Did you know that putting fresh fruit puree on your face makes you gorgeous? The enzymes found in fruits like strawberries, bananas, papayas, and other are known to freshen the complexion, exfoliate dead skin cells, and leave your skin looking bright and glowy. It's a fantastic addition to any natural beauty routine and super nourishing for your skin. And the best part? They're quick and easy to make and very effective for all sorts of skin ailments ranging from dry skin conditions to acne-prone skin.

It goes without saying that using fruit as a face mask definitely has its benefits!

Is That Fruit on Your Face? Fruit Face Masks for Beautiful Skin

Utilizing this little beauty trick is as simple as rubbing a strawberry top (with some flesh still on it) over your skin, and then leaving the juice on while you munch on your strawberries. Pretty easy!

There is, however, one golden rule to follow when using fruits and veggies on your face, and that is: Only apply a fruit mask once a week if you're using citrus or any other acidic produce (like pineapple and tomatoes), and up to three times a week with everything else. If you follow this rule, you're good to go!

I've tried all kinds of fruits for mask making and I've loved every one of them. You can even mix different fruits together. I wouldn't be lying when I say that I've even put some of my morning smoothie on my face so don't be afraid to experiment.

Eat Your Fruit and Wear it too! - Simple Fruit Face Masks

So why put fruit on your face?

Simple!

Fruits and veggies contain a multitude of vitamins, minerals, exfoliating acids, and antioxidants that are beneficial for every skin type, and nearly ALL of them help treat acne literally from the inside out. Their exfoliating acids slough off dead skin cells, helping unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and brighten skin tone. With regular use, you can lighten hyperpigmentation from acne, age spots, and even a tan that's too dark. So slather on that fruit!

Favorite Single Ingredient Fruit Puree Masks

1. Citrus

You can use any citrus you like to make a simple citrus fruit mask like lemon, orange, or tangerine. I do not recommend using lime as it's the most phototoxic (meaning you will burn in direct sunlight) of all the citrus fruits. You will also only want to use citrus at night.

The fruit acids in citrus fruit will gently thin the epidermal layer, effectively smoothing fine lines and exfoliating dead skin cells, not to mention this is the most brightening fruit mask you can make.

To apply the mask, either squeeze the juice from a wedge of citrus or rub a slice (or even the rind) over clean skin and leave on no more than 15 minutes. Be sure not to get too much sun afterward, as citrus can make your skin a bit photosensitive. This effect will go away a few hours after using this mask.

Be sure to avoid applying this mask to any broken skin as it will burn.

2. Melon

Melon juice is very moisturizing, so it's perfect for dry skin (if you have oily skin, use cucumber). My favorites include cantaloupe and honeydew, but you can use pretty much any melon. I like to leave this fruit face mask on for at least 30 min.

All you have to do is mash up a small amount of melon with a fork or small blender and apply the juice in an even layer to your skin. You can even just rub the rind on your face after you've eaten a slice.

3. Berries

In my experience, berry masks are best for acne-prone skin. Their high antioxidant content is the most healing and soothing of the fruit facial masks. Berry juice will also brighten, firm, tone the skin, and tighten pores.

If the berries contain seeds, they make for a lovely exfoliant when applied to the skin. Simply apply the fresh fruit, rub it gently over the skin, and leave the mask to dry. You can also exfoliate when rinsing by wetting your face and exfoliating with the mask as you rinse it off.

4. Banana

Bananas are probably the best fruit to use for soothing dry irritated skin. They contain enzymes that are both exfoliating and conditioning which makes them perfect for getting rid of dead skin cells and revealing the fresh skin underneath while at the same time keeping that fresh skin protected and moisturized. 

You can even mix this simple fruit mask with a little bit of oat flour to make it even more soothing.

5. Miscellaneous Fruit Options

Some other great fruits to use include: kiwis, apples, mangoes, banana, papaya (this one is great for moisturizing and clearing acne!), and pears.

Have fun trying different fruits! It's so easy to incorporate into your beauty routine. Eating an apple? Slice off a piece and apply it to your face. Have dry skin? Mash up a piece of banana and apply it for 30 minutes for smooth skin!

I find it easiest to do these fruit masks in the morning while eating breakfast and before putting on any mineral makeup. Sometimes I'll even put them on while soaking in the bath for a relaxing treat that smells great!

I hope you have fun trying out fruit face masks! What are your favorites?

You can also try my favorite fruit facial products below:

Fruit Cleanser
Fruit Facial Mist
Fruit Enzyme Scrub
Fruit Peel

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