The benefits of nutrient-dense superfoods are no longer relegated to the kitchen. The beauty industry has been experimenting with including superfoods in products as a way of helping your body to absorb these extra nutrients. The antioxidants included in skincare, such as Vitamin A, C, and E, as well as phytonutrients, have been shown to help reduce inflammation and free-radical damage over time, according to Elizabeth Tanzi who is the founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care.

Your skin absorbs what you put on it over the course of the day. The idea behind superfood skincare is to ensure that your body is only absorbing premium ingredients that are harmless and chemical-free. Superfoods are nutritional powerhouses which may also help with addressing your skin’s specific needs, whether it’s blemish control, hydration, or reducing redness.

Absorption Rate
Our skin absorbs what we place it, transferring it into our bloodstream. In a way, our skin is ‘eating’ what we put on it, hence the concern around beauty products that contain high levels of chemicals. A study from the Environmental Working Group found 287 chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies. Of these, 217 were neurotoxins, and 208 are known to damage growth development or cause congenital disabilities. The absorption rate is particularly high in beauty products that you apply to your skin and wear all day, such as moisturizers. You could see more reviews here if you want to find the best ways to apply beauty products onto your face.  Whereas, cleansers that you wash off appear to be less harmful.

Humble Origins
Since the inclusion of some superfoods in beauty products is a relatively new concept, research is still being conducted to test the absorption rate of nutrients and their effect on the body. However, food-grade materials such as honey, licorice, and other herbs have been used on the skin for centuries. Mud baths, for instance, became popular in Rome around 100AD and mud is still used in purifying masks to this day.

Anti-inflammatory Properties
One of the key benefits of superfoods can be found in the fight against inflammation. This is particularly relevant for skincare as inflammatory skin diseases are the most common problem in dermatology.

Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may brighten the skin and reduce redness. It also contains salicylic acid, which helps to balance the skin’s natural oils and fight blemishes. Concentrated green tea powder, called “matcha,” also contains properties that help soothe and calm the skin. Premium organic varieties are best to ensure that the product has maximum potency and is chemical-free.

Hydration Benefits
Dry skin can be difficult to combat, and topical treatments often provide a superficial solution that disappears once it has been absorbed by the skin. Superfood skin treatments can help the body provide a plump, hydrated look to the skin, and could also deliver on key nutritional benefits.

The açaí berry is known to be particularly high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that can help to condition and hydrate the skin. Fatty acids are also very prevalent in chia seeds, so look for products containing any of these for an ultra-moisturizing boost.

Superfoods Go Skin Deep
Spirulina is a natural cleanser, as the pigment chlorophyll is touted to be good for detoxification. Using this as an organic cleanser on your skin clears the way for additional skincare products. When you’re working with antioxidants rather than harsh chemicals, it’s important to give the nutrients the best chance possible to enter your bloodstream and work their magic.

The skincare food trend is growing at a rapid rate, and many companies are jumping onboard by providing customers with natural, organic skincare products that are rich in nutrients. Don’t be afraid to mix and match with your superfood products.

Superfoods often work best in tandem and, unlike chemicals, the presence of more than one is less likely to offset the benefits of the other. Think about what your skin requires and look for superfood products that combine ingredients that can deliver those benefits. For instance, someone with combination skin that is dehydrated with blemishes should be looking for superfood skincare containing something like a mix of turmeric and seeds to deliver on anti-inflammatory properties and fatty acid hydration.

The great thing about superfoods in skincare is that even if you experiment with a product that’s not quite right for what your skin needs, you’ll still be getting natural, organic ingredients into your bloodstream that are great for your body and chemical-free!