Papaya Body Polish Wrap

This erotic-sounding elixir has become synonymous with The Oriental Spa in Bangkok. Around the world people talk with titillation about their pureed papaya, smeared into all the body crevices which are left to sweat under a plastic sheet.

Papaya contains certain enzymes, biochemically known as papain (it is used as a meat tenderizer) which soften and revitalize the skin when absorbed. The papain also settles the stomach, making it one of the best things to eat for an upset tummy. It is also perfect as baby food.

At home use ready-to-eat rather than unripe papaya (as the acid is too strong), puree it and spread it everywhere, without rubbing. Allow your body to sweat by rolling yourself up in a plastic sheet for 20 minutes. Wash off and feel the results!

Just as women used to bathe in sour milk to keep her skin smooth, tropical Asian women daub mashed, ripe papaya around their eyes to keep their wrinkles at bay. Due to the fruit’s mild exfoliating properties, the skin loses a layer and wrinkles appear less noticeable. The enzyme contained in papaya works like an alpha hydroxy acid (a natural fruit acid that acts to remove the flaking cells on the skin’s surface) without the tendency to cause skin irritation.