When you are ALL about reviving your summer glow, superfoods are a must. But is it better to eat them or apply them onto our skin? The answer is BOTH.
Summer gifts you with naturally plump and golden-rosy healthy face skin—mostly cos happiness is in the air during the cheerful season, right? It’s like that natural luminosity love brings to your skin thanks to the “love hormones” or “cuddle chemicals”—we release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin more often during the sunny season. In addition, during summer we are naturally drawn to consume fruits packed with antioxidants and vitamins, we eat more salads and raw veggies, we load our bodies with sunny vitamin D and we keep ourselves more active, socially and physically. To put it simple, the perfect formula for radiant skin.
Did you know all things green and gorgeous you eat could also bring back your summer skin glow at any time?
Yes, if you channel your inner chef, your skin will thank you. Superfoods are equally good to consume internally as externally. Check all the fruits, and other potent plant-based ingredients—most of which we already have on hand (or in the pantry, I should say)—and get in the kitchen to formulate your own mask or cleanser. Here’s some inspiration using staples from our superfood pantry, clean enough to eat. (And, most likely, delicious!)
Glowing Face Mask
This mask contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamins D and E, is anti-inflammatory, purifying, calming and has gently exfoliating properties. It’s perfect for the season, as it helps to shed dead-cells layers while nourishing and feeding your skin.
Steps
Whisk or stir 1/2 tsp matcha tea into 1 tablespoon water and set aside. Add to a small ceramic bowl 1/2 tbsp rice bran oil, 1 tbsp Manuka honey and 1 tsp chlorella and mix well with the brush. Pour slowly the brewed matcha, as needed, until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Be careful not to create too thin a consistency. If required, add more honey.
Apply to your clean face with the brush. Allow to sit for 20 minutes. I like to take a bath or meditate while I’m masking. It may be drippy, so lying down is smart.
Remove with lukewarm water, scrubbing gently to promote a light exfoliation. Your skin will feel dewy, cleansed and revived.
Comforting Chocolate Mask
Dark chocolate helps reduce dark spots and pigmentation and keeps skin glowing and healthy. It also works to bring back skin moisture and keeps it locked in, improves collagen content, and boosts circulation, all of which helps delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The flavonols (a type of flavonoids) can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density and hydration The perks: increased moisture, exfoliation, the smell of chocolate.
Steps
Combine 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder, 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt, and 2 tsp raw honey, then add any milk if needed and stir to form a paste.
Apply to face, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Brightening Papaya mask
The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish. Turmeric has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
Steps
Add to a bowl 1/2 cup of smashed ripe papaya, 2 tsp milk of your choice, 1 tbsp of honey, 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder. You can substitute papaya fruit by papaya fruit powder.
Apply to face, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water This one may also be drippy, so lying down is smart.
Chia Cleanser
A lot of people like microbeads because of the exfoliation, Chia seeds exfoliate (gently), and they have essential fatty acids which are extremely beneficial to your skin.
Steps
In a small bowl, combine the 1 1/2 tbsp white or green tea, (prepared and cooled) and 1 tbsp chia seeds. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the 4tbsps honey and ½ tsp lemon juice and mix well. If it’s too thick after a few hours when the chia seeds bloom, add another teaspoon of tea. Transfer to a small airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 10 days to 2 weeks.
Wash your face with an almond-size amount of cleanser. Rinse completely. Use twice daily.
Almond Meal Cleanser
Cleansing with nuts meals are a natural soap-free facial cleanser that softly exfoliate, removing excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin's beneficial moisture. Almond meal removes dry, dead skin and creates a lovely glow, reduces inflammation, contains an abundance of Vitamin E (an antioxidant which can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and is essential to maintaining healthy skin). Bonus: is gentle enough to be used on all skin types.
Steps
In a bowl add ¼ cup oat flour, ¼ cup almond meal, 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt, add rose or orange blossom water to stir until you get a paste. Transfer to a small airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 10 days to 2 weeks.
Then softly cleanse your face using small circular motions. Rinse with warm water and follow with toner and moisturiser.
The best natural skincare mimics a healthy diet, with nutrients at the forefront and only pure and life-giving ingredients. There’s no doubt that including superfoods in your diet has been a trend for quite a while and now the concept of superfoods in your skincare is growing too. Ready to apply those smoothies on your face?
Keep Glowing Naturally Beauties,
Sonia x