
I just returned from a long and much needed holiday in Maui, and I wanted to share some of the beauty tips that I used while I was in Hawaii. Everyday for breakfast I indulged in as much organic fruit as possible and pretty much ate papaya almost every day. A few times during the week when I was finished eating the papaya, I would scrape whatever was left and place its contents in a bowl. I’d then apply the juice of the papaya on clean skin for an all natural enzyme mask. This DIY Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask is an inexpensive way to brighten and smooth skin while also aiding in healing hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Papaya is rich in antioxidants due to high concentrations of vitamin A, C, and E, and contains naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids and an enzymes called papain which helps digestion, yet for beauty gently exfoliates dead skin cells and increases skin cell turnover. Whenever you gently exfoliate the skin, you oxygenate healthy skin cells and prevent clogged pores. These natural properties in papaya give you glowing, radiant, and clear skin for a fraction of the price of beauty products or spa treatments.
Exfoliation of the skin is important for healthy skin, yet should be done no more than once or twice a week. It is so easy to be so excited about exfoliating your skin that you can overdo it. If you haven’t properly exfoliated your skin for a long time then I believe that a gentle non-abrasive exfoliation even three times the very first week should be fine. You can leave this mask on your skin for 5-15 minutes depending upon your skin’s sensitivities. The first time that I applied this mask I did not feel anything. During the second and third application I felt very slight tingling sensations which I knew where the natural alpha hydroxy acids doing their work. My skin overall felt tighter and smoother as well as looked brighter.
If you’d like to enhance this simple enzyme mask you can mix a bit of the papaya juice with raw honey, yogurt, or even pineapple which would take this mask to a new level. I feel it is so important to care for your skin in ways that give the greatest results without any crazy toxic chemicals and unnatural fillers that are in so many cosmetic products on the market. Yes putting papaya juice on your skin may seems a bit “granola”, yet I’ve noticed that pure raw ingredients are usually even more effective and of course save you so much money. I previously wrote an article on 10 natural solutions to heal hyperpigmentaion, and this DIY Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask is now number 11!
***Please note that papaya is one of the top 12 GMO (genetically modified) foods to avoid. Please seek out organic non-gmo papaya.
Have you tried a papaya enzyme mask or use any natural products that contain papaya extract?
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
D.E. says
I grew up knowing about Papaya growing up in a West Indian household but I truly grew to appreciate ‘paw paw’ while in Cuba.
One note of caution though, I read just last week, that the vast percentage of papaya grown on the Hawaiian islands (not including the Big Island) are Genetically Modified. Big Agribusinesses like Monsanto, have set up show there and have replaced the pineapple plantations with huge pesticide sprayed industrial farms.
I’d urge people to really check for organically grown and/or non GMO papaya.
D.E. says
I realized I was being redundant on that last warning 😉
Dawn Michelle says
No worries D.E. Thanks for your comment!
Francesca says
Amazing tip!!Thanks for the info and link about GMOs.I have learned so much from this blog…love the DIY recipes and very thoughtful tips and advice. I never questioned the products sold in natural food stores. Been buying them for over 20 years, even made my own ‘natural’ products with emulsifying wax. Thank you so much for questioning and researching ingredients. Now, thanks to you I have discovered henna mixed with coconut milk, bananas,raw honey, turmeric and rhassoul…all my favourites.
Keep doing what you are doing…this is the best natural beauty blog.So much knowledge and integrity.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Francesca,
Thanks so much for your comment, and I’m so glad to help! Have a wonderful weekend!
JB says
Hello!
I can’t get enough of your blog….I’m obsessed and am so thankful to have found it 🙂
I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about activated charcoal mixed with a clay and Apple cider vinegar as a face mask. I wanted to ask what your thoughts are and to see if you have tried activated charcoal in any of your skin treatments.
JB
Dawn Michelle says
Hi JB,
I actually haven’t tried activated charcoal for skin care. I did try using it as a powdered eyeliner though with little success. I’m glad you found my blog too! Enjoy your weekend!
Ana says
I just read about fruit enzymes today and am so keen to try a mask now!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ana,
Papaya enzymes are amazing for the skin. I hope that you enjoy this simple mask!
Jennifer says
I just did a papaya mask last night for the first time and my skin looks alot better this morning! Do you still do papaya masks or have you noticed any long term side effects that made you stop using it? I plan to do one about once a week.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jennifer,
I will do papaya masks when I am able to buy them. If I lived in the tropics I would definitely do them so much more. In general I stick to a very simple skin care regimen which you can find here. Have a beautiful day!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much for your comment Michelle. I was wondering how you do your water cleansing in the morning. Do you use organic cotton rounds and distilled water or your microfiber or just your hands etc 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jennifer,
I like to splash my face with water in the morning. I’m sure there are lots of ways though so do what works for you. Have a great day!