Pineapple: uses in cosmetics for the face and for the body

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit belonging to the Bromeliaceae family and native to Central America. Pineapple is a refreshing and healthy fruit for the organism and our beauty: it helps digestion, fights inflammation and it is also an excellent antioxidant, and finally it also helps to lose weight, as it stimulates the metabolism and fights water retention and cellulite. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in the pulp but especially in the stem, is the main ingredient that gives pineapples these healthy characteristics. Pineapple is widely used in cosmetics, especially for its antioxidant and nourishing properties. Then let’s discover how to take advantage of its healthy characteristics for our beauty.

Cosmetic properties of pineapple

Pineapple is a fruit rich in vitamin A, B and C, and it also contains carotenoids, mineral salts and organic acids important not only for our nutrition but also for our beauty; they are in fact useful elements also in cosmetics as they perform an antioxidant, moisturizing, nourishing and illuminating action for our skin, delaying the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, one of the main cosmetic properties of the pineapple is to fight cellulite, especially thanks to bromelain, excellent for the treatment of edema and inflammation. Moreover, used as a food supplement, pineapple promotes the drainage of liquids, thanks to its diuretic action, and is a valid aid against the swelling of the lower limbs and water retention.

Cosmetic uses of pineapple

Let's now take a look at some cosmetic uses of pineapple: natural preparations based on this fruit with many beneficial properties for our beauty.

For the face

Pineapple is great for nourishing the skin of the face and slowing down the appearance of wrinkles thanks to its antioxidant and nourishing action that gives our skin brightness and softness. Here are some natural preparations for our face.

Tonic to clean and exfoliate

To clean the face we can use the pineapple preparing a slightly exfoliating tonic that will be also excellent as a normal detergent. The skin will therefore be brighter thanks to the fruit acids which will gently exfoliate the skin giving it a luminous and uniform complexion. To prepare this tonic put the pineapple inside a centrifuge and, once you will have obtained the juice, soak a cotton ball or a gauze and apply it on the face to cleanse or leave to act for at least 10 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water and apply your usual cream. Use this tonic once a week.

Illuminating mask

For an illuminating action we can then make a mask suitable for all skin types. A normal tingling during the application is normal, it is due to the exfoliating power of the fruit. But let’s see how to prepare it.

Ingredients: 50 grams of pineapple, two tablespoons of rice starch or cornstarch.

For the preparation cut the pineapple into slices and blend it, put it in a bowl and then add the starch. Blend and apply on the face placing a gauze on the pulp to prevent it from slipping away. Leave it on for a quarter of an hour, then rinse with lukewarm water and apply your moisturizer. To be used once a week.

Nourishing and anti-aging mask

To counteract the appearance of wrinkles, you can instead prepare this nourishing mask.

Ingredients: 3 slices of pineapple, 125ml of white yogurt, a teaspoon of honey.

For the preparation, chop well the pineapple, put it in a bowl, then add the yogurt and honey and blend well. Spread on the clean and dry face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Use this mask once a week. The advanced mask can be kept in the refrigerator for seven days.

For the body

For the body, the pineapple is used primarily as a remedy against cellulite as it is able to act against edema and inflammation, also improving the orange skin peel effect. Let's see how to prepare a compress to be used three times a week for a month.

Anti–cellulite compress

For this preparation you will need 4 slices of pineapple, an infusion of ruscus and green clay. First prepare the infusion of ruscus and leave it for 10 minutes, then filter and let it cool. Then blend the slices of pineapple, put the pulp in a bowl and add the infusion, then add two or three teaspoons of green clay to make the mixture more compact. Put the compress on the areas affected by cellulite and leave it for about half an hour. Then rinse with cold water, and it is better if you use the shower jet. After a month of constant use you will see the first results: a smoother and softer skin.