Apple extract is formally known as Pyrus malus fruit extract. You’re probably more familiar with mouth-watering names like Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith. While different varieties have varying nutrient levels, all apples are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, copper, potassium, and vitamins K, E, B1, and B6. Many of the apple’s nutrient benefits that make your body strong from the inside can soothe, hydrate, and reduce visible signs of aging when applied from the outside.
Skin benefits of apple extract
Antioxidants prevent aging
Apples contain polyphenolic antioxidants, a group of antioxidants found in plants. Antioxidants are compounds that interrupt or slow down oxidation, a natural biological process that produces harmful free radicals. Free radicals break down skin cells and contribute to the visible signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. The polyphenols found in apples include flavonoids and phenolic acids that act as free radical scavengers. Essentially, they put a stop to free radical damage to keep the skin looking fresh and young.
Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis
Apples are well known for their vitamin C content. You may have heard of vitamin C’s anti-aging properties, but this skin powerhouse also:
- Brightens the skin
- Evens skin tone
- Promotes collagen and elastin production
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots
- Promotes healing
You need collagen to smooth the skin texture and keep looking and feeling taut. Elastin is a compound that gets broken down by free radicals and harmful UV rays. Vitamin C gives it a boost to keep the skin plump and firm.
Vitamin E for healing and hydration
Vitamin E is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, it fights free radicals and daily UV damage. Those anti-inflammatory properties come in handy for reducing redness and general skin irritation.
However, vitamin E is also a fat-soluble vitamin that has water-binding abilities. As it absorbs into your oil glands through the uppermost layer of your skin, it improves your skin’s ability to maintain its natural moisture levels, too.
Gentle exfoliation
Apples contain malic acid, a gentle, mild exfoliant. Exfoliants help with the shedding of dead skin cells. A buildup of dead skin cells can leave your complexion looking dull and lifeless. Products with apple extract help break up the bonds between skin cells to promote cell turnover. Improved cell turnover reveals healthy, bright skin and can prevent clogged pores.
Malic acid is a good exfoliant option for those with sensitive skin who may react to stronger ingredients. It’s gentle enough that you can use it once or twice a day without irritation.
How and where to add skincare products with apple extract
You can find apple extract in all kinds of skincare products. When you’re thinking about how to apply it to your skin, look at it as part of a whole product. The benefits of Apple extract can enhance the effects of other ingredients, and other ingredients can enhance the hydrating, soothing, and anti-aging ingredients of the apple. At SkinResourceMD, we included Pyrus malus extract in our Pore Purifying Astringent and Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Serum.
Pore Purifying Astringent is a toner designed to treat oily, acne-prone skin. Apple adds gentle exfoliation, hydrating, and antioxidant protection coupled with sage, thyme, eucalyptus, and the naturally antibacterial benefits of tea tree oil. This formula also contains time-released beta hydroxy acids that soothe irritated skin. There are no harsh benzoyl peroxides or synthetic fragrances that can potentially irritate sensitive skin. Apply the astringent once or twice a day after gentle cleansing. Your skin is then ready for any additional skin treatments and moisturizers.
Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Serum is an anti-aging treatment that exfoliates, brightens, and minimizes visible aging. Apple extract is one of several key natural ingredients. It’s combined with lemon, white tea, and black tea extracts. Lemon acts much like the apple in that it promotes collagen production, evens skin tone, and hydrates. The tea extracts both contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are added to that of the apple, making this a powerful addition to a daily skincare routine. This formula also acts as a chemical exfoliant that unclogs pores to treat acne.
You can apply Alpha Hydroxy Skin Renewal Serum once or twice a day after you’ve cleansed your skin. After it’s dried, apply a hydrating moisturizer like Oil Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer or Ultra Rich Biolipid Cream.
An apple a day
Natural ingredients, such as Pyrus malus extract, can help you get the bright, youthful skin you want without relying on harsh synthetic ingredients. Maybe the phrase should be changed to ‘an apple a day keeps aging away’ because this powerful fruit can give your skin a glow from the outside in.
