Oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are excellent for delaying the onset of wrinkles. There are many other benefits of oranges for skin. Read on to learn more...

Oranges, apart from being delicious and affordable, are also exceptionally nutritious. There is a reason as to why the first meal of the day is combined with a glass of fresh orange juice. The reason is simple, the amount of calories in an orange are extremely low, while its nourishment value is very high.

They are rich in amino acids, folic acid, pectin, flavonoids, and most importantly, it contains a galore of antioxidants which is excellent for the skin. Most of us never gave the orange peel much consideration, which is why it always found its way into the trash.

However, when these peels are mashed into a paste, it can work wonders for skin. The advantages of oranges are not limited to simply consuming it. The fruit in its totality is a reservoir of nutrition and has its own medicinal properties, like lemon. Here will discuss the benefits of orange for skin and how to use.

● Orange peel helps cleanse the skin and open the pores.

● It also helps remove any darkening of the skin as a result of tanning or sun exposure.

● It helps fight skin infections, and protects the skin from dryness.

● It makes the skin supple, soft, and bright. This happens because the citric acid in the peel acts as a bleaching agent and helps lighten the skin.

● It also helps fight acne and helps prevent it from recurring often. The reason being that the peel cleanses the pores from within, which is why no excess oil, dead cells or dirt remains clogged within them.

● It is excellent for people who have dry skin and those who have wrinkles, as the peel helps reduce the wrinkles over time. However, the peel will take time to yield positive results and users must have patience.

● It also helps reduce scars which may have been left behind by acne, or minor scratches and burns.

● The juice from the peel, can be used on the scalp to reduce dandruff and oily scalp conditions. It is inadvisable to use sweet orange juice as it can make the scalp sticky, and encourage fungal growth.

● The peel can be mashes into pulp, and can be used as a hair pack. It helps to condition the hair and cleanse the scalp.

● You can make distilled orange peel water, by boiling the peels with distilled water. Collect the mixed and boiled water from the lower boiler and seal it in an air tight bottle. Do not disturb this concoction for the next two days, after which you may apply the water directly on your face and skin.

● You could also mix the water with other face packs, for adding more rejuvenating and healing qualities the face pack.

● You may even use this water as a body spray or astringent for your skin and scalp.

You can either use the fresh orange skin or you may use the peels which have been sun-dried for a few weeks until they are completely dry and brittle.

However, using fresh peels seems easier for people to use, because it is quicker and convenient. It also ensures that all necessary nutrients are still present in the peel and haven't been lost. Here is how you will make the face mask.

● First of all you will need to clean the orange peel with some salt water so that all germs are removed from the fruit.

● Now put the peels in the blender and mash it up to make a thick sticky paste.

● Once the paste is ready, mix a tablespoon of yogurt to the paste. Add a few drops of lemon juice as well, and then add a teaspoon of honey or glycerin into the paste. Mix the paste thoroughly so as to allow all the ingredients to blend properly.

● Before you apply the pack, wash your face with warm water.

● Let the pores of your face open up by using some steam therapy. You can do this by leaning over a vaporizer or a jug of hot water. The steam will warm your face and open the skin pores.

● Now apply the pack evenly on your face and use a generous amount so that it is not too thin.

● The pack may sting a tiny bit, but it will be manageable. After this you must allow the pack to remain for about 45 minutes to one hour. Wash the pack when it's completely dry, or when one hour is complete, whichever happens faster.

● Wash the face pack with cold water and gently rub the pack off using your fingertips. Try to apply some bit of pressure with your fingertips so that all the dead skin and internal dirt can be removed simultaneously.