Usually, when cooking dishes with plantains, most people discard the plantains' skins. However, you should reconsider that action when you know that plantain skins are a nutritious food with many health benefits. Plantain skins contain vitamins, fiber, potassium, antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and many other compounds that can help improve digestion, control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.
If you're interested in learning how to utilize the benefits of green plantain skins for your health and beauty, in this article, we will guide you on how to use plantain skins to take care of your skin and provide you with some simple home remedies to try. Let's get started!
1. Plantain skins benefits for the skin
In the 1500s, Plantain skins were used to treat various health issues, such as colds and fevers. Plantain skins contain many nutrients that have healing properties suitable for the human body, such as tannins, mucilage, and aucubin, a type of iridoid glycoside. With properties like anti-irritant and antioxidant abilities, Plantain skins help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can prevent the aging process and protect the body from diseases related to oxidative damage.
Plantain skins also have anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial effects on the skin. They can alleviate inflammation, itching, pain, and infections. Additionally, Plantain skins stimulate blood clotting, regenerate tissue, and nourish the skin. In particular, green banana peels contain natural ingredients such as bromelain enzyme and ascorbic acid, which can fade scars and dark spots.
A study has also revealed that Plantain skins contain allantoin, a compound commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for skin care. Allantoin soothes the skin, stimulates cell growth, and exfoliates and removes dead skin layers chemically. Therefore, Plantain skins also have wound-healing properties, helping treat acne and reducing the risk of scarring. Furthermore, Plantain skins have antibacterial properties and help prevent acne breakouts.
2. How to use Plantain skins for skincare
Plantain skin can be used as a natural method to take care of your skin. Here are some ways to use Plantain skins for healthy and smooth skin:
Exfoliating: You can use Plantain skins as a natural exfoliator by:
- Take a piece of Plantain skin and gently rub it on your face, focusing on areas with wrinkles or uneven skin tone.
- You can also make a Plantain skins scrub by mixing powdered Plantain skins with a bit of brown sugar, Himalayan pink salt, and some coconut oil to create a natural scrub. Gently massage it onto your skin to exfoliate and improve blood circulation. Rinse off with warm water after using the scrub.
Making a nourishing face mask: You can combine Plantain skin with other ingredients like honey, yogurt, lemon juice, or coconut oil to create a nourishing face mask, enhancing the skincare effects by:
- Mix powdered Plantains skins with honey to create a moisturizing face mask, or mix it with lemon juice to fade dark spots.
- Making a natural face cream from Plantain skins: Dry the plantains skins and grind them into a powder. Mix the powdered green banana peel with a small amount of fresh milk until it forms a gentle mixture. Apply the cream to your face and neck, and gently massage for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water. This homemade face cream from Plantain skins helps soothe the skin, provides moisture, and reduces dryness.
Making a skin-nourishing serum: Clean and cut Plantain skins into small pieces and place them in a glass jar. Pour enough coconut or olive oil into the jar to cover the Plantain skins. Seal the jar tightly and let it soak for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar daily to allow the peels' nutrients to infuse into the oil. After the soaking period, strain the serum and use it as a natural facial oil or incorporate it into homemade skincare recipes.
To fade dark spots and scars: You can take fresh Plantain skins and apply them to areas with dark spots, scars, or pigmentation. Leave the peel for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water. Repeat this process daily for the best results. Rubbing Plantain skins on the scar can also help fade it. Plantain skins contain natural compounds like bromelain enzyme and ascorbic acid, which have skin-lightening properties and may reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars.
To soothe irritated skin: Plantain skins also have soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation and treat acne. If you have irritated skin, such as redness or itching, apply fresh Plantain skins to the affected area. Leave the peel on the skin for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. The Plantain skins will help alleviate itching and reduce inflammation.
Remember to clean and wash your skin before using the Plantain skins. If you experience any signs of irritation or allergy, discontinue use and consult a doctor or dermatologist for advice.
Plantain skins are often overlooked as a nutritious food, but they have many benefits for the skin, including antioxidant properties, moisturization, acne reduction, bacteria control, and scar and dark spot fading. You can use Plantain skins in various ways, such as making face masks, exfoliators, toners, serums, etc., to improve your skin. So, after reading this article, instead of discarding Plantain skins, incorporate them into your daily skincare routine and experience the difference. Feel free to share your feedback or results with us in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
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