By Shahnaz Husain
Fruits have been traditionally used for beauty care. One such fruit is the Apple. There is a common saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” which implies that apples are of great benefit to the health in keeping ailments at bay. Apples have many beauty benefits too. Apart from being packed with vitamins and minerals, apples also contain pectin and tannin, which help to tone and tighten the skin. Pectin is also said to have a soothing effect on sensitive skin. Apples are wonderful skin toners, helping to tighten the skin and stimulate blood circulation to the skin surface. They also have antioxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidation damage and thus delay visible ageing signs on the skin.
Apples contain fruit acids, which have a powerful cleansing effect on the skin, loosening and removing dead skin cells. But, they do not make the skin dry. In fact, they brighten the skin and gradually clear away blemishes, like dark spots.
Apply raw apple pulp or apple juice on the skin daily and then wash off with plain water after 20 minutes. It stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface and helps to add a glow to the skin. It also helps to reduce lines and wrinkles on the skin. Apples can also be used as a scrub and suits all skin types. Mix it with ground almonds and a little milk or curd. This can be applied on the face and body and rubbed gently on the skin with small circular movements.
Grated apples can be mixed with a little curd and applied on skin. It can also be added to face masks. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. It makes the skin soft and smooth.
Mix apples with ground almonds and a little milk or curd and use it as a scrub.
For dry skin during winter mix apple pulp with cream of milk (malai) and apply on the face. Wash off after 20 minutes. It also helps to remove tan and add a glow.
We also get apple cider vinegar from apples. This should be available at a large store. If there is dandruff, mix two tablespoons of the vinegar with a mug of water and use as a last rinse after shampoo.
So, considering all the beauty benefits, we can say that an apple a day keeps beauty problems away.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.
