Looking for an elixir for clear, glowing skin? Look no further, fruits can help in achieving glowing skin if used religiously, says Aakriti Mehra, MD dermatologist of Enhance Clinics. She shares some skin benefits of fruits and how they help in making the skin glow. We also tell you how to make face packs using these fruits to gain their beauty benefits.

Banana: It is a rich source of vitamin and minerals including potassium, manganese, biotin, vitamin C and B6. The vitamins maintain the elasticity of the skin and the antioxidants prevent ageing. It is also a natural moisturiser and can be used in home-made scrubs and masks.

Here is a banana face pack made using overripe banana which is good for dry and mature skin. Take a bowl and mash the banana. Now add some drops of honey and two tablespoons of plain yoghurt in it. Mix all of it into a smooth paste and apply it on your face and neck area avoiding the area around the eyes. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes before washing it away with water. Read more about banana DIY face packs.

Orange: Like most citrus fruits, it contains a high level of vitamin C along with beta carotene, folic acid, phosphates, iodides, iron, phytonutrients and flavonoids. These components help treat dark spots and blemishes. The orange peel can be powdered and used as a scrub for instant glow and skin whitening as it acts as a natural bleach. It also acts as a toner removing dirt, dead skin and giving the skin a firmer feel.

Add a few drops of lime juice and some honey to powdered orange (dry the peels and then blend them to make powder) and then mix it well to make a pack. Apply it on your face and neck and leave it to dry. Then wash it off with cool water and pat dry. This pack is suited for oily skin. Here are some more packs for oily skin.

Strawberry: It contains a higher level of vitamin C and manganese which helps exfoliate and cleanse the skin, lightens age spots and freckles. Strawberries also prevent thinning of hair and give it a glossy shine. It can be used as an exfoliator in foot scrubs too.

Mash them and then add a bit of lime juice. Now apply it and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then wash off with water. If you want to make a scrub, use oatmeal and milk with strawberries. But if you have very sensitive skin then avoid this scrub.

Tomato: It is rich in vitamin A, C and K. It acts as an antioxidant in preventing ageing and is used widely as a whitening and de-tanning agent.

All you need is half a ripe tomato and a small piece of peeled potato. Grate or crush both in a cup. Now apply this onto your face and allow it to dry. Wash off with warm water when it dries or after 15 minutes. This pack is great for skin lightening as it has natural bleaching properties.

Papaya: The fruit contains a rich amount of antioxidants like carotenes and vitamin B and C. It keeps your skin hydrated, making it supple and smooth. It also has exfoliation and anti-ageing properties.

Take 3-4 pieces of papaya and then mash them well to make a puree. Now add a few drops of honey and a teaspoon of raw milk in it. Mix them well. Now apply this rich pack on your face and neck. Let it stay for at least 15 minutes and then wash with water. This pack is amazing for dry skin.

Avocado: With a high concentration of vitamin A and E, it gives your skin a natural glow. It also helps to moisturise and rejuvenate the scalp.

Take two teaspoons of honey and mash an avocado in it. Add another teaspoon of milk cream. Now apply it on your face and neck and leave it to dry. Wash with plain water. This pack is very good for mature skin.

Grapes: They have phytochemicals and phytonutrients which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature helping regeneration and healing of skin.

People who have oily skin should mash black grapes with some oil absorbent like multani mitti (Fuller’s earth). To make it in paste form, mix it well with drops of rose water in it. Let it stay for 15 minutes on your face and then rinse it off.

Apple: It contains vitamin C which helps boost collagen and tightens the skin. It also has copper which is important for melanin production and vitamin A with other antioxidants which control acne, decrease dark eye pigmentation and increase hair growth. It has also been shown to decrease the dandruff in the scalp.

Mash an apple, add one tablespoon of sugar and four cups of milk to it. Blend it well. Add a few drops of chamomile oil. Apply it on your face for at least 15 minutes. This pack suits normal skin and adds a glow to it.

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