Winter brings with it chilly winds, dry air, and a host of skin troubles. From flakiness to dullness, the cold season demands extra attention to your skincare routine. This is where custard apple—also known as sitaphal or sugar apple—a tropical fruit comes into play that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that work wonders for your skin.
But can custard apples help in achieving winter-ready skin? We asked our expert, Dr Shitij Goel, HOD, Dermatology, Shardacare - Health City, the same and he said, “Yes”. Here are the many benefits of this magic fruit and why you should incorporate it into your winter diet for healthy and full-of-life skin.
Skin Benefits Of Custard Apple
Custard apple is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its creamy pulp is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and natural sugars, which makes it a perfect winter companion for your skin health. Here's why this fruit deserves a spot in your diet and skincare routine this season, as per experts:
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1. Hydration Hero
Winter air tends to strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and cracking. Custard apple is rich in water content and natural sugars that help hydrate the skin from within. Its ability to retain moisture also makes it ideal for combating winter dryness.
Pro Tip: Include custard apple in your diet to maintain your skin's hydration levels. You can also mash the pulp and mix it with honey for a quick hydrating face mask.
2. Fights Free Radicals
The high vitamin C content in custard apple makes it an ideal antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals caused by environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays, which are still present even in winter. This in turn protects your skin from premature ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles.
DIY Idea: Use custard apple pulp mixed with a teaspoon of yoghurt for an anti-ageing face pack. Apply it for 15 minutes to reveal glowing, youthful skin.
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3. Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm, plump, and youthful. As we age, collagen production declines, but custard apples can help. Its vitamin C content aids in boosting collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity and reducing sagging.
Beauty Hack: Add custard apple pulp to your smoothies or mix it into a fruit salad to nourish your skin from the inside out.
4. Reduces Pigmentation
Uneven skin tone and pigmentation are common skin issues in winter due to lack of sun exposure or dryness. Custard apples contain natural compounds that promote even skin tone by reducing melanin production.
Skin Brightening Mask: Combine custard apple pulp with turmeric and lemon juice. Apply it to pigmented areas and rinse off after 20 minutes. Regular use can help lighten dark spots.
5. Soothes Irritated Skin
The cold winds and dry air can leave your skin feeling itchy and irritated. Custard apple’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and soothe irritation, making it an excellent remedy for sensitive winter skin.
Quick Fix: Blend custard apple pulp with aloe vera gel for an instant calming mask.
6. Natural Exfoliant
The creamy texture of custard apple pulp, combined with its nutrients, acts as a gentle exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, softer complexion.
Gentle Scrub Recipe: Mix custard apple pulp with a pinch of sugar and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Massage gently on your skin for a natural exfoliation.
How To Incorporate Custard Apple Into Your Routine?
There are two ways you can add custard apples to your winter routine. It is either by diet or skincare. Here’s how:
- Eat it fresh as a snack or add it to desserts, smoothies, and salads.
- Use it as a base for homemade masks, scrubs, and packs.
Bottomline
Custard apple is a winter superfood that provides nourishment, hydration, and protection for your skin. Whether consumed or applied topically, it works wonders in fighting winter skin woes and leaving your complexion radiant. So, as you savour this delicious fruit, remember that your skin is savouring it too!