10 Benefits of Papaya for Skin and Hair You Should Know

The benefits of Papaya for skin and hair go far beyond basic nourishment. No wonder so many skincare and haircare enthusiasts swear by this tropical powerhouse. The fruit is packed with powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, and a unique enzyme called papain. All of these nourish and condition hair and improve skin health. ¹

In this blog, we will take a look at these papaya benefits. We will also take you through some simple DIYs to add papaya to your skincare routine and the precautions for safe use. By the end, you will know how to make papaya your skin’s best friend. Keep reading!

Top 10 Benefits of Papaya for Your Skin and Hair

People have valued papaya for its exceptional beauty benefits for decades. But here’s the real deal: modern research backs up what our grandmothers always knew. In this section, we will decode the top 10 benefits of papaya for skin and hair, along with the science behind them.

1. Keeps Skin Hydrated 

Papaya is naturally rich in water content that helps hydrate your skin. Regular use of papaya in masks or creams may prevent dryness, leaving your skin soft, supple, and plump. ¹

2. Provides Anti-aging Benefits

Papaya is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene. They help protect your skin cells from free radical damage. This, in turn, prevents the breakdown of collagen that is linked to aging. In a recent study published in the Preventive Nutrition and Food Science journal, researchers also found that unripe papaya extract can help slow down skin aging. It does so by lowering the levels of a compound called methylglyoxal that speeds up aging. ^{1 2}

3. As a Natural Exfoliator

Papain, a natural enzyme in papaya, gives it its exfoliating properties. It helps gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This can leave your skin feeling soft, without the use of any harsh scrubs. ¹

4. Helps Brighten the Skin

If you struggle with pigmentation and dark spots on your face, papaya can be your new skincare ally. The antioxidants in papaya prevent oxidative stress that may lead to these issues. The papain also helps exfoliate the skin to restore a natural, even glow. ¹

5. Offers Protection from Sun Damage

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants. Research suggests that these help fight free radicals to safeguard your skin from photoaging. This is the damage caused by the harmful sun rays. When you use antioxidants with sunscreens, it further helps maximise their photoprotection properties. Think of them as nature’s internal sunscreen that works alongside your SPF. ^{1 3}

6. Calms Breakouts and Acne

Papaya is also rich in papain, which aids in exfoliation. This helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts. Papaya also contains vitamin A, which helps treat and prevent inflammatory acne. The fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties. They may help soothe any acne-related redness. Research also suggests that it may help fade acne scars. While papaya cannot replace medical treatments for severe acne, it may provide relief in mild cases. ¹

7. Reduces Skin Irritation

Papaya moisturises the skin to prevent irritation and dryness. It also has antimicrobial properties, which may help keep skin infections at bay. Its anti-inflammatory potential may also offer relief from irritation and redness caused by skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. ¹

8. Helps Fight Dandruff

Research suggests that papaya has moisturising and antifungal properties, which make it beneficial for scalp health. It keeps the scalp hydrated, preventing dryness that often leads to itching and irritation. At the same time, its antifungal action may fight the growth of fungi that cause dandruff. ¹

9. Nourishes and Conditions Hair

The moisturising properties of papaya also benefit your hair. They help lock in moisture, leaving your hair soft and manageable. Hydrated hair also looks smoother, shinier, and healthier. ¹

10. Encourages Healthy Hair Growth

Research suggests that massaging the scalp with papaya leaf extract diluted in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil can promote healthy hair growth. The extract contains nutrients that may strengthen hair follicles, while the massage itself boosts blood circulation to the scalp. This ensures that hair roots receive more oxygen and nourishment. This combined effect may stimulate stronger, thicker, and healthier hair growth over time. ¹

How to Use Papaya for Skin & Hair Care?

You can easily add papaya to your DIY skin and hair care masks. Scroll down to explore the two best masks you can try:

Papaya Face Mask

You’ll need:

• ½ cup ripe papaya
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

• Mash the papaya.
• Mix it with honey.
• Apply it all over your face and neck.
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Follow up with a moisturiser.

Papaya Hair Mask

You’ll need:

• ½ cup ripe papaya
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon yoghurt

Instructions:

• Blend everything into a smooth paste.
• Apply generously to the scalp and hair.
• Cover with a shower cap and leave for 30 minutes.
• Rinse well and shampoo.
• Follow up with your regular conditioner.

Precautions & Patch Testing

While papaya is natural and generally safe, it may not suit everyone. So, always do a patch test before use. Apply a small amount of papaya pulp or extract behind your ear or on your inner elbow. Wait 24-48 hours to check for redness, itching, or irritation. If you experience these, avoid using papaya. Apart from this, you also need to keep the following things in mind, especially if you are consuming papaya for skin and hair: ¹

• Avoid consuming unripe papaya, as it contains latex. In large amounts, it may irritate your food pipe.
• Overconsumption of papaya may cause carotenemia. This condition is not harmful but may cause your skin, palms, or the whites of your eyes to turn slightly yellowish. Cutting back on papaya consumption can help reverse this.
• In rare cases, the papain in papaya may affect your heart rate if taken in very high doses.
• Pregnant women should avoid unripe or semi-ripe papaya, as it can act like a laxative and may trigger uterine contractions. Women with a history of miscarriage or abortion should be extra cautious.
• Other possible side effects of papaya include nausea, cramps, and diarrhoea.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of papaya for skin and hair are truly remarkable. From keeping your skin hydrated and glowing to calming acne and reducing irritation, this tropical fruit proves to be more than just a healthy snack. For your hair, papaya helps fight dandruff, conditions dry strands, and even supports healthy growth when used regularly. Whether you enjoy papaya as part of your diet or DIY masks, it is a safe and affordable way to boost your beauty routine. Just remember to do a patch test before use and consume papaya in moderation to avoid any side effects.