Papaya Soap: Benefits and Uses as a Cleanser and for Skin Lightening

Papaya soap is a natural, gentle soap that's safe to use on different parts of the body, including the face.

A normal bar of soap also cleans and removes dirt. But it may be too harsh for the skin, stripping it of natural oils.

Some soaps contain synthetic detergents and other ingredients that will not only wash away dirt, but also your skin's natural moisture. This can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and rosacea, increasing dryness and itchiness.

Papaya soap, on the other hand, is made from natural ingredients. It contains the enzyme papain, which breaks down protein.

This enzyme promotes healthy digestion, but it can also act as an anti-inflammatory.

Papaya has nutrients to promote healthier skin. Papaya soap is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that can reduce irregular pigmentation and stimulate collagen production.

The soap also contains vitamin A, another important nutrient for the skin. It promotes the production of new skin cells, and may help reduce dark spots, blemishes, and scars.

Over-the-counter cleansing bars don't also improve the skin, but a natural skin-friendly product like papaya soap might.

Different uses for papaya soap include:

Exfoliation

The papain enzyme in papaya soap can exfoliate the skin and give it a healthier appearance.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. While it's true that the skin naturally renews itself, exfoliating with papaya soap on a regular basis can leave the skin brighter and smoother. It can also even out skin tone.

Acne treatment

If you have acne-prone skin, papaya soap may help clear blemishes and reduce breakouts.

As a protein-dissolving enzyme, papain effectively removes damaged keratin. Keratin is a main protein on the skin, yet a buildup can cause the formation of small bumps.

The exfoliating power of papaya soap also prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores, which can also reduce acne.

Insect sting pain reliever

Rubbing papaya soap over an insect bite or wound can help relieve pain, itching, swelling, and redness. This is because papain can reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.

Also, some insect venom contains peptides, which are the building blocks of proteins. Papain can break down these proteins, relieving skin irritation.

Stain remover

Papaya soap doesn't only cleanse the face and body. It can also act as a stain remover.

Papain-based soaps have the ability to 'eat' at protein, easily removing grass stains, egg stains, and other protein-based stains.

If you have hyperpigmentation spots or if you're dealing with uneven skin tone, papaya soap can help smooth out your skin complexion.

Hyperpigmentation is darkening or discoloration of the skin. Since papaya soap promotes the removal of dead skin cells, the soap may gradually reduce the appearance of dark patches, lightening your skin.

It's also believed that papaya soap helps curb excessive melanin production. However, this claim doesn't appear to be scientifically backed with research.

Even though papaya soap is natural, it may not be safe for everyone.

Before using papaya soap for the first time, test the soap on a small patch of skin. Discontinue use if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as bumps, swelling, itching, or redness.

You should also avoid papaya soap if you're allergic to papaya or latex. Papain is obtained from the latex of an unripe papaya fruit.

If you're looking for a gentle, skin-friendly soap, purchase papaya soap from a natural or health food store. It might be marketed as papaya soap or as a papain-based soap.

Or, check out these papaya soaps available on Amazon.

Papaya has vitamins that promote healthy skin. Using papaya soap regularly can exfoliate your skin, treat acne, and even reduce hyperpigmentation, resulting in clearer, smoother skin.