Pineapple benefits for skin

Move over, oranges. Pineapples are reported to be the trendiest fruit around. Whether muddled into cocktails or grilled on summer barbeques, we’re eating more and more pineapples every year ¹. It’s easy to see why. With a sweet, tangy taste and irresistible juiciness, these tropical fruits are a delicious addition to every fruit bowl. But eating pineapple isn’t just a tasty treat. These bright yellow fruits are packed full of nutrients, making them a healthy snack too². If you’re wondering about all the different pineapple benefits (especially for your skin!), we’ve got everything you need to know below.

Pineapple benefits for the skin

There are lots of different benefits of pineapple. These tropical fruits are naturally high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals (especially calcium, manganese, plus vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid). Pineapples are also a great source of bromelain, which is essential for reducing sensitivity and bacteria ³. So, eating pineapple is definitely a healthy choice (in moderation, of course).

But what does that all mean for your skin? Eating pineapple could have the following benefits:

• Reduced sensitivity ⁴
• Reduced appearance of wrinkles ⁵
• Reduced appearance of dark spots ⁶
• Reduced signs of aging ⁷

Some people (and products) use pineapple as a topical skin treatment too. Whether you make a homemade pineapple face mask or choose a product with pineapple in the ingredients, you could try using this exotic fruit in a totally new way too ⁸. It’s the bromelain that is thought to make topical pineapple treatments so useful, as this enzyme is a great natural exfoliator ⁹.

It’s thought that topical use of pineapple could have the following benefits:

• Brightened complexion
• Exfoliation
• Hydration
• Reduced sensitivity ¹⁰

Pineapple nutritional profile

Whether you choose a pineapple skincare product or prefer to eat this tropical fruit, there’s no doubt that it’s a great addition to your everyday routine.

If you intend to eat your pineapple, 165g of pineapple typically provides:

• Calories: 85
• Carbohydrates: 21.6g
• Fibre: 2.3g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Sugar: 16.3g
• Protein: 0.9g

It also provides 135% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C and 76% manganese (as well as plenty of other vitamins and minerals). ¹¹ It’s worth bearing in mind that there are plenty of ways to enjoy it as a snack too, from tinned to dried fruit. Remember to check the label, as yours could have a different nutritional profile based on how its prepared or other added ingredients.

Side effects of pineapple

Pineapples are generally thought to be safe for most people to eat. Applying pineapple products to your skin is typically safe too, although it’s always worth doing a patch test first ¹².

Like with most things, it’s a good idea to enjoy pineapple in moderation too. Overeating could result in:

• Tenderness of the mouth
• Tingling or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn ¹³

It’s possible to be allergic to pineapples. Seek medical advice immediately if you notice symptoms like:

• Swelling
• Rashes
• Hives
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness ¹⁴

Remember that unripe pineapples can be poisonous to humans, so be sure to check that yours is ready to eat before you dig in ^{15 .} Shop Natural Skin Care Products

Last Updated: 21st December 2020

Expertly reviewed by:

Reviewer: Manisha Taggar Joined Holland & Barrett: May 2019 Qualifications: BSc Hons in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science Manisha started her career at a Cosmetics distributor as a Regulatory Technologist followed by a Regulatory Affairs Officer, ensuring the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products from colour cosmetics to skincare. After 3 and half years in this role, Manisha joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. Manisha specialises in Cosmetic products, both own-label and branded lines, ensuring that these products and all relating marketing material comply to the EU Cosmetics Regulation.