Who would have thought the same ingredients we mix in the blender could be just as beneficial as part of our skin care? It just so happens that the vitamin-rich, nutrient-packed foods we eat for the good of our insides also have enormous benefits when applied topically as part of our skin care routine.
Kale
Yep, this greenie god is hyped up for a reason – and now, it’s making its way from our plates and into our skin care. Packed with vitamins A, C and E, it’s a powerhouse of antioxidants that’ll help you eat your way to pretty. It also contains a nutrient called carotenoid lutein, which protects against free radical damage (such as that caused by sunlight) and, when applied topically, can massively improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Try:Eminence Organic Skin Care Citrus and Kale Potent C&E Masque. This salad-inspired serum has been hailed as the Holy Grail of kale treatments, and with ingredients like rhubarb extract, citrus and avocado oils, it’s nothin’ but good news for our complexions.
Honey
Aside from being such a sweetie (pardon the pun), honey does absolute wonders for your skin. Rich in natural antioxidants and boasting anti-ageing and anti-microbial properties, honey nourishes the skin and boosts its ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin. Legend has it that Cleopatra would bathe herself in milk and honey to stay fresh and youthful. Hey, if it’s good enough for her…
Try: The Aromatherapy Company’s Naturals Hand & Body Lotion in Cocoa and Vanillawith manuka honey, aloe vera and avocado oil for a deliciously sweet slather.
Avocado oils
It’s creamy, moreish and bursting with good fats – honestly, what is better than an avocado? Avocado oil, that’s what. One of the healthiest natural ingredients on the planet, avocado oil is also one of the most penetrative of all natural plant oils. Unlike most moisturisers, it can penerate through the epidermis and into the dermis layer of the skin, resulting in skin that’s extremely soft, supple and hydrated. And the best part? It doesn’t dry out, maning its moisturising effect is super long-lasting.
Try: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocadoto protect and improve the appearance of dry, irritated skin. Warning: You may experience a strong temptation to spread on a slice of fresh bread with a side of prawns.
Papaya
Not a fan of looking like a raisin in summer? Neither am I, which is why I rely on the superhero healing properties and active moisturisers found in papaya. This wonder fruit is choc-a-block full of vitamins, minerals and papain, all of which help in removing dead skin cells and repairing skin. The ointment is a lifesaver for us poor souls who suffer from particularly dry skin.
Try: The Natralus Natural Paw Paw Ointment. With more than double the papaya compared to most other paw paw ointments, you’ll get the double dose of benefits.
Multivitamins
Even if you’re diligent when it comes to eating colourful veggies and popping those multis (kudos, by the way), your skin still isn’t really getting enough of the good stuff to stave off the signs of ageing. Research shows that although a well-balanced diet is essential for keeping skin supple and glowing, the body can struggle to deliver enough vitamins to the skin to fend off the wrinkles and dark spots.
Try: Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatmentto improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and repair damaged skin.
What foods or food-based products are part of your skin care routine?
I had a Nip + Fab moisturiser a few years ago with Kale and it was fab.