Beauty Foods

We’ve all heard that beauty starts from within, but who knew there was some literal truth to this? Nutrient-rich “superfoods” have been the star of conscientious diets for a while now, improving general wellness and health, but it turns out that these foods can also do wonders for the skin. Here’s a list of our latest superfood cravings and how they can enhance your natural beauty:

AVOCADO

Got cracking and flaking skin? Eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids can boost the skin’s barrier function to hold in moisture and smooth out rough textures. Avocados are a great source of these healthy fats and can even be found as an ingredient in many moisturizing products.

BLUEBERRIES

Packed with the highest number of antioxidants among all fruits and veggies, blueberries can promote clear and youthful skin. With a mix of nutrients that act as vascular constrictors, this berry has the power to neutralize oil, calm redness, and brighten dull tones and dark spots.

MACA

An incredibly nutrient-dense food, this Peruvian root is just as great for the skin as it is for the body. Its “super powers” lie in the mix of vitamins C and E, which help to regulate collagen production and fight harmful UV rays, leaving skin smooth and glowing. Its manganese and zinc properties also aid in hormonal balancing, in turn preventing rogue acne breakouts.

TURMERIC

Sensitive skin types have hit-or-miss luck with over-the-counter beauty products, but a sip of a turmeric latte might just be just what the doctor ordered. Turmeric is known as an anti-inflammatory, an ideal agent for reducing redness or calming areas of irritation. For blemish-prone skin, this herb is a natural antiseptic that fights bacteria and helps clear out dead cells.

DARK, LEAFY GREENS

A dose of dark, leafy greens (think kale and spinach) can be a necessary pick-me-up for tired skin. Vitamins and minerals are aplenty in these superfoods. Vitamin C can help flush out toxins while folic acid helps to produce new cells. Anti-oxidants beta-carotene and lutein are able to renew damaged skin and protect against sun damage. The darker green the better, too. Chlorophyll (the green pigment found in plants) offers protection against those pesky free radicals.

REISHI MUSHROOMS

Known for many years by Chinese herbalists as a powerful superfood, reishi mushrooms are also beginning to pop up in western cosmetics. And yes, eating them is great for your skin, too. Beta-glucans (a natural sugar) help to reduce dry, itchy skin while antioxidants protect the skin, reducing wrinkles and boosting the strength of its natural barriers. A bonus? Reishi is often used in detox diets, meaning its assistance in cleansing the liver supports clean and radiant skin starting from deep within.