Anti-Aging Essentials: How Papaya Extract Eliminates Wrinkles, Inflammation, and More

by Madeline Kim on Aug 11, 2021

papaya halves

Interested in learning about more anti-aging ingredients? Check out the rest of our Anti-Aging Essentials series here.

Sweet, nutrient-rich papaya is not only a tropical delicacy—when applied as an extract, it also boasts powerful anti-aging effects, from wrinkle reduction to skin brightening and toning. Originally found in regions like Central America and Southern Mexico, papaya has long been lauded by medical experts and in studies for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory benefits on our health. These benefits derive from papaya’s rich abundance of Vitamins A, C, and E, and lycopenes, making it a powerful and versatile remedy.

These antioxidants and nutrients also have a remarkable effect on our skin, fighting off damage and turning the skin radiant and youthful. As a result, papaya extract can effectively combat dreaded signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dullness, and dark spots. Nutrient-rich papaya extract thus provides a potent and luxurious anti-aging salve that improves not only the appearance of the skin, but also its long-term health.

How Papaya Extract Promotes Youthful, Glowing Skin

It reduces wrinkles: Studies show that an excess of free radical activity is a large cause of wrinkle production and damage that occurs as we grow older. Full of antioxidants like Vitamin C and lycopene, papaya extract can effectively neutralize free radicals, thus helping the skin to remain youthful and firm. Papaya’s antioxidants may also help improve skin elasticity, which can further reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
It brightens, hydrates, and evens the skin: The nourishing presence of Vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to papaya’s high water content, makes papaya extract a powerful tool for hydrating and moisturizing the skin. Papaya also contains the enzyme pepsin, which helps to smooth skin and give it a healthy, radiant glow. Furthermore, the enzymes and vitamins in papaya may also have skin-lightening properties, enabling it to promote even, toned skin.
It soothes inflammation: Studies show that carotenoid-rich papaya has the potential to soothe inflammation, whose appearance on our skin may often reflect deeper underlying conditions.
It protects the skin from damage: As a result of its ability to combat free radical damage, studies show that papaya provides protection against oxidative stress, which is linked to both signs of aging and harmful diseases. When applied to the skin, papaya extract helps to slow the aging process by protecting the skin from damage.

UMA Recommends:

Many of our targeted anti-aging products utilize this nutrient-rich ingredient for the most potent anti-aging effects. We recommend our Absolute Anti Aging Face Mask, Ultimate Brightening Face Mask, and Ultimate Brightening Rose Toner for toned, hydrated, and youthful skin.