We look how we treat our skin. So, taking good care of the skin is essential to look healthy and beautiful. But skincare does not always come affordable, especially when it depends completely on commercial beauty products. Apart from being pricey, synthetic skincare products also come loaded with chemical compounds that are not only bad for our skin but also harmful for our overall health. Hence, it is always wise to rely on Mother Nature for unleashing the natural beauty and radiance of our skin. There are lots of natural ingredients lying around us, which are not only amazing for our skin but also quite inexpensive. Calamansi is one of the most appreciated ones among them. If you are yet to learn how to use calamansi for beautiful skin & hair, let us help you by revealing all the truth about this magic fruit and its beauty benefits.
What Is Calamansi Or Calamondin?
Calamansi or Calamondin has a number of common names including Calamandarin, ‘Golden Lime’, ‘Chinese Orange’, ‘Panama Orange’, and ‘Acid Orange’. Scientifically known as Citrofortunella Microcarpa, this fruit plant from the Rutaceae family is native to the Philippine Islands and other adjacent areas like southern China, Taiwan, Borneo, and Sulawesi.
Calamansi is basically a citrus hybrid called ‘citrofortunella’, which is known to be a hybrid between kumquat (belonging to the genus Fortunella) and mandarin (another species of Citrus). The plant is characterized by its wing-like appendages on the leaf stalks, purplish-white flowers, and small, round lime-like citrus fruits. The rind of this fruit is spongy in texture, while the pulp is extremely juicy and divided into multiple sections. Calamansi fruits are pretty much ubiquitous in traditional Filipino cuisine. They are also widely used in skincare for a smooth flawless appearance (1).
Though the Calamansi plant has a Chinese origin, it has spread throughout Southeast Asia, India, Hawaii, the West Indies, Central and North America. It is predominantly cultivated in the Philippines and has immense economic importance.
What Are The Skin Benefits Of Calamansi?
But what are the advantages of using calamansi on our skin? How these small citrus fruits can give us an enviable complexion? Let us explain (2):
1. Packed With Antioxidants
Calamansi is an excellent natural source of antioxidant vitamin C, which is highly effective in fighting against the free radicals in our body. Being unstable molecules, free radicals cause oxidative damage by taking a toll on the collagen in our skin. This leads to the appearance of signs of aging including dryness, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, etc. Calamansi slows down the rate of free radical damage and helps the skin to recover naturally, thereby keeping premature aging at bay as well as preventing the onset of skin issues in the future.
Calamani contains a derivative of vitamin C named ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, which not only neutralizes free radicals in the body but also reverses DNA damage in skin cells.
2. Natural Bleaching Agent
Being a citrus fruit, calamansi acts as a natural bleaching agent for the skin. It has a strong acid content, which helps in lightening the dark spots and patches in the skin by working directly on them. The fruit also rejuvenates the cells present in those areas and turns them whiter or clearer. Moreover, calamansi can help you get an even skin tone by reducing discoloration and correcting blemishes.
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3. Powerful Natural Exfoliator
The acidic properties of calamansi make it a powerful natural exfoliator. It sloughs off the uppermost layer of the skin containing dead cells and reveals the fresh layer of cells lying underneath. Therefore, we get soft, smooth and visibly glowing skin.
4. Rejuvenates From Within
The vitamin C or ascorbic acid present in calamansi helps in producing the natural collagen protein in the skin. This encourages the growth and development of fresh cells and blood vessels, which are imperative for a stronger, firmer, and healthier-looking skin. In short, calamansi aids in complete skin rejuvenation from within, thus bringing a natural glow on the face.
5. Regulates Sebum Secretion
Calamansi extract also acts as a natural toning agent, which helps in maintaining the natural oil balance of the skin by regulating the secretion of sebum. As it reduces excess oil production, the skin does not become too oily to cause issues like acne, pimples, blackheads, freckles, etc. Hence, you can maintain a blemish-free, flawless complexion naturally.
Calamansi is also a wonderful deodorizer. If you sweat a lot and it makes you smell like hell, this fruit can help you keep your armpits dry so that you can enjoy your whole-day in an odor-free manner.
6. Fights Dandruff
Calamansi is very effective when it comes to treating itchy scalp and dandruff. Apply fresh calamansi juice directly on your scalp and rinse it off after 15-20 minutes. Acidic nature of the juice fights against dandruff and makes your scalp dandruff free. Regular application (once a week) is recommended for better results.
7. Promotes Hair Growth
Acidic nature of the juice tightens hair follicles and reduces hair fall. It also promotes production of collagen thus boosting hair growth. Its antifungal properties keep the scalp clean.
How To Use Calamansi In Skincare?
Now, here are the ways to include calamansi in your daily skincare regimen. Start with cutting the fruit into two halves and removing its seeds carefully. The next step can be any of the following ones:
To Lighten Dark Patches
Rub the fruit halves all over your body focusing on comparatively darker parts like elbows and knees. If you have dark spots or older scars, you should scrub the juice on those sections too. Take a shower or wash off with lukewarm water after half an hour.
To Remove Dark Spots
Squeeze out the fresh juice of calamansi and a dip a small cotton ball into it. Now, apply it on the dark spots of your face, wait for 10 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
To Get A Glowing Skin
Add 1 teaspoon of calamansi juice to 2 tablespoons of milk and apply this mixture all over your face and body. Wash off after 5 to 10 minutes with lukewarm water.
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Side Effects Of Calamansi In Skincare
Calamansi is a citrus fruit and the primary component of it is vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Hence, the acidic nature of the fruit may cause a stinging or burning sensation sometimes. Do a patch test before including calamansi in your daily skincare routine. Women with sensitive skin should skip it anyway. Also, make sure that you do not go out in the sun right after treating your skin with calamansi. The strong acidic properties of the ingredient will cause you sunburns otherwise.
Also Read – Fruit Facial At Home In 8 Steps – Procedure, Benefits, Aftercare Tips
How Frequently To Use Calamansi On Skin?
Do not use calamansi on your skin every day. It is not a daily skincare ingredient. Rather, practice calamansi skincare twice or thrice a week and you will get your desired results easily.
Does Calamansi Whiten The Skin?
Calamansi is not a skin whitening ingredient. However, it is a natural skin bleaching agent that can lighten your skin and even out its tone remarkably. It also helps in making your skin blemish-free. These will cumulatively bring out your natural glow and make you look brighter.
Should I Leave It Overnight On Face?
Leaving calamansi juice on the facial skin overnight is not at all recommended as the powerful acids in it can damage your skin cells.
Read Also – 12 Ways To Use Lemon For Removing Ugly Blackheads
References:
- “Calamondin“, Wikipedia.org
- “Calamansi (Calamondin) for Beautiful Skin“, Hubpages.com
