Red dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit that has a bright red skin and a white or pink pulp with tiny black seeds. It is not only delicious and refreshing, but also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit your skin in many ways. In this article, we will explore 10 benefits of red dragon fruit for skin and how to use them.
The benefits of red dragon fruit for skin are:
Benefit #1. Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
Red dragon fruit has a high water content, which helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It also contains natural sugars that can act as humectants, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. This can prevent dryness, flakiness, and dullness of the skin.
How to use: You can eat red dragon fruit as a snack or add it to your smoothies, salads, or desserts. You can also apply the pulp of the fruit directly on your face as a mask for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Benefit #2. Boosts collagen production
Collagen is a protein that gives structure and elasticity to the skin. As we age, our collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness. Red dragon fruit contains vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Vitamin C also helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can accelerate aging.
How to use: You can increase your vitamin C intake by eating red dragon fruit regularly. You can also make a DIY serum by mixing the juice of half a red dragon fruit with one tablespoon of aloe vera gel and applying it on your face before bed.
Benefit #3. Brightens and evens out the skin tone
Red dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the appearance of redness, swelling, and irritation on the skin. It also contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and scars by inhibiting melanin production and increasing cell turnover.
How to use: You can use red dragon fruit as a natural exfoliant by mashing the pulp with some honey and oatmeal and gently scrubbing your face with it for 10 minutes, then rinsing off with cold water. You can also blend the pulp with some yogurt and lemon juice and apply it as a mask for 20 minutes, then washing off with warm water.
Benefit #4. Fights acne and prevents breakouts
Acne is caused by excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clogging the pores and causing inflammation. Red dragon fruit can help fight acne and prevent breakouts by balancing the oil production, killing the bacteria, and removing the dead skin cells from the skin. It also contains vitamin B3 or niacinamide, which can reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling associated with acne.
How to use: You can apply the pulp of red dragon fruit on the affected areas with a cotton ball and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. You can also drink red dragon fruit juice or tea to detoxify your body and flush out toxins that can cause acne.
Benefit #5. Protects the skin from sun damage
Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature aging, as it can cause DNA damage, collagen breakdown, and oxidative stress in the skin cells. Red dragon fruit contains carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene, which are pigments that give the fruit its vibrant color. Carotenoids can act as natural sunscreens by absorbing UV rays and preventing them from reaching the deeper layers of the skin. They can also scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.
How to use: You can eat red dragon fruit before going out in the sun to boost your natural sun protection. You can also apply some pulp or juice on your face and neck as a sunscreen alternative or after-sun treatment.
Benefit #6. Heals wounds and infections
Red dragon fruit has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can help heal wounds and infections on the skin. It can also speed up wound healing by stimulating blood circulation, tissue regeneration, and collagen formation. Additionally, it can prevent scarring by reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.
How to use: You can apply some pulp or juice of red dragon fruit on minor cuts, scrapes, burns, or insect bites to disinfect them and promote healing. You can also drink red dragon fruit juice or tea to boost your immune system and fight infections from within.
Benefit #7. Improves skin elasticity
Skin elasticity is the ability of the skin to stretch and bounce back to its original shape. It depends on factors such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm, smooth, and plump. Red dragon fruit contains phytochemicals such as betalains and polyphenols, which can enhance skin elasticity by stimulating the production of these substances and preventing their degradation. They can also protect the skin from environmental stressors that can damage the skin structure and function.
How to use: You can eat red dragon fruit as a part of a balanced diet to nourish your skin from within. You can also apply some pulp or juice of red dragon fruit on your face and neck as a toner or serum to improve skin elasticity.
Benefit #8. Reduces puffiness and dark circles
Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are common signs of fatigue, stress, dehydration, or aging. They can make you look tired, dull, and older than you are. Red dragon fruit can help reduce puffiness and dark circles by improving blood circulation, reducing fluid retention, and soothing inflammation in the delicate eye area. It can also brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis.
How to use: You can slice some red dragon fruit and place them on your eyes for 10 minutes, then remove them and gently massage the remaining juice into your skin. You can also blend some pulp with some cucumber and apply it as an eye mask for 15 minutes, then wash off with cold water.
Benefit #9. Prevents skin cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it is mainly caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun or artificial sources. Red dragon fruit contains antioxidants that can protect the skin from UV-induced DNA damage, which can lead to mutations and cancer formation. It also contains betalains, which are pigments that have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that betalains can induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in cancer cells, while sparing normal cells.
How to use: You can eat red dragon fruit regularly to prevent skin cancer. You can also apply some pulp or juice of red dragon fruit on your skin as a preventive measure or as an adjunct therapy for existing skin cancer.
Benefit #10. Enhances skin beauty
Red dragon fruit can enhance your skin beauty by providing you with a healthy, glowing, and radiant complexion. It can improve your skin texture, tone, clarity, and smoothness by nourishing, hydrating, exfoliating, brightening, and rejuvenating your skin. It can also prevent and treat various skin problems such as dryness, dullness, wrinkles, sagging, spots, acne, and inflammation.
How to use: You can enjoy red dragon fruit in various ways to enhance your skin beauty. You can eat it fresh or dried, juice it or make tea with it, or use it as an ingredient in your skincare products or DIY recipes.
Potential concerns or risks
Red dragon fruit is generally safe to eat and apply on the skin for most people. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as:
- Rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating or touching the fruit. This may indicate anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
- Changes in urine or stool color after eating the fruit. This is normal and harmless due to the pigments in the fruit.
- Interactions with certain medications such as blood thinners or anti-diabetic drugs. The fruit may affect their absorption or metabolism and alter their effects.
- Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, bloating, or cramps after eating too much of the fruit. This may be due to its high fiber content or fructose intolerance.
To avoid these potential concerns or risks, you should:
- Consult your doctor before eating or applying red dragon fruit if you have any allergies, medical conditions, or medications.
- Start with small amounts of the fruit and gradually increase your intake to see how your body reacts.
- Eat the fruit in moderation and balance it with other fruits and foods.
- Wash the fruit thoroughly before eating or using it to remove any dirt or pesticides.
While red dragon fruit offers numerous benefits for the skin, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. It’s always a good idea to do a patch
Red Dragon Fruit Skin Benefits – Conclusion:
Red dragon fruit is a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit that can benefit your skin in many ways. It can hydrate, moisturize, brighten, exfoliate, protect, heal, improve elasticity, reduce puffiness and dark circles, prevent cancer, and enhance beauty. You can eat it fresh or dried, juice it or make tea with it, or use it as an ingredient in your skincare products or DIY recipes. However, you should be aware of the potential concerns or risks associated with the fruit and consult your doctor before using it if you have any allergies, medical conditions, or medications.
Red dragon fruit is a wonderful addition to your diet and skincare routine that can help you achieve healthy and beautiful skin.
Learn more:
- Curious about the skin benefits of dragon fruit? – booni doon
- Incredible benefits of using dragon fruit on skin – Times of India
- Discover the Benefits of Dragon Fruit for Skin That Looks Radiant | PINKVILLA