Most of us are familiar with the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Apples are well known to be healthy – that is, when eaten. They’re a great source of fiber, they can improve your gut health, and they can even lower your risk for diabetes and stroke.
But can this superfood transform your skin too?
Companies, like Juice Beauty, Annmarie Gianni, Boscia, and Glamglow have all started including apple as an ingredient in their products. Let’s see what this fruit can do.
Why are apples having such a time in the skin care world?
Well, there are a number of potential benefits when using apples on the face. These benefits include:
- promote healthy aging
- brightening of the complexion
- acting as an exfoliant
- potentially reduce acne
- moisturizing skin
Prevents premature aging of the skin
Many skin care companies now use apple extract in their products.
As Najia Shaikh, dermatologist and founder of One Skin Clinic, points out, apple extract is full of phenolic acids and flavonoids, two components often found in fruits.
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However, many anti aging skin care products contain these ingredients as well.
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“Apple extract is a beneficial ingredient due to its rich composition in phytochemicals,” Shaikh explains. “Flavonoids have antioxidant activity, which helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, pollution and other environmental factors.”
According to Shaikh, apple extract contains flavonoids, such as:
Can give you a dewy burst
Many people believe that applying apple cider vinegar to the skin can help improve dullness. Apple cider vinegar is a derivative of apple that contains acetic acid and citric acid.
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Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which acts as an exfoliating agent.
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Joyce Carslaw, founder of SmartAss Beauty, says, “Unlike most exfoliators, apple water does not have any pieces of scrub or microbeads, which can break down the proteins that hold skin cells together. Still, it helps remove dead skin that makes your skin look dull.
May help reduce acne
Apples can also be good for acne.
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“Apple extract (Pyrus malus) is a great addition to skin care applications,” says Carslaw. “It is rich in vitamins, including vitamins A, C and zinc, compounds believed to promote clear, healthy skin.”
Keeps the skin hydrated
Apples contain a significant amount of vitamin E.
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Apple extract and apple cider vinegar are used in a number of products designed to treat specific skin conditions. These products include moisturizers, toners, peels, and masks.
For acne
Inkey List Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel is a 10-minute peel that includes 2% apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid helps fight bacteria and reduce acne. It also contains glycolic acid to encourage cell renewal.
Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Toner is an affordable option with ingredients similar to The Inkey List peel. The formula contains apple extract, glycolic acid, and vitamin E. Reviews say it helps tighten pores, reduce acne, and give them a glow.
For dull skin
The Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Glowing Skin Kit contains the brand’s Super Bounce Mask and popular Dreamy Glow drops. These products are fan favorites for dull skin.
Juice Beauty has gained a lot of attention for its organic skin care products that harness the antioxidants in green apple extract. the Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask contains acids for “spa-grade exfoliation”.
For dry skin
the Age Defy Green Apple Moisturizer is another treat from Juice Beauty. It contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, and Vitamin C to help your skin retain moisture and feel nourished and protected throughout the day.
MAC Cosmetics is famous for its makeup, but it also offers a lot of skin care products. MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream is a brightening and brightening moisturizer that contains apple extract to help your skin stay dewy, fresh and luminous.
As Sharin Shafer, co-founder of Skinfluencer explains, “Expert dermatologists widely recognize that apples and apple extract can be beneficial ingredients when formulated correctly. “
Shafer says that just applying apple slices to your face can give you quick hydration.
“The vitamin E in the apple will keep the skin soft and hydrated, while the juice from the slices will firm the skin and help maintain the skin’s natural pH balance,” she says.
For acne, try using mashed apple with heavy whipping cream or coconut milk.
“Apple puree mixed with milk cream relieves acne,” Shafer says. “Regular use of this paste on the skin will help you remove dark spots from your skin and reduce the appearance of spots.”
While it’s safe to create apple masks and peels at home, it’s usually best to stick with well-reviewed and tested products that contain apple extract.
This way, you will avoid using too much of certain ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, which can be harmful to the skin barrier in large amounts.
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, such as acne or eczema, see a dermatologist before putting apples on your face or trying new products that contain apple extract.
Want to know more? Get the FAQs below.
How about using apple juice on the skin?
Pure apple juice contains many benefits of apples. Raw apple juice is best used in DIY face masks and peels because it contains vitamin C, nutrients, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s easy to find in stores.
Should you use apple peel?
You may have heard that the peel of the apple contains a large part of the fruit’s beneficial nutrients.
While the apple skins are filled with lots of healthy fiber and antioxidants which can be good for your skin, they also tend to contain bacteria and dirt. So, if you are planning to use apple peels in your home remedies for the skin, make sure they are perfectly clean.
Is apple extract good for the hair?
Apple extract is not only beneficial for your skin, it can also improve the health of your hair.
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Is applesauce good for the skin?
The benefits of applesauce for the skin are similar to regular apples, but it is important that there are not too many ingredients added to the mixture.
Carslaw suggests making your own apple puree and adding other ingredients for a DIY mask.
Can Eating Apples Improve Skin?
“There is currently more research regarding the health benefits of eating apples rather than applying them topically through skin care products,” notes Shaikh.
In other words, while apples can be beneficial in skin care products, eating an apple is the only guaranteed way to get all of the antioxidants and vitamins in the fruit.
Apples probably aren’t the first ingredient you think of when it comes to skin care, but they have the potential to transform your skin when used right.
Turns out, an apple a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away, it can keep the dermatologist away as well.
Meg Walters is a London writer and actress. She is interested in exploring topics such as fitness, meditation and healthy lifestyles in her writing. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, doing yoga and having an occasional glass of wine.
