Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin. Papaya fruit Researchers believe that the proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain in papaya are responsible for their beneficial effects.