Nothing ticks me off more than having to trash bananas that I bought four days earlier. I love the tropical fruit just as much as Baby Bop, but I shouldn't have to force feed myself bananas before they become overripe. But it turns out the old yellow fruit can be made new in the form of homemade beauty recipes.
Bananas are a healthy source of beauty-boosting vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals such as iron, zinc and potassium. They are also abundant with amino acids and antioxidants that provide nutrients to your skin and hair. Applying a facial mask made out of bananas may not be sexy, but don't let that stop you from getting your peel on.
Here are eight unusual uses for bananas:
1. Moisturize dry skin. Not getting enough hydration from your lotion? Simply smash a banana into a bowl and smooth it on your skin. (Caution: Be careful not to get the sugary fruit in your eyes.) Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and then follow with a cold splash of water to lock in moisture. Your dry skin will instantly feel softer.
2. Get rid of oily skin. Try whipping up a shine-reducing mask by mixing one ripe banana and two teaspoons of lemon juice. The acids found in the lemon juice will break down the oil, while the vitamin C in the banana will control future oil production.
3. Remedy dry hair and an itchy scalp. Similar to a banana facial mask, the oils and potassium found in the fruit can work wonders for the health of your scalp and strands. Break out your blender and toss in two overripe bananas, one avocado and yogurt. Apply the creamy mixture to your scalp and wait at least 20 minutes before rinsing out with warm water.
4. Fight wrinkles. You can use this same combination for an anti-aging face mask. Bananas and avocados contain vitamin E, which is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent age spots from forming.
5. Slough away dead skin cells. Keep your skin soft to the touch all year round by doing a weekly scrub made out of bananas, oatmeal and coconut milk. The grainy oats are a less abrasive alternative to sugar, and the coconut milk will restore a radiant glow to your skin.
6. Reduce puffy eyes. I've been told by medical experts that eating a banana will reduce puffy eyes, as the potassium helps to counter salt intake that lead to fluid retention. But rubbing pureed bananas underneath the eyes gets the job done, too.
7. Treat acne-prone skin. There's power in the banana peel! Before heading to bed, rub the inside of the peel along your face. Wash your face in the morning. Repeat these steps at least once a day for one week, and your pimples should be gone. If you notice further skin irritation or breakouts, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
8. Soften cracked heels. Apply the pulp of two to three bananas to the soles of your feet, and the gooey mixture will penetrate deep to stave off dryness. No more rips into your tights!
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