Most of us know the expression “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Apples are widely known to be good for your health – when eaten. They’re a great source of fiber, can improve your gut health, and even lower your risk of diabetes and stroke.
But can this superfood also transform your skin?
Company like Juice Beauty, Annmarie Gianni, Boscia and Glamglow have all started adding apples to their products. Let’s see what this fruit can do.
Why do apples have such a moment in the skin care world?
Well, there are a number of potential benefits to using apples on your face. These benefits include:
- supports healthy aging
- lightening complexion
- act as a scrub
- possibly reduce acne
- moisturizing skin
Prevents premature aging of the skin
Many skin care companies are now using apple extract in their products.
As Najia Shaikh, dermatologist and founder of One Skin Clinic, points out, apple extract is packed with phenolic acids and flavonoids, two components that are commonly found in fruits.
A 2019 study found that phenolic acids are an essential part of a balanced diet because they are filled with antioxidants and offer a variety of health benefits.
A 2016 review stated that flavonoids are also important for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
But many antiaging skin care products also contain these ingredients.
As a 2019 study showed, both phenolic acids and flavonoids help protect skin from damage caused by air pollution.
“Apple fruit extract is a useful ingredient due to its rich composition of secondary plant substances,” explains Shaikh. “Flavonoids have antioxidant activity that helps protect skin from free radical damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors.”
According to Shaikh, apple fruit extract contains flavonoids, such as:
Can give you a dewy shine
Many people believe that applying apple cider vinegar to the skin can help improve dullness. Apple cider vinegar is a derivative of apple that contains acetic acid and citric acid.
A 2021 study showed that acetic acid had antioxidant properties that could help protect the skin from infection. It is important to note that if used incorrectly, it can be harmful to the skin.
Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that acts as an exfoliating agent.
As a 2018 study showed, citric acid can help peel off the dull outer layer of your skin, revealing a fresh, dewy complexion underneath.
Joyce Carslaw, Founder of SmartAss Beauty, says, “Unlike most exfoliants, apple juice doesn’t contain scrubbing particles or microspheres that can break down the proteins that hold skin cells together. Even so, it helps to remove the dead skin that gives your skin a dull appearance. “
Can Help Reduce Acne
Apples can also be good for acne.
As a 2018 study explained, citric acid found in apple cider vinegar may also help reduce inflammation like acne. However, too much of it can damage your skin.
“Apple fruit extract (Pyrus malus) is an excellent addition to skin care applications,” says Carslaw. “It is rich in vitamins, including Vitamins A, C and Zinc, which are compounds that are believed to promote clear, healthy skin.”
Keeps the skin hydrated
Apples contain a significant amount of vitamin E.
Two older studies from 1998 and 2006 showed that apples have water-binding properties that can help keep the skin hydrated and nourished.
Apple extract and apple cider vinegar are used in a number of products designed to address specific skin problems. These products include moisturizers, toners, scrubs, and masks.
For acne
The Inkey List Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel is a 10-minute peel that contains 2 percent apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid helps fight bacteria and reduce acne. It also contains glycolic acid to help promote new cell turnover.
The Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Toner is an affordable option with ingredients similar to The Inkey List’s Exfoliator. The formula contains apple extract, glycolic acid, and vitamin E. Reviewers say it helps tighten pores, reduce acne, and make them glow.
For dull skin
The Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Glowing Skin Kit contains the brand’s popular Super Bounce Mask and Dreamy Glow Drops. These products are fan favorites for dull skin.
Juice Beauty has received a lot of attention for its organic skin care products that utilize the antioxidants in green apple extract. the Green Apple Peel Full Strength Peeling Mask contains acids for a “spa peeling”.
For dry skin
the Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer is another crowd puller from Juice Beauty. It contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, and Vitamin C to help your skin retain moisture and feel nourished and protected all day long.
MAC Cosmetics is famous for its makeup, but they also have many skin care products. MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream is a glowing, lightening moisturizer with apple extract that helps your skin stay baptized, fresh and radiant.
As Sharin Shafer, co-founder of Skinfluencer, explains, “It is widely recognized by skilled dermatologists that apples and apple fruit extract, when properly formulated, can be beneficial ingredients.”
Shafer says that simply applying apple slices to your face can give you a quick burst of hydration.
“The vitamin E in apples keeps the skin soft and hydrated, while the juice in the slices firms the skin and helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance,” she says.
For acne, try using apple puree with heavy whipped cream or coconut milk.
“Apple puree mixed with milk cream provides acne relief,” says Shafer. “If you use this paste on your skin regularly, you can remove dark spots from your skin and reduce the appearance of spots.”
While it is possible to safely make homemade apple masks and scrubs at home, sticking to well-tested and tested products that contain apple extract is usually your best bet.
This way you avoid the use of certain ingredients like apple cider vinegar, which in large amounts can damage the skin barrier.
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition like acne or eczema, consult a dermatologist before putting apples on your face or trying new products that contain apple extract.
Would you like to know more? Get the FAQs below.
How about apple juice on your skin?
Pure apple juice contains many of the same benefits as apples. Raw apple juice is best for DIY masks and scrubs because it contains vitamin C, nutrients, and antioxidants. It’s also easy to find in the shop.
Should you use the apple peel?
You may have heard that the peel of the apple contains many of the fruit’s beneficial nutrients.
Although apple peel is filled with lots of healthy fiber and antioxidants that can benefit your skin, they also contain bacteria and dirt. So if you are planning on using apple peel in your home skin remedies, make sure they are squeaky clean.
Does Apple Extract Help Hair?
In addition to being beneficial for your skin, apple extract can also improve the health of your hair.
A 2018 study found that apple polyphenols can boost keratin production in hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth after patterned hair loss. Using scalp serums that contain apple extract can help thicken hair.
Is Applesauce Good For Your Skin?
The benefits of applesauce for the skin are similar to those of regular apples, but it is important not to add too many ingredients in the mixture.
Carslaw suggests making your own apple puree and adding other ingredients for a DIY mask.
Can Eating Apples Improve Your Skin?
“There is currently more research on the health benefits of consuming apples rather than applying them topically over skin care products,” notes Shaikh.
In other words, while apples can be beneficial in skin care products, consuming an apple is the only guaranteed way to get all of the antioxidants and vitamins found in the fruit.
Apples may not be the first ingredient you think of in skin care, but they have the potential to transform your skin if used correctly.
It turns out that one apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, but also the dermatologist.
Meg Walters is a writer and actress from London. She is interested in topics such as fitness, meditation and healthy living in her writing. In her free time, she likes to read, do yoga and have a glass of wine every now and then.
