Lychee (Litchi) Benefits & Side Effects for Skincare

As the skincare market trends focus more and more on natural formulas, you have probably noticed some familiar (and edible) ingredients being advertised for their unexpected benefits. One fruit you may not have encountered, either in your skincare or in your meal, is Lychee. Read on to learn more about this fascinating fruit and how to incorporate the Lychee benefits into your skincare ritual.

What is a Lychee?

Lychee, also spelled Litchi or Lichi depending on the location, is a small, unique-looking fruit. Its appearance is marked by the hard, bumpy, pink skin that protects the sweet, white flesh within. It has a large, hard seed or pit in the middle, which is often removed before the fruit is eaten. When ripe, the fruit is sweet, floral, and slightly acidic. Lychee is popular in desserts, cocktails, and even by itself as a snack or a healthy dessert after a meal. The Lychee has long been considered a prized fruit, as it used to be much harder to find. In fact, it was considered a sign of honor and respect to bring nobles a punnet of the fruit.

Where are they from?

Lychee are native to southeast Asia, primarily China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As it grew more and more popular, it has spread and can now be found growing as far as Florida — but over 60% of the world’s Lychee are still grown in China. The trees are able to grow in any tropical environment and are evergreen, so no matter where they’re being grown, the small, crimson fruit can be found year-round.

Uses in Ayurveda

Practitioners of Ayurvedic traditions have implemented Lychee as a natural medicine since ancient times, particularly for the following ailments:

• Seizures- Lychee fruit contain terpenoids, an organic compound that helps improve nerve function. Lychee is thought to help target neuronal disorders and help those suffering from seizures.
• Oral thrush - this microbial infection in the mouth leads to sores and swelling. Lychee has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce the swelling. The bark is crushed and applied to the mouth, particularly on the sores.
• Kidney stones - those anti-inflammatory properties are also present in the leaves of Lychee plants. An extract from the leaves is used to treat kidney stones and help the body rid itself of toxins in the bladder.

In addition to the above, Lychee is also used to improve eye irritation, which is thought to be caused by an imbalance of the Pitta dosha. Those with high levels of Pitta are prescribed Lychee to help restore balance and soothe the particular ailments they may experience.

Skincare benefits of Lychee

In addition to the internal benefits, Lychee also has the power to improve your skin. While the fruit has a bumpy, red appearance, your skin will be smooth and glowing, thanks to the following factors.

Packed with antioxidants

Lychee are high in Vitamin C, meaning that this fruit is packed with antioxidants. Sun damage and free radicals don’t stand a chance; antioxidants help the cells protect themselves in the moment of exposure, as well as promote healing of damage that has already happened.

Evens skin tone

Uneven skin tone typically refers to the presence of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Lychee can help reduce and fade these types of discoloration and overall brighten the skin’s appearance. This is made possible by the combination of Vitamin C, which promotes cell turnover to clear the skin, and polyphenols, which inhibit the synthesis of melanin.

Reduces wrinkles & fine lines

Premature aging, namely wrinkles and fine lines, are caused by the body’s natural reduction in collagen. As we get older, our body produces less and less, causing our skin to lose its plump, youthful appearance. Collagen production can be amplified by Lychee, reversing these effects. Also, as mentioned above, Lychee helps prevent sun damage, which is another cause of wrinkles and fine lines.

Soothes inflammation

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties mentioned above, Lychee is also helpful for a variety of skin concerns. If you weren’t able to prevent sun damage, Lychee can be used to soothe painful sunburns, reduce redness, and speed up healing. Similarly, Lychee has antibacterial properties, so as it calms down the inflammation caused by acne, it also helps cleanse the skin of the infections that caused the acne in the first place.

Hydrates dry skin

In addition to the above, there are even more nutrients in Lychee that benefit the skin. Vitamin E and niacin are both found in Lychee and can boost the hydration in skin. Vitamin E in particular is a very common ingredient in face and body oils, as it provides effective but lightweight hydration and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Lychee side effects to keep an eye out for

Keep in mind that, as with any natural ingredient, spot testing is recommended. Lychee does contain naturally acidic properties, so there is a chance that those with particularly sensitive skin could experience reactions like hives or itchiness. In addition, if you have allergies to any other fruit, this could be another for you to avoid.

Add the power of Lychee to your skincare ritual today

The benefits of Lychee have been known for centuries, and they’ve maintained their status as a traditional ingredient for good reason. The best way to experience Lychee and other natural ingredients is under the guidance of someone who has experience with Ayurvedic medicine, science, and skincare to combine Lychee with other ingredients to create a formula with maximum benefits. This process is exactly how we came up with our Moisturizing Hydra-Cream, which will bring out your skin’s natural glow. Add it to your skincare ritual and put your best face forward.