One benefit to eating better and making better food choices is often a noticeable improvement in your skin. Reduce your simple carbohydrate intake and you’ll see a reduction in inflammation; cut out junk food and you’ll cut the number of blemishes; increase the amount of water you drink and your skin will seem clearer, more plump and hydrated. Whether improving your skin is a major goal for you or not, there are a few superfoods that have been proven to benefit your skin from the outside in!
1. Avocado for moisturizer
Honestly, what can’t this superfood do! Besides being an incredible dietary source of healthy fats for your body to utilise, this superfood is also an incredible moisturiser. It’s extremely hydrating omega-3s, high levels of Vitamin C, K, B as well as folate, potassium and pantothenic acid makes this fruit is more beneficial than a lot of store-bought creams. Omega-3’s have been linked to a visible reduction in skin inflammation, as well as a natural treatment for chronic skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Food over facials: The 5 Superfoods for radiant skin
#GuavaTip: For radiant skin at home, take half a ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon of organic yogurt and 1/2 cup of plain cooked oatmeal and blend all together. Apply to a cleansed face and wait till dry (about 10 mins) before washing off with warm water.
2. Pumpkin for collagen
Pumpkin is a fantastic replacement for simple carbohydrates like pasta, white potatoes or noodles. But, that bright orange center is also rich in the chemical beta-carotene which your body converts to vitamin A, the ultimate skin firming vitamin. Additionally, because of it’s high zinc levels, applying the pumpkin oil to the skin can boost collagen as the vitamin an essential component to collagen syntheses.
Food over facials: The 5 Superfoods for radiant skin
#GuavaTip: You’ve got pumpkin spiced lattes, now you can have pumpkin facials! Blend ¼ of a pumpkin (with all the seeds) with 1 whole egg and a splash of apple cider vinegar to form a bright and detoxifying mask. Apply to a cleansed face and wait till dry (about 10 mins) before washing off with warm water.
3. Chia seeds
Along with kale and acai, over the past few years, chia seeds have increased in popularity as a cure-all superfood. Thousands of chia seed puddings recipes crowd the internet, but we’re more concerned its effect on your skin when applied topically. Its high levels of omega-3s make it the ultimate hydration booster for your skin. Results can include a lifting and firming of skin, reduction in lines and wrinkles and a reduction in inflammation.
Food over facials: The 5 Superfoods for radiant skin (Source: Goodhousekeeping.com)
#GuavaTip: The best part of these seeds is in the center, so place 4 tablespoons of chia seeds in a coffee blender, or on high in a normal blender, and mix in small amounts of water until it turns to a gel/paste. Apply to the face and wait for 15 minutes before washing off with a warm towel.
4. Pomegranate
This bright but strange looking fruit holds some extremely nutrient dense pods within its hard shell. Skin specialists around the word use potent pomegranate juice in facial treatments, daily creams and topical treatments for uneven skin tone. The high levels of skin-firming compounds such as ellagic acid can result in the reversal of UV damage and an overall reduction of inflammation in most users.
Food over facials: The 5 Superfoods for radiant skin
#GuavaTip: With the bright red colour and fantastic fragrance, this superfood is the perfect base to a restoring face wash. Combine 2 tablespoons of ground pomegranate seeds, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut to form a facial scrub. Massage into the face and neck then wash off.
5. Cocoa
The reason people say dark chocolate is so good for you is because of the antioxidant properties of the cocoa bean. When applied to the skin, cocoa has some incredible effects. Its ability to get rid of harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation and repair makes it a superfood you should add to your skincare regime. Cocoa butter can be found in body moisturisers, hair masks and facial treatments because of its high levels of fatty acids and extreme moisturising capabilities.
Food over facials: The 5 Superfoods for radiant skin (Source: media.mnn.com)
#GuavaTip: Cocoa works perfectly as a face mask. In a pan, heat up cocoa and water until a paste forms. Take off the heat and add 2 teaspoons of rock salt. Cover your face with the treatment and wait 10 mins until hardened. Peel off or wash off with warm water. After, apply a small amount of cocoa butter to the face.
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