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“The Vietnamese Fruit That Sold for a Premium in Japan: A Beauty Elixir and Anti-Aging Remedy Loved by Ancient Concubines”

11 September, 2024

Not only is lychee sweet and packed with nutrients, but it’s also recommended by health and beauty experts for its numerous health benefits and its ability to promote youthful, flawless skin.

Ancient Chinese beauty, Yang Guifei, consumed lychees for their beauty benefits, enchanting the emperor.

In ancient China, lychees were not only enjoyed as a delicious fruit but also used in skincare remedies due to their beneficial properties for the skin.

Yang Guifei, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, had a particular fondness for lychees. Emperor Xuanzong, captivated by her beauty, would dispatch riders to Lingnan daily to bring back the freshest and juiciest lychees for his beloved consort. Yang Guifei’s obsession with lychees stemmed not only from their delectable taste but also from their ability to enhance her complexion.

Yang Guifei captivated the emperor with her beauty and lychee-infused skincare routine. (Illustrative image)

Ancient medical texts, such as the “Compendium of Materia Medica,” also noted the positive effects of lychees on the skin, stating that they “benefit the complexion,” indicating that lychees could help women achieve a radiant and glowing complexion. Additionally, consuming lychees was believed to induce sweating and detoxify the body.

One of the critical reasons for this ancient beauty’s love for this delicious fruit was its ability to eliminate bad breath. When Yang Guifei was in close proximity to Emperor Xuanzong, the scent of lychees would waft from her mouth, further enchanting the enamored emperor.

Not only were ancient beauties enamored with lychees, but modern Vietnamese beauties, such as the renowned actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, have also fallen for this delectable fruit. After learning about the beauty benefits of lychees, she incorporated them into her diet.

Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc can’t resist the allure of lychees.

Lychees for Skin Care: Reducing Pigmentation, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Aging

Modern medical research has also uncovered the exceptional skincare properties of lychees. Scientists have found that lychees are rich in vitamins and promote blood circulation, preventing dullness and enhancing skin radiance.

According to Indian nutritionist Rohini Patil, “Lychees are a fruit that contains antioxidants, which help delay the signs of aging. The vitamins and antioxidants in lychees can also help protect your skin from free radical damage, giving you a youthful and flawless complexion. Additionally, the vitamin C in lychees helps reduce pigmentation, acne, wrinkles, and fine lines.”

Modern medicine acknowledges the skincare benefits of lychees.

Here are some of the key benefits of lychees for skincare:

1. Protects the skin from sun damage

During the summer, your skin is more exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can lead to sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. The antioxidant-rich lychee extract can shield your skin from the adverse effects of UV radiation.

Lychee juice and vinegar can be used to treat sunburn. These lychee-based products help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

2. Promotes even skin tone

The phytochemicals present in lychee extract can significantly reduce hyperpigmentation, often manifested as dark spots on the skin. The vitamin C in lychees also helps fade age spots and other skin imperfections. Regular use of products containing lychee extract can give you a brighter and more even complexion.

Lychees, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, help even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation.

3. Slows down skin aging

Lychees can combat signs of skin aging in several ways. Lychee seed extract inhibits enzymes such as collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase, which negatively impact the skin, leading to wrinkles and loss of firmness.

4. Reduces inflammation

Lychee extract, rich in polyphenols, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It also alleviates irritation and itching associated with inflammation.

How to Incorporate Lychees into Your Skincare Routine

In addition to consuming lychees, you can also incorporate them into your skincare routine by creating nourishing face masks.

1. Lychee Sunburn Relief Mask

1. Extract the white pulp from 3 to 4 ripe lychees and squeeze out the juice.

2. Add a small amount of vitamin E to the lychee juice and mix well.

3. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to the affected areas.

4. Leave it on for half an hour, then rinse with cold water.

5. Continue using this remedy once daily until the sunburn heals completely.

2. Lychee Skin Brightening Mask

1. Extract the juice from 4-5 lychees and add a few drops of lavender oil to the mixture.

2. Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to your face, neck, or any other areas affected by hyperpigmentation.

3. Leave it on for about 20 minutes.

4. Finally, use a clean cotton cloth soaked in cold water to wipe your face.

3. Lychee Anti-Aging Mask

1. Blend 4-5 lychee pulps with 1/4 of a ripe banana until you get a smooth paste.

2. Apply the paste to your face and neck using gentle, circular motions.

3. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

4. Lychee Acne Treatment Mask

1. You can use fresh lychee juice or blend the pulp and add a small amount of plain yogurt.

2. Apply the mixture to the affected areas and let it dry slightly.

3. Rinse with water.

Frequently asked questions

The fruit is called ‘buoi’ in Vietnamese, and it is more commonly known as pomelo or grapefruit in other parts of the world.

The pomelo has been revered in Vietnam and other parts of Asia for centuries for its beauty and health benefits. Ancient concubines and royalty used it as a natural remedy to maintain their youth and enhance their skin’s radiance. When it was introduced to Japan, the fruit quickly gained popularity for its unique flavor and perceived health benefits.

The pomelo is believed to possess anti-aging properties due to its high content of vitamins C and E, which are powerful antioxidants. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote healthy skin. Additionally, the fruit’s essential oils are said to have skin-regenerating properties and can improve skin elasticity.

The pomelo can be eaten fresh or used to make juice, jams, and other delicacies. For beauty purposes, the peel is often dried and ground into a powder, which can be added to baths or used as a facial scrub. The essential oils extracted from the peel are also used in skincare products.

The pomelo holds cultural significance in Vietnam and is often considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is traditionally used as an offering during religious ceremonies and important festivals, such as Tet, the Vietnamese New Year.