Are you feeding your skin properly? Don't forget that good nutrition, quality sleep and daily hydration all play a role in how your skin looks and feels.

With acai bowls, hemp bars, chia seed puddings, kale smoothies, avocado toast and quinoa stuffed peppers at the top our minds and menus, superfoods continue to have their moment in the culinary world. However, these feel-good foods can also be a powerful part of your skincare routine.

The idea is that if it's good for your body, it's probably good for your skin. Here's what you need to know about superfoods and skincare:

The food-to-face trend

We know that the food we eat impacts our bodies - and that includes the health of our skin. Superfoods are key for providing our skin with a nutritional boost. They're rich in the antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that feed our skin with vitality and hydration. Essentially, superfoods help us improve our skin both inside and out.

According to Transparency Market Research, there are significant stats to support the link between superfoods and skincare:

  • Millennials favor a beauty-from-the-inside-out approach to skincare.
  • Modern consumers equate beauty with good health.
  • The organic and natural beauty market is expected to reach $13.2 billion in 2018.
  • 32 percent of consumers are purchasing more natural and organic personal care products.
  • 73 percent of U.S. consumers believe natural and organic personal care is better for health.

If you're on the superfoods train, you're definitely not alone. But if you're new to the scene, there are plenty of reasons to get on board with the food-to-face trend.

Oh omega!

The omega fatty acids are the star ingredient in superfoods, as they play a major role in maintaining the health of your skin. When topically applied, there are some red-carpet worthy benefits from omegas including:

  • Natural emollience and protection against transepidermal water loss.
  • Improved skin texture and elasticity.
  • Increased skin moisture barrier function.
  • Reduced appearance of fine lines.

Derived from fruits, vegetables or grains, plant-based oils have a distinctive profile of omega fatty acids. These omegas are the reason some oils feel lighter or heavier than others on your skin. Plus, omegas impact how effective oils are at supporting your skin's moisture barrier, soothing redness and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Superfoods in skincare

These superfoods, supergrains and supergreens are currently the stars of skincare:

Chia seeds

The power of chia goes way back to the Aztecs and Mayas. They identified the seed as a source of energy, endurance and strength, making it a staple in their diet. Chia seed is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6. It provides powerful hydration and improves the protective hydrolipidic film, which reinforces the skin's moisture barrier function.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass goes back to the ancient Egyptians who claimed these leafy blades of wheat were sacred because of their positive effect on health and vitality. Its strong concentration of chlorophyll, amino acids, mineral, vitamins and enzymes is why wheatgrass supplements are so popular today. In skincare, wheatgrass extracts promote refreshed and revitalized skin.

Broccoli seed oil

Broccoli seed oil is as good for your skin as broccoli florets are for your healthy diet! It has a powerful combination of antioxidants and omega fatty acids. It's a light and non-greasy oil, which means your skin absorbs it easily. It provides a protective layer that traps moisture, keeping the skin nourished and hydrated. The result is a radiant and glowing complexion.

Kale

You've likely heard about the health benefits of leafy green, trendy superfood for your diet, but it's also fabulous for your skin. It's a rich source of several nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, making it a superstar in the superfood world. This makes kale a natural skin detox that flushes out toxins from your pores and gives your complexion a healthy glow.

Goji berry

Deemed a superfruit, goji berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides and bioactive compounds. This super berry can smooth, soothe and plump your skin. Plus, an anti-aging bonus is a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Matcha tea

Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is believed to remedy mental and medical issues, while also improving quality of life and well-being. It has some vitamins and minerals, but the real star is the catechins, a type of antioxidant. Plus, matcha tea is a more potent source of these catechins than standard green tea because it's made from ground-up whole leaves. This rich source of antioxidant properties can reduce puffiness in the skin, smooth complexion and reduce the appearance of skin damages.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicinal practices. As a spice, ginger has been shown to have antioxidant effects and inhibit melanin synthesis. When you apply ginger to the skin, it can give you a bright, dewy and radiant glow.

Quinoa

This grain is a staple ingredient in healthy diets, providing a protein-packed alternative to pasta and rice. Along with protein and fiber, quinoa contains all eight essential amino acids. While it has hit the food scene in full force in the recent years, it's actually been cultivated in South America for thousands of years. With film-forming and moisture retention benefits, quinoa leaves your skin feeling nourished and hydrated.

Superfoods in your at-home skincare regimen

These new superheroes of skincare have the nutrients that your skin needs to fight toxins and prevent breakouts. Even more, superfoods can leave you with enviable glowing complexion.

Freshen up your at-home regimen with the new ELEMIS superfood skincare collection. It's made with plant-based superfood ingredients to nourish and revitalize your skin.

Start your routine with a deep cleanse: The ELEMIS Superfood Facial Wash, made with avocado, broccoli, pumpkin seed, wheatgrass, kale and nettle, leaves you with a fresh, luminous complexion. Before moisturizing each morning, massage a few drops of the ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil over your face and neck. It has powerful antioxidants and omegas that work to soften and smooth the skin.

Get your hydration boost with the ELEMIS Superfood Day Cream, made with ginger, matcha tea and goji berry. At the end of the day, apply the omega-rich ELEMIS Superfood Night Cream to feed dry, depleted skin. Made with barley, quinoa and sweet almond milk, this cream will nourish your skin as you sleep.

Backed by the power of superfoods, your skin will look and feel fresh, bright and healthy.

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Categories: Nutrition