Abundant in nutrients and with many anti-aging benefits, there’s really no reason not to go bananas for bananas. Plentiful in antioxidants and amino acids alongside vitamins A, B, C and E as well as potassium, iron and zinc, bananas really are full of good stuff. Said to be effective wrinkle fighters, bananas contain vitamin E. If you’re a skincare fan, you’ve probably heard the experts singing this vitamin’s praises. Vitamin E is oil-soluble and highly moisturizing, helping the skin to retain its hydration levels, which is extremely useful for aging and/or dry skin. Instrumental in helping to lessen the effects of photodamage, vitamin E aids in reducing facial wrinkles and lines and, in so doing, rejuvenates the texture of the skin.
Because of all these nutrients, bananas make an excellent moisturizer for mature skin and those suffering from dryness. There are so many great recipes available for banana face masks and scrubs to help promote smoother, more hydrated skin. When combined with a small amount of lemon juice, this versatile fruit can be applied to help control excess oil production. Be warned, however – lemon is photosensitive and this is why you shouldn’t expose yourself to bright sunlight during your mask sesh. Photosensitivity is the result of a reaction that takes place when certain substances are exposed to sunlight – in this case, citrus juice. To get the best out of your mask, use it as a nighttime treat for your skin after a long day. Alternatively, a facial scrub could be made to help you get your glow on. If sugar is too harsh for your skin, swap it out for oats to help rid yourself of all those dead skin cells without inadvertently making your skin sore.
If a mask or a scrub isn’t for you, the obvious answer would be to simply eat a banana. Consuming just one of these cheerful yellow fruits can actually provide you with a whopping 33% of your RDI of vitamin B6 and 10% of your RDI of copper. In our previous post about cucumber, which you can find here, we outlined the benefits of copper and how it can help collagen production in your skin. Vitamin B6 (i.e. pyridoxine), on the other hand, is a great promoter of new skin cell growth and repair. Due to its ability to help balance some of the body’s hormones, and thus being beneficial for anyone suffering from acne flare-ups, it’s great for helping to improve the appearance of the skin. Yum!