Taking care of skin health and appearance is very important if you are self-conscious. Also, it can keep you away from skin diseases. There are many options in skin treatment, you can use manufactured skin care product, go to a beauty clinic, or you can try back to nature, using herbs. The latter is the proof you do not have to spend a lot to get a healthy skin. At least, your skin will look healthy, bonus point if you get more than you expected.
One of the herbal plants that offer good treatment for your skin is papaya leaves. Yes, besides commonly used as remedy for malaria, papaya leaves offers various benefits for skin. Since a long time ago, papaya leaves has been used to take care of acne, warts, itch, ringworm, and other skin diseases. On top of that, papaya leaves is believed to nourishes the skin from the inside, and giving outer skin a fresh appearance. It is claimed to be one of best herbal remedy for skin and hair.
So, what are other benefits of papaya leaves for skin? This writing has the answer based on various sources and with scientific proof. Go check it out!
Composition and Nutrition Facts of Papaya Leaves
The composition of papaya leaves greatly support skin treatment. It has abundant amount of vitamins, antioxidants, phytochemical, and so on so forth. These nutrients can nourish the skin from the inside, protect it from foreign object, and wash away the dirt caused by pollution. Here are the list of nutrients present in 100 g serving size of papaya leaves :
- 179 kJ (43 kcal) energy
- 10.82 g carbohydrates
- 7.82 sugar
- 1.7 g dietary fiber
- 0.26 g fat
- 0.47 protein
- 47 μg vitamin A
- 274 μg beta carotene
- 89 μg lutein zeaxanthin
- 0.023 mg thiamine (B1)
- 0.027 mg riboflavin (B2)
- 0.357 mg niacin (B3)
- 0.191 mg pantothenic acid (B5)
- 38 μg folate (B9)
- 62 mg vitamin C
- 0.3 mg vitamin E
- 2.6 μg vitamin K
- 20 mg calcium
- 0.25 mg iron
- 21 mg magnesium
- 0.04 mg manganese
- 10 mg phosphorus
- 182 mg potassium
- 8 mg sodium
- 0.08 mg zinc
- 88 g water
- 1828 μg lycopene
Now, let’s jump to benefits of papaya leaves for skin :
1. Papaya leaves is a part of self care product
Along with papaya fruit, some soap producers have used papaya leaves as an ingredient. This is a proof that papaya leaves is beneficial for skin. Based on survey, papaya soap eliminates almost all germs on the skin (99.9%). You can also get skin treatment from health benefits of red pomegranate.
2. Papaya leaves helps get rid of acne
Another nutritious benefits of papaya leaves for skin. Based on some researches (you can see here health benefits vegetable salad), both papaya leaves and fruit can help get rid of acne. You can both use it externally or consume papaya leaves as side salad or herbal tea. To apply it externally, get 3-6 young papaya leaves. Then, pound it until it becomes smooth. Rub the puree on the affected skin.
You can do this trick daily if you’re interested. Papaya leaves will reduce the inflammation and bloated part caused by the acne. Thus, makes the skin smoother.Â
3. Papaya leaves helps relieve ring worm
One of useful benefits of papaya leaves for skin. Due to its salycilic acid, and antifungal activity, papaya leaves extract can help treat ringworm. Its benefits of healing ringworm is comparable to over-the-counter antifungal creams.
4. Papaya leaves gives the skin elasticity
According to herbal experts, using papaya leaves can fix a harsh skin by giving it elasticity. Thus, skin will look young and fresh from the outside.
5. It provides nourishment for the skin
One of great benefits of papaya leaves for skin. Because of its high nutritive value, papaya leaves can nourish the skin with a variety of nutritions (e.g. vitamins, polyphenols, etc). See health benefits of argan to learn more skin nourishment.
6. Papaya leaves helps prevent premature aging
Based on various researches, papaya leaves is reported to fix damage on the skin caused by exposure to UV ray (sunlight). It also helps maintain the elasticity of the skin, production of collagen, and elastin, and helps lifting the dead skin cells. These are signs of aging. Thus, by eliminating all these signs, the skin will look youthful and fresh.
7. Papaya leaves is a strong anti-inflammatory agent
Inflammation on the skin may cause further problems, such as acne, warts, etc. To get rid of inflammation, you can use papaya leaves. According to scientists, it has strong anti-inflammation properties due to its abundant amount of vitamin B (which is known for its effectiveness against inflammation). In addition, you will get treatment for other inflammation-related diseases such as bronchitis, arthritis, health benefits of babaco, and many more. Â
8. It is a reliable antibacterial agent
Due to its rich nutritive value and antibacterial activity, papaya leaves can kill bacteria on the skin. For more antibacterial agents see health benefits of glutathione soap.
9. Papaya leaves helps solve oily skin problem
Exposure to outside pollution, sunlight, excess sweating, may cause excess oil level in skin. It is proven that papaya leaves can absorb excess oil in the skin layers. Thus, skin will look clean and prevent acne.
10. Papaya leaves helps cure bug bites on the skin
Bug bites may cause swelling, itch, and redness on the skin. It may feel uncomfortable if not anticipated soon. Curing bug bites is one of benefits of papaya leaves for skin. By applying a puree (smooth crushed young papaya leaves) on the skin, the swelling and itch of bug bites will gradually vanish.
11. Papaya leaves helps moisturize the skin
Papaya leaves can help moisturize the skin to prevent dry skin. Because papaya leaves contains a lot of water, it helps maintain the moisture level and keep the skin hydrated. Make sure to drink enough water everyday.
12. It helps brighten skin tone
Many people believe herbs like papaya leaves can improve skin complexion. It has been used traditionally as beauty herbs. Before modern skin care was found, people used to eat papaya leaves to brighten skin tone.
Recommendation Intake of Papaya Leaves for Skin
Make sure to consult with herbal experts before using papaya leaves for safety purposes.