Topical skin treatments are highly beneficial for your skin, and incorporating guava into your regimen can elevate your skincare routine. Rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins C and B, guava offers numerous advantages for skin health. These vitamins, along with various antioxidants, collaborate to improve the condition of your skin. Consequently, many skincare products, including face washes, toners, anti-ageing treatments, and anti-acne solutions, feature guava as a primary ingredient. In addition to commercial products, the oval-shaped fruit with edible seeds can also be integrated into your skincare practices. Regardless of whether your skin is dry or oily, this superfood can provide hydration and assist in preventing acne. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of guava foryour  skin and explore the various methods to incorporate this tropical fruit into your routine.

Nutritional value of guava

Before exploring the advantages of guava for skin health, it is essential to understand its nutritional composition. As reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 100-gram serving of guava contains:

• 80.8 grams water
• 2.55 grams protein
• 14.3 grams carbohydrate
• 5.4 grams fibre
• 18 mg calcium
• 22 mg magnesium
• 228 mg vitamin C
• 1.08 mg Niacin (vitamin B3)
• 0.11 mg Vitamin B-6
• 5200 micrograms lycopene

Guavas Guava is rich in essential nutrients beneficial for the skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

1. Anti-aging properties  

2. Brightening effect  

3. Acne prevention  

4. Hydrates the skin  

One notable advantage of guava for skin health is its substantial water content. This fruit is rich in moisture, which effectively hydrates the skin, resulting in a soft and supple appearance. Adequate hydration combats dryness and enhances skin elasticity. According to the expert, guava also contains essential fatty acids that fortify the skin's barrier, helping to retain moisture and shield the skin from environmental stressors such as wind and extreme temperatures.

5. Effective exfoliator  

Guava contains natural enzymes and mild acids that act as gentle exfoliators. The expert notes that these components eliminate dead skin cells unclog pores to remove dirt and refine skin texture without causing irritation. This process helps maintain a radiant complexion and ensures the skin remains smooth and fresh.

6. Mitigates sun damage  

Harmful ultraviolet rays can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, and oxidative stress, which damage skin cells. The expert explains that guava, rich in lycopene and antioxidants, combats these effects by neutralizing free radicals generated from sun exposure. Research published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology in 2019 indicates that guava contains significant amounts of photoprotective and antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and tannins.

7. Possesses healing properties  

Guava can soothe minor skin injuries such as cuts and burns by promoting skin contraction, which aids in reducing swelling, according to the expert. This effect is attributed to its astringent properties, as highlighted in research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2008.

8. Enhances skin texture  

The high levels of vitamins and antioxidants in guava contribute positively to skin texture. The expert states that it smooths rough patches and minimizes pore size, resulting in a more refined appearance. The antioxidants present in guava assist in repairing damaged skin cells, promoting a healthy and rejuvenated complexion.

Check out guava benefits for skin. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Guava benefits for skin: Apply or eat?

Pros and cons of applying guava for skin:

• Pros: Directly targets specific skin concerns like acne, dullness, or pigmentation.
• Cons: Limited to surface-level benefits and requires consistent use.

Pros and cons of eating guava for skin:

• Pros: Nutrients are absorbed internally, promoting overall skin health, including hydration, repair, and rejuvenation.
• Cons: Benefits take longer to appear as they rely on consistent consumption.

"To enjoy guava benefits for skin, combine both methods," suggests Dr Yadav. Most of the guava-based treatments can be applied weekly. Also, consume the fruit regularly for a holistic skincare routine.

Guava benefits for skin: Ways to use

1. Oily skin

• DIY face mask: Mix mashed guava pulp with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Apply and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes then wash it off.
• Frequency: To reap guava benefits for the skin, use this face mask two to 3 times a week.

2. Dry skin

• DIY face mask: Blend guava pulp with yoghurt and a few drops of almond oil. Apply this DIY face mask for dry skin and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it.
• Frequency: Use it only once or 2 times a week.

3. Sensitive skin

• Soothing face mask: Mix guava pulp with cucumber juice and apply it as a cooling mask.
• Frequency: Use it only once a week.

4. Combination skin

• DIY face scrub: Combine guava pulp with oatmeal powder and rosewater. After applying it, wait for 15 minutes then rinse it off.
• Frequency: To enjoy guava benefits for the skin, use it 2 times a week.

Are there side effects of using guava for the skin?

• Allergic reactions: People allergic to guava may experience redness and itching.
• Sensitivity: High vitamin C content may irritate sensitive skin or worsen redness.
• Photosensitivity: Using guava-based treatments with lemon or acidic ingredients may increase sun sensitivity.
• Clogged pores: Overuse, especially in oily skin types, may lead to clogged pores.

Guava can be really good for your skin. It can protect it from sun damage, prevent premature skin ageing, and more. But before reaping guava benefits for the skin, perform a patch test.

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