Body & beauty

5 Natural Superfoods For Amazing Skin

Amazing skin comes from the inside out, so here are the best natural superfoods that you should look for in your products

Natural superfoods are no longer confined to cuisine – check out the following skincare products which harness the nutritional power of nature.

What superfoods are good for skin?

While a good skin care routine will fare well against fine lines and keeping acne at bay, healthy food also plays a big part in your overall skin health.

Here are the best things you can eat that fall under the superfood category and will contribute to glowing skin and even help to reverse skin damage.

Want to ditch the parabens from your skincare products and make-up? Our guide to the best natural skincare and beauty products can help.

Kale

Kale is packed with vitamins A, B, C and vitamin K in addition to antioxidants and phytonutrients. These potent substances help to tighten pores, reduce dark circles and promote collagen production. Why is collagen important? Well, it’s responsible for your skin’s elasticity and helps keep the surface plump and smooth. The oil from leafy greens, such as kale is used in beauty products to nurture dry, sensitive skin while increasing cell turnover and preventing damage from free radicals.

Kale Anti-ageing Hand Cream, £12.50, Nourish

Coconut

The scent of coconut is always tempting, but this fruit is also included in skincare products for its moisturising qualities owing to its high healthy fat content. You will find organic coconut in plenty of skincare items to enrich the senses and keep skin soft and supple. And, despite what you may think, those with oily skin still need to moisturise too. Fatty fish is also a superfood that should be included in your diet at least three times a week, according to the NHS because it’s full of protein, omega 3 and selenium – a vital nutrient for women. Selenium helps vitamin E to protect your skin from sun damage. Following a plant-based diet? Superfoods such as avocado, the small-but-mighty chia seed and olive oil can also contribute to healthy skin. Besides helping your brain to function properly, omega 3 fatty acids benefit the skin by regulating oil production to boost hydration and delaying the skin’s ageing process. Try using coconut oil in your next turmeric curry to help boost skin elasticity.

Coconut Body Lotion, £6.25, Faith in Nature

Cacao and cocoa butter

Chocolate for glowing skin? You bet. As the purest form of chocolate, cacao is high in antioxidants which help protect the skin and improve hydration for a healthy complexion. Cacao is also high in magnesium, vitamin C and the fatty acid omega 6, which help promote cell repair and rejuvenation. Upgrade your breakfast with a host of natural superfoods, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and chunks of dark chocolate for skin healing powers.

Cocoa butter is another chocolate derivative which is great for dry skin, helping to moisturise even the toughest of areas on the body, including elbows and heels. The saturated fats in cocoa butter quickly absorb into the skin, and continue to demonstrate their moisturising effect for hours. If you want to quench your skin further, hyaluronic acid should also be in your beauty toolkit. Not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid.

Radiant Glow Organic Face Mask, £20, Evolve

Chamomile

Not a fan of the taste of green tea? Chamomile could be another option, but for different reasons. The soothing effect of chamomile tea is well-known, but this ingredient also features in many skincare products owing to hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances are particularly suited for use on an uneven skin tone, helping to soothe and improve its appearance. If you struggle with inflammation, your skin would benefit from more natural superfoods that contain beta-carotene too, such as sweet potato, carrots and butternut squash.

Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream, £34, PAI Skincare

Coffee

Love a cup of coffee to start your morning? You’re in luck. A regular cup of coffee energises your brain with caffeine in the morning, and it appears that your skin can also benefit from this powerful antioxidant. Keep an eye out for exfoliators with ground coffee – the coarse texture buffs away dead skin cells easily. Rub the exfoliator onto your skin in circular, round motions to stimulate blood flow – this can help to combat cellulite and acne. Coffee is also packed with a potent antioxidant, helping to combat imperfections and signs of ageing caused by free radicals which damage cells. Hello, radiant skin!