Superfood for Your Skin

Using ingredients found in our own kitchen to maintain our beauty is nothing new. Some of us use coconut oil to remove stubborn make-up or to deeply moisturise dry hair once a week. Some use honey as a face mask to soothe irritated skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Others use coffee powder as an exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and keep skin soft and supple.

There are tons of products on the market today that contain fruit and vegetable extracts as key ingredients. South Korea and Japan are leading the way in skincare products that contain "food". Cucumber sheet mask, egg white facial cleanser, fermented soy milk face cream, Asian beauty is all about choosing natural ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can help us achieve healthy, glowing and youthful skin.

Food in your skincare

In 2015 Global Beauty & Personal Care Trend, market research firm Mintel predicted that the relationship between beauty consumers and food ingredients would become increasingly mainstream. Aside from the fact that many consumers now educate themselves to read labels and refuse to put suspicious ingredients on their skin, the idea that "what's good for our bodies is likely to be good for our skin" is one of the main reasons why more and more brands have made this gastronomic turn. We have also noticed that cosmetic brands have gone a step further by using labels for their products that are commonly applied to food, such as organic, GMO-free, vegan or even gluten-free.

Due to consumers' increasing holistic approach to beauty and wellness, cosmetic manufacturers must constantly search for innovative ingredients that meet consumers' needs for 'healthier' products.

Despite the need for more scientific evidence and the lack of a regulated definition, the cosmetics and beauty industry has been pushing the superfood concept in recent years and we are seeing more and more brands incorporating such ingredients into their products.

What are superfoods?

Superfoods are ingredients that contain powerful antioxidants that can fight environmental aggressors, prevent free radical damage and reduce inflammation. Rich in essential fatty acids and proteins, they are also said to be able to revitalize skin cells, prevent wrinkles and add skin elasticity.

Among the multitude of these ingredients known to benefit the body, here are some superfoods that are often incorporated as a key aspect of a skincare product and are said to give the skin a nutritional boost:

Spirulina

This is a form of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water. This ingredient is packed with antioxidants, vitamins B1, B2 and B3, and minerals such as iron and copper. In the wellness industry, this type of cyanobacteria has become the world's most popular dietary supplement due to its health benefits. Spirulina is added to skin care products to brighten the complexion of dull skin. It also has anti-ageing benefits and helps the skin retain moisture.

Goji berry

The goji berry or wolf berry has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine since the 3rd century AD. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including ones, zinc, vitamins A and C. Goji berry is mostly used in leave-on products because of its antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from pollution and other environmental stressors. It is also rich in essential amino acids, which are believed to even out skin tone and smooth skin texture.

Quinoa

It is the Incas who first discovered this nutritious grain some 4000 years ago. This wheat alternative is packed with essential amino acids, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The United Nations (UN) declared 2013 the "International Year of Quinoa" due to a high nutritional value and its potential to contribute to global food security. As a powerful antioxidant, quinoa can protect the skin from free radicals and thus slow down skin ageing. The extract can also help to brighten the complexion and restore radiance to the skin.

Acai

Most people consume acai berry with green smoothie or even acai bowl. However, that doesn't mean this deep purple fruit can't offer beauty benefits to the skin. According to in-vitro research, acai has higher levels of antioxidants than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry or blueberry, which can support skin regeneration. The omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids can also help skin appear youthful and supple.

Turmeric

It is curcumin, the bioactive component that gives turmeric its health benefits. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can revitalize the skin and give it an instant glow. It is also known to be beneficial for acne-prone skin to reduce redness and clear acne breakouts.

Chia Seeds

Chia seed is one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3s available, which makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing when used on the skin. It can improve the suppleness and fullness of the skin due to its ability to soak up as much moisture as possible. As an anti-inflammatory, the fatty acids found in this ingredient can help to soothe the skin of any irritants.

Kale

One of the stars of green juice, kale or kale is popular with many people for its health benefits. This leafy green superfood contains powerful antioxidants, which we now all know are essential for protecting the body from environmental aggressors. As a skincare ingredient, it is packed with vitamins A, C, E and K to reduce skin inflammation, tighten pores and increase cell turnover.