This is the fruit you need to snack on for brighter skin, says top dermatologist
Natural skin brightening is as easy as reaching for your fruit bowl
Natural skin brightening is something we can all agree is appealing and according to a Harley St dermatologist, the key to a healthy glow is all down to some key vitamins which are found in apples!
The humble apple is a stalwart of most fruit bowls but seemingly, it should also be a part of your daily skincare routine too. Before you even get into the cleanest, greenest natural skincare products to suit every skin type, it turns out you should be chomping on an apple.
“Snacking on a British apple a day can truly help our skin to thrive and is an easy swap we should all be making this winter so we can feel our best from the inside and out," says Harley Street dermatologist, Dr Simon Zokaie. Simon is working with British Apples and Pears to help spread the great news about this natural source of skin-savvy vitamins.
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Apples are rich in vitamins A, B complex, and C—vitamins that combine to help your skin ditch those pesky pathogens and accelerate skin cell rejuvenation to leave you looking and feeling glowy as can be.
As well as all the lovely vitamins naturally in this fruit, apples are also laden with potassium—a type of electrolyte, which helps your cells retain water. A vital element for anyone considering skincare for dry skin! On top of this, they're also 86 percent water so they'll help you stave off the ravages of dehydrated skin too.
Dr Zokaie adds, "Apples are naturally hydrating and have the ability to brighten and bring radiance to your skin. Full of essential vitamins and nutrients, apples are a simple, affordable way to ensure you feel good in your skin."
Stress and lack of sleep have also been proven to cause pigmentation under the eye and the constant battle of figuring out how to get rid of eye bags can seem endless. Dr Zokaie claims that apples are a natural secret to help lighten these dark circles.
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The fruit's tannic acid, which can help your under-eye area appear brighter, means that a couple of apple slices under the eyes can actually help fight those bags.
Dr Zokaie suggests how apples can help you maintain glowing skin.
How to brighten your skin naturally
Natural toning techniques
"Apples naturally help to stimulate blood circulation and tighten your skin. To reap the benefits of apples for the skin," says the dermatologist, "extract the juice of an apple and apply it all over the face and neck area using a cotton ball."
"Allow it to dry and then rinse using water, do this two or three times a week for best results."
Luckily, a lot of the best toners contain the super properties found in apples.
Green Apple Brightening Serum 120ml, $38 (£38) | Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty makes products with Certified Organic Ingredients to protect humans, animals, and the planet. This game-changing toner is a hydrating essence harnessing the superpowers of apples, that will visibly soothe, refine, and balance the moisture in the skin for a brighter, more luminous, and smoother complexion.
Eat smartly
"Staying hydrated during the winter will help to maintain the radiance and glow of your skin," says Dr Zokaie. "As a naturally hydrating fruit, incorporating apples into your diet each day will help brighten your skin and prevent dullness caused by colder weather."
If you want to add an extra dose of the brightening properties of apples into your skincare routine, you'll be glad to know there are options.
Topical C, $55 (£40) | The Nue Co
Topical C is a powdered vitamin C supplement for your face. Vitamin C is a key ingredient in many brightening products but this is especially great as you can add it to your favorite products! Proven to boost collagen, fight sun damage, and firm skin, it dissolves and activates when mixed with your existing moisturizer or face serum. Applied daily, skin appears brighter with less visible fine lines and wrinkles.
Great Day Glow Face Serum, $51.50 (£43) | NEOM
A fast-absorbing face serum (28ml) packed with the most effective, natural extracts, actives, and ingredients, along with the perfect amount of essential oils to minimize the appearance of pores, leaving skin super soft and glowing. Laden with oils rich in omegas 3, 6 & 9 and vitamins A, D, B, E, C, and K, including wheat germ oil, prickly pear seed oil, and meadowfoam seed oil, as well as aloe vera and shea butter.
Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening 24h Moisturiser 40ml, $34.80 (£29) | Korres Apothecary
The Korres Apothecary Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening 24h Moisturiser is an ultra-moisturizing, quick-absorbing cream for long-lasting hydration and even skin tone. Wild Rose, a KORRES ‘trademark’ ingredient and a ‘synonym’ of the Greek skincare brand’s history is the main activity of the first-ever KORRES cosmetic product.
Stay hydrated
Of course, we all know that hydration is key, and there are a few guilty pleasures that sadly can make your skin feel and look dull.
Dr Zoackie adds, "Regularly drinking alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the skin, while sugary foods break down collagen over time, leading to duller skin complexions."
"It's vital to eat healthy foods to help you feel your best inside and out, and as apples are rich in key vitamins and nutrients, they are a simple, affordable way to ensure your skin feels vibrant and protected."
Aoife is an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.
Formerly woman&home's junior news editor and a contributing writer at Bustle, her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica and EVOKE.
Her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.
Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.
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