Banishing Skincare Problems With Bananas

Bananas are a popular healthy addition to any diet and a great choice of post-workout fuel to replenish the body and give you a much needed energy boost. In fact, they’re my absolute most favourite fruit in every form- banana ice cream, banana pudding, muffins, pie- you name it. But who knew the humble banana could also offer so many beauty benefits. Rich in amino acids and antioxidants, everybody’s favourite yellow snack is also a great source of beauty boosting vitamins A, B and C and minerals such as potassium and zinc which can also help to keep skin in top form. Whip up these eight remedies in your kitchen and give your beauty woes the slip.

Moisturise Dry Skin

Mash a banana in a bowl and smooth it on your skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow follow with a cold splash of water to lock in moisture. The potassium-packed mask will instantly make your parched skin feel softer.

Treat Oily Skin

Use this shine-reducing mask once or twice a week to control excess oil production. Mix one ripe banana and two teaspoons of lemon juice, spread over the face and leave to work for 15 minutes. The acids found in the lemon juice will break down the oil and debris in the pores, while the vitamin C in the banana will control future oil production and brighten skin.

Remedy Dry Hair and Scalp

Toss two overripe bananas, one avocado and two tablespoons of natural yogurt into a blend until thoroughly combined. Apply the creamy mixture from your scalp to the ends of your hair and wait at least 20 minutes before rinsing out with warm water. Much like the banana facial mask, the oils and potassium found in the fruit can work wonders leaving you with a healthy scalp and glossy locks.

Fight Wrinkles

The banana and avocado power combo also makes a very effective anti-ageing face mask. They both contain vitamin E, which is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent the appearance of age spots.

Smooth Rough Skin

Sugar might be a popular option when it comes to body scrubs but if you have sensitive skin, steel cut oats are a less abrasive option. Mix a mashed banana with three tablespoons of oats and a few spoons of coconut milk in to a cream texture. Apply the scrub in circular motions, starting at the feet and moving all the way up to your neck. Do this once of twice a week to keep your skin silky soft all year round.

Soothe Puffy Eyes

Potassium is known to counteract the effects of salt that can lead to water retention in the body. Puree a banana and lightly tap it around the eye contour. Leave for 15 minutes and wipe away.

Treat Acne-Prone Skin

It’s not only the fruit that can work wonders, there’s power in the peel too. Before bed, rub the inside of the peel all over your face. Leave it to work overnight and wash your face in the morning. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in the peel will reduce the redness and help heal pimples quicker. For best effects, repeat these steps at least once a day for an entire week. As with any treatment, if you notice any irritation, stop immediately and consult a doctor.

Soften Cracked Heels

Mash two ripe bananas and mix with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the soles of your feet and wrap with cling film. Leave on for as long as possible then rinse and dry thoroughly. The banana will penetrate the skin and moisturise deeply and stave off future dryness. Coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties making it the perfect foot-softening treatment. Have you ever tried using fruit in homemade beauty remedies?