Best Papaya Soaps for Lighter Skin- Benefits & Side Effects
Papaya is a tropical fruit that is usually grown in tropical countries. It is delicious and very nutritious, but you can do more with it than just eat it. One of its most popular uses is in skin care.
Papaya extract can be found in lotions, serums, creams, and even soap! In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of papaya soaps for skin lightening.
What is Papaya Soap & How Does It Work
Papaya soap is a cleansing agent made of natural ingredients and papaya extracts that gently cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Papaya is very rich in antioxidants and Vitamins A, B, and C. However, the main ingredient in the papaya extract that is used in soaps is Papain. This is an enzyme that breaks down inactive proteins in the skin (it does not damage healthy cells).
Papain gently exfoliates the skin by breaking down the proteins that make up the connections between old, dead skin cells, and some researchers think that it can inhibit melanin (pigment) production in the skin.
The enzyme also has some antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
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Uses & Benefits of Papaya Soaps
Many people use papaya soaps successfully for:
1- Exfoliation & Skin Lightening
Papain (the enzyme found in papaya) is a great chemical exfoliator. It breaks up the bonds that hold old skin cells together and it even denatures the proteins found in surface skin cells.
This causes them to slough off. Doing this consistently will result in a more balanced and uniform skin tone over time.
Additionally, some researchers believe that papain can also inhibit melanin production by affecting the way tyrosine works, thereby directly inhibiting the production of pigment in the skin.
However, there are no official clinical studies that have been conducted to prove this. Most dermatologists believe that papaya extracts are not strong enough to make a true difference in hyperpigmentation, but will more likely subtly tone complexion.
Two other great soaps to help lighten your skin and remove dark spots are:
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Video: Papaya Soap for Skin Whitening:
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2- Reducing Acne
The major protein in the skin is keratin, but an accumulation of it can result in the development of tiny bumps. The protein-dissolving enzyme papain efficiently eliminates keratin that has been damaged.
Papaya soap’s exfoliating properties can also prevent dead skin cells from blocking pores, which can lessen acne.
However, if you have very bad acne lesions that are active, you might benefit from soaps with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid more effectively.
You can check out the links below to learn more about these types of soaps:
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Benzoyl Peroxide Soap: Benefits, Side Effects & Best Ones
Best Salicylic Acid Soaps – Benefits, Risks & How To Use
3- Reducing & Preventing Wrinkles
Papaya has a lot of antioxidants, such as lycopene, which may help prevent wrinkles and other outward indications of aging. Free-radical damage is generally the reason for these signs of aging in the skin.
However, antioxidants can protect against free radical damage, preserving the health and youthfulness of your skin. Papaya may also aid in enhancing your skin’s elasticity, making it more supple.
Some other great soaps that will help heal your skin are:
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Best Recommended Papaya Soaps
1- Nubian Heritage Coconut And Papaya Bar Soap
If you are looking for a papaya soap that will cleanse, exfoliate and tone your skin, then this is the one for you. It works great for everyday use and over time gradually tones your skin.
Nubian is great if you are not trying to treat bright scars or pigmented areas, but rather for evening out skin tone. The Shea butter and coconut oil rehydrate your skin after cleansing so that it feels soft and supple.
You can Click here to check out the Nubian Heritage Coconut And Papaya Bar Soap on Amazon.
2- Koji White Kojic Acid & Papaya Skin Brightening Soap
Koji Papaya soap is great for sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, and even normal skin. It combines the action of papaya extract and kojic acid to brighten and lighten the skin.
It also nourishes and hydrates the skin. It is great for hyperpigmentation and scars. This one is a favorite of mine and even though it hydrates, I find that I do need some moisturizer with it (we need moisturizer every day, regardless of the type of soap and cleanser we use anyway!)
You can Click here to see the Koji White Kojic Acid & Papaya Skin Brightening Soap on Amazon.
3- Laisae Papaya Brightening Soap
Laisae soap is great for sensitive skin and for blemishes and pigmentation. It contains natural ingredients as well as papaya extract and kojic acid.
It is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, SLS-free, and FSC Certified.
Click here to get the Laisae Papaya Brightening Soap on Amazon.
Side Effects of Papaya Soaps
Even though papaya is a natural ingredient, you could still be allergic to it or its byproducts.
Papain is extracted from the latex of the unripe papaya fruit. So, if you have a known allergy to papaya itself or latex, it would be best for you to avoid using papaya and/or papaya products.
If you are not sure whether you are allergic to papaya or latex, then I recommend that you patch-test a small area of your skin before using papaya soap all over your body or on your face.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use papaya soap every day?
Whether you can use papaya soap every day will depend on the ingredients of the soap and your skin’s reaction.
However, most organic soaps are safe for everyday use. Check to ensure the other ingredients of the soap will not be too harsh for your skin. If they are fine, then you are good to go! Remember to look out for signs of irritation and/or an allergic reaction.
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Can you use papaya soap for the face?
Yes, you can use papaya soap for your face, but cautiously.
Organic papaya soaps are generally safe to use on sensitive skin. However, most papaya soaps are now made with other ingredients like kojic acid and other exfoliators that might be too harsh for everyday use on your face.
I recommend that you check your ingredients and then decide whether they can be used on your skin every day.
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Can you use papaya soap on your private parts?
Yes, papaya soap can be used carefully and externally on your private areas.
The skin around your privates is usually quite sensitive so it behooves you to check the ingredients of the soaps you want to use there. Never apply the soap internally or directly on your privates. Instead, use it on the skin around the area.
Avoid papaya soaps with harsh ingredients that can irritate the area.
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Sources
Papaya Soap: Benefits and Uses as a Cleanser and for Skin Lightening
Benefits of Papaya for Your Skin and Hair
8 Benefits Of Papaya For Your Skin + The Right Ways To Use – SkinKraft