Next time you take a bite out of an apple, think about what it could do for your complexion. Because as demand for all that is healthy and natural grows, beauty brands have responded with what aim to be more wholesome and less processed products, including ingredients that run the gamut of fruit and nature – pomegranate, chamomile, acai, and of course, apple.
“We know that malic acid in the apple is going to help repair sun damage and give your skin a glow,” says Sophia Parmenter, lead esthetician at Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Beach. “The juice of the apple is helpful for people with acne and the juice also invigorates skin tissue. It takes stress and tension out of skin. The stem of the apple is helpful for [wrinkles], but also, they have shown that the stem increases the lifespan of the hair follicle.”
Los Angeles celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean believes in the benefits of apple so much that he added it to his new Replenishing Treatment Mists for hair, face and body ($32 at chazdean.com).
“Apple is very clarifying, acidic and an astringent,” says Dean. “Apple brings down the pH level of your hair. A low pH level is much better for healthy, shiny hair because high alkaline levels are really drying and damaging.”
Malic acid from apples also encourages cellular turnover, exfoliates, reduces the appearance of pore size, normalizes oil production, and fights free radical damage, says Heather Lee Lindbergh, public relations director for Epicuren in Laguna Hills, which offers a Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel (MSRP $98, find a certified local distributor at epicuren.com) containing apple-derived malic acid.
But remember, before you run out to lather yourself with apple, people with sensitive skin should check with a dermatologist, or at least do a patch test on the skin before trying any new product.
FEED YOUR SKIN
Pick an Apple :: Interested in some apple beauty? Find an apple product or treatment below:
Primal Elements :: The entire Three in One line (shampoo, body wash and bubble bath in one) of this Huntington Beach-based soap/candle/personal care company uses apple juice amino acids for their cleansing properties, according to Chief Creative Officer Faith Freeman. “[Apple] is a mild, non-irritating cleanser that is safe for the environment as well as the skin. It also provides abundant bubbles.” Available at primalelements.com for $18
Juice Beauty :: This San Francisco-based, organic-focused, juice-based skin/makeup line and company offers a Green Apple Collection including more than 20 anti-aging skin care products using malic acid from green apples, says Founding Partner Karen Behnke. Available at Sephora/South Coast Plaza and at juicebeauty.com for $22-$52
Dr. Brandt :: The Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion, made with apple stem cells, is formulated to help delay the natural signs of aging, stimulate new cell turnover, increase water reserves, and help refine pores. Available at Sephora/South Coast Plaza and drbrandtskincare.com for $60
Arcona :: Containing apple extract, antioxidant white tea and vitamin E to help neutralize free radical damage, Arcona’s Chamomile Balm has anti-inflammatory properties ideal for soothing sensitive, dry, sunburned, or damaged skin. Available at Spa Gregorie’s/Newport Beach and arcona.com for $28-$32
Apple a-la-tart Facial :: Using Sircuit Cosmeceuticals products containing apple ingredients, the facial begins with the X-Trap cleanser to remove dirt, pollution and makeup, then continues with Sircuit’s Apple a-la-tart vitamin C peel, which is designed to remove dead skin cells, even skin tone and improve skin texture while stimulating collagen production, says ZenSpaOC owner Julieanna Sanchez. The peel is followed with a Lemon-aid lemon post peel balm with antioxidant properties to address post-peel redness and the Molecular Mist for hydration. The facial ends with a face, neck and shoulder massage using the Happiness mango massage lotion. Available at ZenSpaOC in Huntington Beach for $100 (65 minutes). zenspaoc.com
DIY :: Stacy Cox, esthetician and owner of Pampered People spa in Los Angeles, has a couple of at-home tips for incorporating apple into your beauty regimen.
• Soothe tired, itchy eyes with an apple eye mask: Slice a firm apple and brew a cup of green tea. Soak the apple in the tea for five minutes. Relax with an apple slice on each closed eyelid for at least 10 minutes.
• Treat yourself to a quick apple facial: Place half of a small apple in the blender, blend until smooth and stir in 1 tbsp. of wheat germ. Wash your face and apply the apple mixture on your clean, damp face. Allow it to remain on your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize.
