What Is a Papaya Mask?

A papaya mask is a thick cream mask made from papaya. It is usually applied to the face to help revitalize the skin. Papaya facial masks can be applied at spas or at home. A homemade facial mask is usually made from the pureed flesh of the papaya fruit, and other ingredients can be added as well, such as honey. To apply a papaya facial mask, is massaged onto the skin and rinsed off several minutes later.

The papaya, or pawpaw, is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant. This plant is indigenous to the tropical areas of South and Central America. The melon-like fruit of this plant is usually oval shaped with dark green skin and orange flesh. For centuries, this fruit has been used in cooking and natural medicine.

There are a number of benefits of papaya for skin. The flesh of this fruit is rich in an enzyme known as papain. When applied to the skin in the form of a papaya mask, this enzyme acts as an exfoliant by loosening and removing dead skin cells. Papain is typically much gentler than other types of exfoliants, such as abrasive exfoliants.

A papaya mask is also very moisturizing. It can be used to prevent dry skin and improve the skin's elasticity. Supple and elastic skin is generally less likely to show the normal signs of aging, like wrinkles.

This type of mask can be applied during a spa treatment. These types of treatments are generally somewhat expensive, however, and some individuals prefer to apply papaya masks at home. One time use packets can be purchased individually, or larger amounts of this beauty product can be purchased in resealable containers

It is generally very easy to make a homemade papaya mask as well. To do this, a papaya's skin and seeds should first be removed. The fruit should then be chopped into small chunks and put into a food processor. This fruit should then be pureed until it is smooth. Some individuals may also prefer to strain any larger chunks of fruit from the pureed mixture.

Additional ingredients can also be added to a papaya mask. Milk and honey, for example, are excellent skin moisturizers. Honey is also a mild antiseptic, and it can prevent some acne breakouts by killing bacteria.

A papaya mask is usually applied to the face, but it can also be applied to other parts of the body, including the neck. Gently massaging the mask into the skin can help improve circulation in the area. After the mask has been allowed to set on the face for 10 to 20 minutes, it can be rinsed off with plain water or wiped off with a damp washcloth.