The Many Ways You Can Use Paw Paw Ointment

A good multitasking product is something you'll never be able to live without, and Paw Paw (also known as Papaya) Ointment is definitely one of my personal necessities. I keep a tube of the PURE Papaya Skin Food in my handbag as well as my car. I also have a big tub of the PURE Papaya Care Ointment with Calendula at home! While we all know what an amazing lip balm and lipstick primer it makes, it's so much more than that. Before I get into some of my favourite alternative ways to use Paw Paw, let's talk about what it is and why I love this multitasking ointment in my natural beauty routine.

What is Paw Paw?

Paw Paw, also known as Papaya, is a nutrient-rich fruit that is packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also calcium-rich and includes high levels of potassium, magnesium and iron.

Paw Paw benefits

All these amazing benefits mean that when used in beauty products, Paw Paw can help with a range of skin issues. Available in lotions, salves and ointments, Paw Paw is a wonderful multitasking product to keep in your bathroom cabinet, handbag or on your desk. Antioxidant, amino acids and nutrient-rich, Paw Paw is high in Vitamins A, C and E and has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for topical application to help a variety of skin conditions and give lasting relief from irritation.

Organic & natural Paw Paw ointments

Did you know that mainstream Paw Paw ointment is often made up of petroleum jelly (the by-product of petroleum)? Natural Paw Paw ointments are completely petrochemical free and have a much higher concentration of Paw Paw in their formula. Now that there are so many natural Paw Paw products available, it's so easy to find an organic alternative that is packed full of beneficial ingredients and works for you.

Why should you switch to natural Paw Paw ointments?

The main difference between regular and natural Paw Paw ointments is the inclusion of petroleum jelly. Some of the most popular Paw Paw ointments on our pharmacy shelves have a very large amount of petroleum jelly in their formulation. Petroleum jelly is a by-product of the oil industry and can contain petrolatum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin or paraffin oil. Petroleum jelly also creates a barrier on the skin, meaning that when you apply it to your lips can stop moisture from getting in or out and may also clog the pores on your skin. Find out more about switching your favourite products to natural alternatives here.

Paw Paw ointment uses

Using Paw Paw ointment for chapped lips and dry skin patches is perhaps the most common use for this multitasking ointment. If you suffer from chapped lips or dry patches of skin on areas like your elbows, knees or ankles, then applying some Paw Paw ointment can help soften these particularly rough skin areas with ease. This is a must-have product for me in the winter for just this reason! But the list of all the benefits and uses of natural Paw Paw ointment doesn't stop there - here are 11 of my favourite alternative ways to use Paw Paw:

1. Hand, nail and cuticle cream

Paw Paw Ointment makes a beautifully rich hand cream that works to soothe overworked hands and dry, flaky skin. It's also amazing for keeping nails and cuticles soft and strong, helping to treat cracking and splitting. I love the delicious smelling Suvana Certified Organic Paw Paw ointment, made with Paw Paw and Honey for a rich and rejuvenating topical ointment. Because it's so rich, I prefer to use this overnight as a restorative treatment so I lather it all over my hands just before going to bed. For daytime use, I'll often apply it to my nails and cuticles as a moisturising and strengthening treatment, or whenever my hands start to feel a bit dry from cold weather.

2. Eyebrow gel

It might not be one of the more obvious uses, but Paw Paw is actually great for holding eyebrows in place! If you've run out of brow gel or you're caught without it while away from home, Paw Paw makes a great alternative because it keeps strands in place and nourishes the hair at the same time - the moisturising ingredients found in the PURE Papaya Ointment, such as Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E, can actually help to stimulate healthy hair growth for fuller brows. It also makes a gorgeous dewy highlighter - just dab onto the cheekbones and brow bone for a healthy glow.

3. Overnight face mask

The consistency of this ointment really lends itself to a facial treatment thanks to the skin replenishing properties of Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, so I like to scoop out some straight from the tub, apply as a mask, and then let it work its magic overnight! Paw Paw is a also a great natural way to brighten the skin.

4. Sports cream

Perfect for keen surfers and runners, this ointment can be applied as a barrier cream to prevent any chafing under your wetsuit or to soothe any chafing between the thighs after training. A skin care essential for athletes and budding sportspeople of any kind, keep a tube in the gym or sports bag to treat chafing, irritation and itchiness and provide soothing relief. A perfect multitasker, the PURE Papaya Care Ointment with Calendula Tub is a wonderful product that delivers the advantages of traditional Paw Paw ointment with the benefits of calendula to protect and soothe the skin.

5. Hair treatment

A toxin-free alternative to mainstream hair masks, you can use PURE Papaya Ointment in two different ways to reap its haircare benefits. On damp, freshly washed hair, work a pea-sized amount of Papaya Ointment through the lengths to nourish split ends, or work through dry hair and allow it to smooth any frizz, you can even use it as an overnight treatment and wash out in the morning.

Photo: @purepapayacare

6. Post tattoo application or removal

If you've had a tattoo applied or removed, you'll have been given some pretty strict instructions regarding what you can and cannot apply to your skin in the days that follow. Papaya Ointment is great for broken and chapped skin in need of some intense moisture, and doesn't contain any of the nasty ingredients that can irritate sensitive, delicate skin after vigorous laser treatments.

7. Nappy rash

Papaya Ointment works as a gentle yet super effective barrier cream to protect and treat little ones' delicate skin from nappy rash, dryness and irritation. It can be used on minor rashes and it is suitable for the most sensitive skin types. Calming and relieving, this nourishing ointment protects the skin from prolonged periods of moisture to prevent nappy rash, as well as working to soothe and restore already affected areas. It's also mild enough to treat cradle cap - massage a small amount into baby's scalp, leave overnight, then gently wash off the next day with a soft brush to remove build-up. Perfect for kids and mums alike, the Little Innoscents Organic Paw Paw Balm contains Sunflower Seed Oil and Shea Butter, as well as Cherry Coconut Extract for a soothing and enriching moisture balm that is safe for delicate young skin and breastfeeding mums. This Petroleum-free balm may be used on newborn babies and children on dry, damaged or irritated skin.

8. Eye cream

The eye area is the most delicate area of our face, so it needs to be treated with a bit of extra care. I love using Paw Paw Ointment as an eye cream because it feels so soothing, gentle and cooling beneath the eyes, and its hydrating properties really nourish, firm and plump up the fine skin that can be so prone to drying and tightness.

9. After shave balm

Paw Paw is ideal for use as a moisturiser on sensitive skin after shaving because of its deeply soothing and restorative properties. Moisturising and soothing, it can be applied to legs or underarms after shaving to minimise irritation and itchiness, soothe inflamed skin and prevent razor burn. It's also great as a men's after shave balm to keep the cheeks and chin soft, supple and hydrated after shaving.

10. Essential oil base

Essential oils are highly concentrated and usually need to be diluted in a carrier oil before they can be applied directly to the skin. One of my absolute favourite uses for Paw Paw Ointment is as a base for applying essential oils to the skin because it hydrates and protects the skin at the same time! Just mix a few drops of your favourite oils with a squeeze of Paw Paw to create your own scented moisturiser or perfume. Apply the mixture to your pulse points for extra fragrance power.

11. Paw Paw ointment for cuts, scratches & burns

The enzymes in Paw Paw are known for soothing topical skin inflammation and minor burns. If you have any minor cuts, scratches or wind burns, then applying Paw Paw ointment to these areas can provide soothing relief.