Skin Rejuvenation: The Goodness Of Sapodilla

What is skin rejuvenation?  

Skin rejuvenation is enhancing the appearance and wellness of the skin, usually by treating symptoms of ageing, injury, or other skin issues. Skin rejuvenation aims to restore a more youthful and vibrant appearance through various procedures and treatments.¹ Some popular methods for skin renewal include:²

• Chemical peels/Topical skincare

Using skincare products enriched with ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants improves skin texture, minimises wrinkles, and promotes collagen production, which is essential for skin rejuvenation.

• Microneedling

The primary purpose of microneedling is to stimulate collagen and elastin production. A device with tiny needles penetrates the skin and creates micro-injuries. This improves skin texture and reduces visible scarring or wrinkles.

• Laser therapy

Numerous laser and light-based treatments and procedures have demonstrated significant benefits for skin rejuvenation. This technique addresses skin issues like wrinkles, UV damage, and pigmentation. It has also been shown to support skin renewal by stimulating collagen formation.

• Microdermabrasion

This procedure involves exfoliating the skin, specifically the outer layer, with a spray machine that sprays tiny crystals onto the skin. It is non-invasive and promotes collagen production, reduction of fine lines, and improved skin texture. 

• Botulinum toxin type A treatment (Botox) & dermal filler 

This procedure gives a smoother skin illusion by injecting dermal filler into regions of the skin with wrinkles or sagging skin. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles, reducing wrinkles visible on the skin. 

There are some risks with skin rejuvenation procedures described above, which include:¹ 

• Infection
• Scarring
• Burns
• Allergic reactions 
• Changes to the skin texture 

Sapodilla and its historical use 

Sapodilla is an egg-shaped fruit from the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America grown worldwide. The scientific medical term for this fruit is Manilkara Zapota. When Sapodilla matures and ripens, it tends to have a sweet flavour due to its high sugar content. This fruit is usually used in baking and consumed fresh in beverages.³

Historically, Sapodilla has been an important fruit in many cultures. The Aztecs used the milky latex from the fruit trunk, known as chicle, in chewing gum, a significant ingredient in the chewing gum industry. Apart from the benefits this fruit has through consumption and usage in cooking, the fruit, bark, and leaves of sapodilla have also been used in traditional medicine to treat illnesses such as arthritis, mouth ulcers, and fever. Additionally, the seed oil of this fruit serves as the base for lotions and ointments for the skin.⁴ Sapodillas are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and potent plant chemicals that, when included in a diet, may positively affect an individual’s health.⁴

Nutritional composition of sapodilla

The nutritional composition of sapodilla is Per 100 grams of Sapodilla highly beneficial to an individual’s health due to its vitamins and antioxidant properties.

Sapodilla is a fruit that contains rich vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, which is very important for vision and skin health and Vitamin C, which is well known for boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of diseases. The beneficial minerals in sapodilla include potassium, which promotes heart health, and copper, which is necessary and essential for various physiological processes.⁴

Benefits of sapodilla for skin rejuvenation

Sapodilla also contains antioxidants, which play a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and has been shown to be essential in preserving skin health. These antioxidants include flavonoids and polyphenols, which help fight free radicals, preventing oxidative stress that can lead to premature ageing and skin damage (a severe imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defence system results in oxidative stress). Furthermore, this fruit prevents tumour cells from growing, reducing the formation of various cancers.⁴

Sapodilla's antioxidative properties neutralise oxidative damage, essentially promoting skin health, and regular consumption can lead to healthier and more vibrant skin. Sapodilla also contains antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. These properties reduce skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, essentially creating a soothing effect.⁵

Sapodilla also naturally promotes collagen synthesis due to its richness in Vitamin C, a crucial protein for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing wrinkles.^5,6

Including this fruit in your diet reduces the need for skin renewal procedures and treatments such as microneedling, microdermabrasion, etc.

The antioxidants in sapodilla have also been shown to protect skin against UV damage. This is precisely due to the antioxidant flavonoids in the fruit sapodilla, which have been shown to play a vital role in healing wounds.⁷ Micronutrients and dietary antioxidants are essential and play a critical role in safeguarding molecular targets that scavenge reactive oxygen species, including excited singlet oxygen and triplet-state molecules. They also modulate stress-dependent signalling, suppressing cellular and tissue responses like inflammation. Carotenoids, vitamins E and C, and polyphenols, commonly found in the diet, contribute to antioxidant defence and may enhance endogenous photoprotection.⁷

However, it is essential to note that this is not a substitute for sunscreen, but incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like sapodilla into your diet can complement the sun protection measures. Sapodilla also has hydrating properties, this is due to its vitamin E content, making it useful for addressing dry and flaky skin benefiting individuals with skin conditions such as eczema. The fruit can be utilised as an exfoliant, with scrubbing particles that help maintain a natural skin texture, resulting in healthy and glowing skin. Overall, sapodilla is highlighted as a valuable natural resource with potential benefits for skin care, especially in promoting skin hydration and protection against oxidative stress.⁸ 

Sapodilla's impact on skin conditions

Sapodilla exhibits remarkable effects on skin conditions, offering treatment for acne with potent antimicrobial properties, reducing inflammation, and addressing skin pigmentation through melanin regulation for improved skin tone. Sapodilla has been effective in treating acne and blemishes through its antimicrobial properties. This fruit's richness in content of tannins and polyphenols acts as a natural defence against harmful bacteria, specifically targeting Propionibacterium acnes. This is through inhibiting bacterial growth; sapodilla contributes to the prevention and treatment of acne. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and swelling, promoting clearer healthier skin and a glowing complexion.⁸

In a study the formulation and evaluation of a face scrub incorporating sapodilla as an active ingredient for skin enhancement was emphasised. The study highlights the growing demand for herbal cosmetics due to their dual function as medications and 

cosmetics, offering natural benefits without chemical side effects. Skin products such as face scrubs intended for exfoliating are essential for getting rid of whiteheads, blackheads, and dead skin cells. The natural component sapodilla is presented considering its possible advantages for skin health. It has antioxidant qualities, especially against UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are linked to skin pigmentation.

When addressing skin conditions such as skin pigmentation issues, the fruit sapodilla has proven to be offering a two fold benefit. This is done by regulating melanin production which is the pigment that is responsible for skin colour, and preventing the excessive production of dark spots. Secondly, the fruit has proven to improve skin tone overall and this is done through the rich vitamins such as vitamins A and C, and natural antioxidants this fruit contains sapodilla helps neutralise free radicals, preventing oxidative stress that can contribute to uneven pigmentation. Regular use of sapodilla-based skincare may result in a more balanced and radiant complexion.⁸

DIY recipes for sapodilla-based masks or creams:

For those who prefer a hands-on approach to skincare, creating DIY masks or creams with sapodilla can be a rewarding and natural alternative. Start by incorporating fresh sapodilla into masks for its antioxidant-rich properties. 

To create a face mask with sapodilla, combine this fruit puree with other natural ingredients by adding other beneficial ingredients such as honey, yoghurt, or aloe vera for a revitalising face mask. OR alternatively, create a hydrating cream by blending sapodilla extract with nourishing oils such as almond or coconut oil. These DIY recipes allow individuals to tailor skincare solutions to their specific needs, promoting a holistic and personalised approach to beauty.^9,10

This fruit can also be consumed fresh by washing the sapodilla and slicing it in half, then scooping out the flesh with a spoon. Other ways of consumption include making desserts with sapodilla fruit as you can bake the peeled and mashed pulp as a pie or a souffle. Lastly, the sapodilla smoothie also seems to be popular, just mix the flesh with milk and honey and enjoy a sweet smoothie! 

Try combining evaporated milk, condensed milk, heavy cream, soaked white bread, and sapodilla puree to make kulfi, or Indian ice cream and place them in the freezer. Additionally, sapodilla fruit can be used to make wines, juices, and preserves. In the Bahamas, breads and pancakes are made using sapodilla puree.⁹ 

Considerations and precautions: 

Raw sapodilla fruits are very dense in latex and tannins, which gives them a very bitter flavour. Eating unripe fruits can lead to respiratory problems, mouth ulcers, and a scratchy throat, particularly in young children. There are some downsides to the consumption of sapodilla and some individuals should refrain from consuming sapodilla due to an uncommon allergy. Previous and recent research indicates that some proteins found in sapodilla may induce allergic reactions in some individuals, even leading to anaphylaxis. 

Summary

In conclusion, different techniques are used to improve the appearance of skin and promote skin rejuvenation. This is through popular products and procedures including chemical peels, microneedling, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion. However there are risks included with these procedures, and these dangers include skin texture changes, burns, scars, and infections.

The Caribbean-born sapodilla is rich in nutrients and historical value. Rich in potassium, copper, and vitamins A and C, sapodilla promotes healthy skin. Sapodilla's antioxidants fight oxidative stress and support healthy, glowing skin. Additionally, it calms skin, encourages collagen synthesis, and has anti-inflammatory qualities, which lessens the need for skin renewal treatments.

For DIY skincare, sapodilla can be used in masks or creams, incorporating ingredients like honey or aloe vera. Consuming sapodilla fresh or in desserts offers a natural way to enjoy its benefits. However, caution is needed with raw, unripe fruits due to latex and tannins, leading to potential health issues.