It is ripe mango season. The ripe mango is called the king of fruits for its taste alone, but it is also excellent for skin care. Ripe mangoes contain vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants and beta-carotene, all very important for your skin. Here are the benefits of ripe mango for skin care:

• Helps reduce signs of ageing: vitamin C in ripe mango boosts collagen production, reducing wrinkles and signs of ageing.
• Brightens the skin: antioxidants help make the skin bright and smooth from within.
• Keeps skin moist: the natural sugar and water content of ripe mango keep the skin deeply hydrated.
• Natural exfoliator: mango enzymes remove dead cells and bring out brighter skin.
• Reduces irritation: ripe mango has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness or irritation.

You can get these benefits by eating seasonal ripe mangoes. For applying directly to the skin, ripe mango can also be made into some effective face packs. Here is how.

Ingredients: 1 ripe mango, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon honey.

Method: peel the ripe mango and blend it into a purée. Mix in the honey and turmeric powder to make a smooth paste. Apply it to the face and neck, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

This mask brightens the skin, reduces blemishes and helps even out skin tone.

Ingredients: 1 ripe mango, 2 tablespoons sour yoghurt, 1 tablespoon oats.

Method: peel the ripe mango and mash it well. Mix in the yoghurt and oats to make a scrub. Apply it to the face and massage gently in circular motions. After 15 minutes, wash your face with cold water.

This scrub removes dead cells, cleans pores and leaves the skin smooth and fresh.

Ingredients: 1 ripe mango, 2 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel.

Method: peel the ripe mango and purée it. Mix in the aloe vera gel to make a soothing gel. Apply it to the face and neck, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

This gel reduces irritation and redness and moisturises deeply.

Although ripe mango is generally safe for most skin types, a patch test should be done before using any new ingredient. Apply a little of the mixture to your hand or behind your ear first and wait 24 hours. Do not use it if any allergy or itching appears.

Information source: Netmeds.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.