BEAUTY BENEFITS OF APPLE

by Dr. Marli Botha

Well, we all know the popular saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are rich in vitamins and minerals, they are known to boost immunity, detoxify your liver, help with weight loss, aid digestion, assist with the detoxification process of the body and increase blood circulation. Nonetheless, there are benefits for the skin that you will never imagine. Both in consuming them and using them on the skin…

Now try these simple beauty recipes to harness the potent beauty benefits of an apple:

• One of the most buzzed-about uses for apples in skincare is their ability to fight acne. Apples are full of water which is important because balanced hydration is a key component to clear skin. Additionally, apples are a source of dietary fiber and aid in healthy digestion, which also plays a role in healthy skin. Apples also contain vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps your skin fight further damage from free radicals. Eating apples or drinking 100% apple juice can help provide these anti-acne benefits. You can also make your own face mask by mashing half of an apple, adding milk cream, and letting the mixture sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes.
• Tone it up: Purify oily, blemish-prone skin, and perk up stressed-out complexions. Core and de-seed a green apple but leave the peel on. Cut it into small cubes and combine with half a cup of lukewarm water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely then strain through a fine sieve to remove the pulp. Stir in 1/4 cup of witch hazel and apply the mixture to your face with a cotton ball, like a toner.
• Eczema is also a dry skin condition, and the degree to which it affects the skin differs from person to person. Apple, in the form of apple cider vinegar, can be used to get some relief from this condition since it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties with the content of acetic acid and malic acid present in it. Mix two spoons each of apple cider vinegar and water, and apply it to the affected area. It will provide great relief from the itchiness and also reduce the dryness caused by the dry skin condition.

It is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them.