Bananas are one of the best fruits we can enjoy. Thanks to their concentration of vitamins, naturally protective packaging, and easily digestible carbohydrates, they’re a perfect snack at any time of day.1
Are you interested in what bananas can do for your skin? Read on to discover all the benefits of this super-sweet fruit and how to make the most of them.
Using banana peels for skin
Most of us discard our banana skins and get straight to eating the delicious fruit inside, but did you know that banana peels may have some benefits when it comes to your skin?
Although there is no clinical research, it’s thought that banana peels can help when applied to the face.2 Try pressing a banana peel onto your closed eyelids to reduce puffiness. You might like to do this in the morning while you enjoy a delicious bowl of banana porridge or cereal topped with the sweet, smooth fruit.
The benefits of banana face masks
Another great way you might like to use bananas for your skincare is to mash one up into a homemade facemask. Homemade banana-based face masks are fantastic for many skin types because they’re natural, gentle, and easy to make in moments.
Bananas contain lots of vitamin B6 and some vitamin C.3 Vitamin C is becoming ever more popular in skincare products like moisturisers, balms, and serums. This essential vitamin brightens the skin and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, while also stimulating collagen and improving skin’s texture.
How to make a banana face mask
There are lots of ways to make a banana face mask. You can add in or swap out ingredients to make use of the things in your store cupboard and get the most benefits for your unique skin type. Here are some of our favourite combinations.
Banana and honey face mask
This one’s super-straightforward to make and will leave your skin feeling lovely. Simply mash a ripe banana with a tablespoon of honey and spread onto your skin. The banana works its vitamin C magic while the honey helps hydrate.4
Banana and plain yoghurt
Add some plain yoghurt to a mashed-up banana (or to your banana and honey face mask) and it may help with any facial redness.
Other health benefits of bananas
Bananas are full of potassium, which is one of the essential electrolytes in the body.5 Potassium helps maintain water levels, takes care of your cells, and contributes to maintenance of normal blood pressure.6 Eating bananas is a straightforward way to get some of this essential mineral into your diet.
There are lots of great recipes which can help incorporate bananas into your diet. However, they’re delicious and easy to eat by themselves as a morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Whether you eat them, mash them into vitamin-rich facemasks, or use their peel on your face, we’re sure you’ll enjoy experimenting with this tasty fruit.
Last updated: 10 June 2020
Sources
1 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a47807/banana-nutrition/
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/banana-peel-uses#skin-care
3 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-bananas
4 https://www.bustle.com/articles/126983-7-easy-diy-banana-face-masks-to-help-you-achieve-clear-skin-photos
5 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-bananas
6 https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hyperkalemia-potassium-importance
