It’s an era of self love, organic movements, and embracing ones natural beauty. One of my goals for 2020 has been to eliminate all of my harsh skincare products and find my natural glow. While nourishing yourself from within, its also vital to be aware of what your body is soaking in topically. Did you know that common food items can be used as part of your daily beauty routine to fight dryness, uneven skin tone, acne, and more? Let’s tap into the wonders of vitamin and enzyme rich foods that will bring out your true beauty. Try these 7 foods to brighten your complexion naturally.
1
PAPAYA
This tropical fruit is rich in antioxidants and Vitamins A,B, & C. It contains papain, an enzyme that in conjunction with Vitamin A, removes dead skin cells, reduces acne, renews, and moisturizes to create glowing skin. This enzyme naturally lightens and brightens skin with consistent use. Flavonoids (plant chemicals that contribute to the vibrant color) present in papaya can increase collagen and rejuvenate skin for a soft and supple appearance and feel.
DIY Papaya Mask
1/3 cup fresh papaya cubes
1 tablespoon honey
Mash ingredients together to form a paste. Then spread over face, avoiding eye area, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
2
GRAPEFRUIT
Citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit are rich in retinol antioxidants and have vast restorative properties. Grapefruits can fight wrinkles, oiliness, uneven skin tone and texture. As Grapefruit is more gentle on skin than lemon, it’s better for those with sensitivity. Grapefruits also fight free radicals and have astringent properties that combat oily skin, acne, and blackheads.
Grapefruit Sugar Exfoliant
Juice from 1/2 of a grapefruit
2 tablespoons ground oats
1/2 cup extra fine sugar
2 drops chamomile essential oil
Mix together all of the ingredients. Apply to skin, avoiding the eye area. Then massage all over face very gently with fingers in a circular motion for one to two minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. This can be used on legs or arms as well to reveal brighter skin!
3
POTATOES
Potatoes are high in Vitamins A, C, B, Phosphorus, and iron. They contain an enzyme called catalase that brightens skin and reduces hyperpigmentation. Applying potatoes to the skin can also reduce wrinkles, reduce puffiness, calm itchy winter skin, and revive a fatigued appearance.
DIY Potato Dark Spot Treatment
Simply cleanse face as usual. Then slice a potato. Gently massage an exposed slice all over your face for 10 minutes, concentrating extra on areas that have dark spots. Then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, juice a potato. Apply 2 tablespoons of juice over the skin and leave on for 15 minutes then rinse off.
4
TOMATOES
Tomatoes are acidic, high in potassium, and Vitamin C. They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and cellular damage. Lycopene can aid in sun damage and give you back your glow. Tomatoes are astringent so they can clear pores, reduce sebum build up, and clean surface oil.
Cooling Tomato Mint Skin Masque
1/2 small organic tomato, mashed
2 mint leaves, crushed
Grind up the tomato pulp and mint using a mortar and pestle or any method of choosing. Apply to face, avoiding eye area and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.
5
YOGURT
Yogurt is an incredible skin care ingredient that can give you glowing, rejuvenated, and younger looking skin. It has lactic acid that can tighten pores, reduce fungus, and remove dead skin cells. Vitamins like zinc, calcium, and B vitamins will soothe and moisturize tired skin. Use yogurt on your face for brighter skin that looks instantly perked up.
Use yogurt with other foods like carrots that are rich in beta carotene, and honey to pamper dry skin.
Yogurt and Carrot Dry Skin Mask
1/4 c yogurt
1 tablespoon carrot
2 teaspoons honey
Add ingredients to a small blender and pulse until smooth. Then apply to face for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
6
HONEY
Honey has long been used for more supple and radiant skin. With anti bacterial properties and antioxidants that can slow down the aging process, honey is a staple in many skin care products. Manuka Honey has skin healing properties that can help with itchy skin or eczema and inflammation.
Honey Cinnamon Masque
2 tablespoons Manuka honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mix all ingredients together. Brush on a thin layer over face and neck, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Then thoroughly rinse off with warm water.
7
POMEGRANETE
This fruit is bold in flavor and anti aging compounds! The high amounts of antioxidants in pomegranates clear pores, increase circulation of the skin, act as a barrier for hyper pigmentation and sun damage while regenerating the epidermis. This super-food is also said to tighten skin by re stimulating collagen and elastic production.
Anti-Aging Pomegranate Mask
1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds, ground
1 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
Grind up pomegranate seeds. Then mix with remaining ingredients. Apply a thin layer to face and neck, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Thanks for reading 7 Foods To Brighten Your Complexion! Share this post and follow me on Instagram for more food fun!
*Please note that if you have allergies to any of these ingredients you should not use them. These methods are not intended to treat or cure any diseases or problems, as you should always consult a doctor.
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References
https://www.healthline.com/health/papaya-benefits-for-skin , https://thatsitfruit.com/blog/10-interesting-facts-about-pomegranates/ , https://health.allwomenstalk.com/interesting-facts-about-honey/ , https://oureverydaylife.com/88638-grapefruit-skin-benefits.html , https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/10-amazing-beauty-benefits-of-yogurt-for-skin-and-hair/, https://oureverydaylife.com/use-raw-potato-face-lighter-skin-29166.html
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