prone skin. The peel of citrus fruits is the source of essential oils used in aromatherapy.
Extracts, hydrosols and oils slow down the aging process and accelerate skin regeneration. They have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, normalize the secretion of sebum, therefore they are recommended for the care of oily and acne skin.
- Citrus juice will lighten spots and freckles.
- Softens rough elbows, heels and knees.
- Removes dandruff.
- Improves the condition of damaged hands.
Spots and freckles most often appear on the skin after a long exposure to the sun.
Additional Information! It is enough to regularly wipe the skin with lemon juice to remove and whiten spots and freckles. Citrus juice will gently brighten and even out skin tone.
There is an extremely simple way to soften hard and rough epidermis. Apply a lemon or other citrus fruit to the problem area for about 10 minutes, then rinse and moisturize the skin. The skin will become smooth and soft.
Cold weather has a detrimental effect on the skin of the hands. They get dry and crack. A simple citrus cosmetic product will help the skin of the hands. Mix two tbsp. spoons of citrus juice with 1 tbsp. spoon of care oil and rub into the skin. Then put on cotton gloves for 20 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate into deeper areas of the skin under the influence of heat.
Benefits of Using Citrus Fruits in Skin Care
Procedures using fruit acids obtained from apples, grapes and citrus fruits are very popular. They have healing properties in relation to acne, and also have a firming effect on especially dry and mature skin.
The citric acid and the high amount of vitamin C in citrus fruits kill bacteria and viruses on the skin. They cleanse, refresh, rejuvenate and tone the skin.
Note! Ascorbic acid activates the production of collagen in the skin, thereby reducing the visibility of wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity. In addition, it gently exfoliates the skin, cleanses it of impurities, toxins and dead cells.
Narrows blood vessels, reduces pores and brightens age spots. Makes the skin radiant, prevents photodamage and skin pigmentation.
Citrus in hair care
Vitamin C contained in citrus fruits strengthens and nourishes the hair, resulting in reduced hair loss, and the strands become soft and shiny.
In addition, it is worth taking advantage of the anti-dandruff properties of citrus fruits. Just apply sour lemon juice on the scalp to deeply clean it and remove dandruff.
You can rub citrus juice and pulp into the scalp. Such treatment can be problematic because it is difficult to comb out the particles of pulp from the hair afterwards. But you can also wash your hair with shampoo and then rinse it with water with grapefruit or lime juice. This procedure will soften and remove the dead epidermis from the scalp and remove dandruff. Use this citrus hair rinse once a week if necessary.
Dry citrus peel
The peel of citrus fruits should be dried and then used in home cosmetics, for example, as a natural peel. It can be dried in the oven at 180 degrees. Store well-dried peels in a tightly closed jar. Citrus peels ground in a coffee grinder can be added to home cosmetics and baths.
A relaxing citrus bath is a great winter home treatment idea. It will add energy and set you up in a positive way. The high content of vitamins, minerals and natural acids will purify and improve the condition of the skin.
Lemon essential oil and other citrus oils reduce stress, nervous tension, depression, relieve fatigue, and improve mood. You can use them as active ingredients in your cosmetics. It is advisable to use citrus oils in aromatherapy baths, for aroma massage and inhalations.
Citrus oils, thanks to their antibacterial activity, support the preservatives used in cosmetics, protecting against the development of harmful bacteria and mold.
Citric acid, found in many skin care products, acts as a natural preservative that eliminates the risk of bacterial growth in cosmetics.
