What exactly are superfoods for skin?
Superfoods for skin have been around for a while. Although the word superfood can sound a bit confusing or even scary for most of us. Food having superpowers? Well, not quite, but yes. These are foods with high nutritional value, rich in antioxidants. They are superfoods for healthy skin. We might as well call them beauty foods for skin.
The term superfood was first coined by vegans in the United States, who were anxious to find plant foods that could completely replace animal products. It turned out that there are fruits, berries, and cereals in nature are superior in nutritional value to others. The good news was quickly picked up by health fans and, of course, marketers.
Before we dive into the list, please consider that these aren’t the only superfoods for skin, we just picked the ones that are the most accessible these days. You can find most of these amazing superfoods for skin at your nearest food store.
#1. Chia seeds
I am sure by now the internet has written all about the wonders of chia seeds. I personally prefer to sprinkle some on my oatmeal in the morning. Sometimes I make a quick chia pudding with fresh berries. Yum! Not only is it delicious, but it is also good for your digestive system as chia seeds are packed with protein and fiber.
Chia seeds were the main cereal crops in ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. They have been known for their uniquely high concentration of fatty acids.
They contain a number of minerals and vitamins. In skincare products, chia oil intends to nourish, repair, and protect the skin. Chia seed oil works great for sensitive skin by reducing redness. It is a rather expensive and rare component that you can come across in organic skincare brands.
#2. Goji berries
These red-colored berries similar to barberries grow in Asia and Central America. Goji berries are literally bursting with vitamins C and A, essential amino acids. Because of this the Chinese call goji “berries of happiness” or “red diamond“.
So far, this first-class antioxidant is a rare name in skincare. But we think it should get more popularity.
Goji berries are rich in beta carotene which is famous for promoting healthy skin. They have also proven to be effective against UV light damage and skin irritation.
Adding Goji berries into your diet will boost your immune system, as well as cell development in the body.
#3. Acai berries
Acai berries are another exotic berry that is a superfood. They grow in the forests of the Amazon. They are called youth berries for their incredibly high content of nutrients.
Acai berries are loaded with potent antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and essential acids. These powerful antioxidants fight free radicals, aka unstable molecules, and support the development of healthy skin cells.
Studies also suggest that eating acai fruit pulp might reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in overweight people. So, they are definitely one of the superfoods for skin that serve many purposes.
#4. Spirulina
I bet this is a new name for you – if it is, yay! You have learned about a new superfood today. More precisely, one of the greatest superfoods for skin.
The name might be new but spirulina for skin is as ancient as the world. Being one of the oldest inhabitants of rivers and lakes, it is technically a blue-green algae. Rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, and iron, spirulina is a complete protein.
Because these antioxidants fight free radicals, they prevent skin damage and early signs of aging. There is an active ingredient called phycocyanin (a plant-based protein) in spirulina. It is essential for its antioxidant activity. Studies show that this phycocyanin is responsible for eliminating these damaging free radicals.
In the beauty industry, spirulina is used in professional body wraps and masks. You can also come across spirulina in spa products in the form of creams and shampoos.
#5. Green tea
Green tea is by far the most accessible superfood of all. So, it had to make its way to this list among the top superfoods for skin. Due to a component called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), green tea enjoys a number of properties.
It is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and is one of the strongest antioxidants out there. So it is no surprise that the use of green tea in skincare is very common.
It is especially common in products for oily and acne-prone skin. One study, in particular, shows that antioxidant molecules found in green tea are effective in reducing sebum production. Hence, acne products containing green tea.
In addition, regularly consuming green tea revitalizes the body, and helps the skin delay the aging process. Both drinking tea and applying it topically are beneficial for the skin.
#6. Turmeric
It seems like turmeric has decided to solve all of our problems. Hangover? Turmeric. Upset stomach? Turmeric. Hotel? Turmeric. Yeah, ok maybe I went too far with the joke. When turmeric gets such a versatile rap, it is no surprise that we can see its benefits in the skincare world.
Turmeric has antioxidant effects, just like everyone here in this article (yes, I referred to them as people). Its primary substance is curcumin. This is what gives turmeric that amazing bright yellow color.
In skincare, curcumin is mainly used for skin lightening purposes. It is one of the superfoods for skin that deals with skin pigmentation. It also has anti-aging benefits, as it helps reduce fine lines.
Don’t use the regular turmeric on your face as it will definitely stain. The internet is full of DIY turmeric mask recipes. While I agree that they can be useful, I wouldn’t risk staining my face or messing it up somehow (been there, done that). Instead, choose skincare products that contain turmeric. See how it works on your skin.
#8. Oats
As someone who loves oatmeal and consumes it almost every day, I am really glad to welcome it to this glorious list. Besides being a satiating breakfast, oats have soothing ingredients that nourish the skin. This particularly comes in handy for dry, itchy skin, as it calms down the skin.
Oatmeal is a popular antioxidant in moisturizing and cleansing products. They contain compounds called saponins that have cleansing properties.
It is no surprise that you can find oats in cleansing products too. It is generally recommended to use colloidal oatmeal for skin which is in powder form. Oat Cleansing balm by The INKEY list is one of the most popular cleansers out there with 3% oat kernel oil and 1% colloidal oatmeal. It specifically helps reduce the appearance of redness and soothe irritation.
Final Verdict: Superfoods for skin are a must for maintaining healthy skin
We should seriously consider foods for skin a real thing. Though this is certainly not a complete list of all superfoods for skin out there, we think the ones listed above are a good place to start.
Whether you are looking for hydrating your skin or boosting to your skin routine, there is always a superfood to cater to your needs.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to having a balanced food intake. So, cherish this day and don’t forget about the power of foods for skin! 😉
