Papaya Soap: Uses And Contraindications
Papaya grows in tropical countries, especially in the western hemisphere, where people use it for skin care in the form of soap, masks and other products. As you probably already know, it is very popular due to its culinary uses and nutritional properties. Have you ever used papaya soap?
Read more about its properties in the rows below!
In general, most commercial soaps contain all kinds of chemical components. Many lead to side effects in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. Among them, we encounter irritations, allergies or even changes in the skin’s natural pH.
For this reason, many people prefer to use natural soaps, such as papaya soap. We are going to tell you why it is an extraordinary product and what are its properties and possible contraindications.
Papaya soap: possible benefits for the skin
The active enzyme of this fruit, called papain, is used in the production of soaps for various purposes. According to a study in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, this substance is often used in dermatology to minimize the appearance of scars.
Moreover, people appreciate it because of its ability to improve skin health, as it promotes the removal of dead cells and impurities. Papaya also contains vitamin C, which reduces the negative effects of free radicals and helps stimulate collagen production.
As if this were not enough, it also provides vitamin A, an essential nutrient to stimulate cell regeneration and reduce the presence of spots and irregularities. As you can see, papaya soap is a good choice for skin care due to its composition.
You won’t believe it, but there are actually more health benefits of this soap. We will tell you more below!
One of the main features of papaya soap is its exfoliating effect. This means that it has the ability to remove dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin.
The skin renews itself naturally, but it does not hurt to speed up the process by applying exfoliating products. Gives the skin a brighter and more uniform appearance.
When it comes to papaya soap, the exfoliating action is due to the content of papain, which, as I said above, is a substance that catalyzes the degradation of proteins in combination with water.
This is not a first line treatment for acne pimples. However, papaya soap promotes skin cleansing and supports the treatment of this condition. The papain content even helps to remove damaged keratin and prevents scarring.
According to Barbara Simonsohn’s Healing Power of Papaya, the exfoliating properties of papaya soap make it an ideal ally for treating acne and preventing clogged pores due to excess dead cells.
So far, there are no scientific studies to support the theory that papaya soap reduces stains. However, Simonsohn, the author of the book mentioned above, indicates that its regular application can slightly ameliorate scars over time.
Papain does not chemically whiten the skin, as is the case with commercially available whitening creams. It works by exfoliating the outer layers that can be tanned or damaged by the sun.
The enzyme papain, present in papaya, catalyzes the breakdown of proteins by hydrolysis (the addition of a molecule of water). This is why it is useful for removing stains from fabrics.
According to the book Papaya: The Medicine Tree, by Harald W. Tietze, the soap made from this plant is effective for removing stains with a high protein content, as in the case of blood.
Contraindications and side effects of papaya soap
What to remember about papaya soap
Papaya contains nutrients useful for the skin. Therefore, the inclusion of this type of soap in the beauty routine can be useful for exfoliation, reducing the presence of acne and preventing blemishes. However, keep in mind that it is not a magic ingredient. Its application will not lead to instant effects on the skin nor will it replace the products recommended by the dermatologist. It is best to consult a professional in case of acne, irritation or sensitivity.
