Superfoods You Need to Be Putting on Your Skin!

We are all familiar with the incredible benefits of superfoods taken internally but we are now becoming aware of how therapeutic they can be when applied topically on the skin. Our skin is in fact the last organ to receive nutrients from the food we eat. That means it is critical to feed the skin on the outside with an abundance of active foods and ingredients to target the its unique nutritional requirements to get that coveted glow! These five skin superfoods work wonders and are must-haves in your beauty regime.

Turmeric

Turmeric root is rich in curcumin, a potent antioxidant which has been used topically as an ancient beauty ritual for centuries.  Curcumin is the powerful compound which is responsible for turmeric’s skin benefits. It is known to be useful for brightening and whitening the skin, inhibiting acne causing bacteria, combating oil skin and protecting against ageing.

How does it work?

• Brightening and whitening. When it comes to skin whitening and brightening, curcumin effectively resolves hyperpigmentation as well as melanin production. When outside factors cause an increase in melanin production, the ACTH hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. This hormone supports MC1R, and this is one of the proteins that stimulate melanin production. Curcumin in turmeric restricts the ACTH hormone. This in turn reduces hyperpigmentation, lightening the skin.
• Breakouts and oily skin. The curcumin in turmeric has antibacterial properties, which deals with the bacteria that causes acne. It has been shown to be 36 times stronger than azelaic acid, an irritating chemical used in acne treatments. It’s anti-inflammatory properties means that it is also able to soothe painful cystic acne and redness.
• Ageing skin. Exposure to the sun causes wrinkles, skin thickening and pigmentation. This sun radiation increases the production of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). This is an enzyme that reduces collagen between the outer and middle layers of the skin. Turmeric inhibits the increase of MMP-2, which then prevents damage to skin from the sun.

You will find Turmeric Root and Turmeric Oil in our Turmeric Brightening Serum

Seaweed Collagen

Collagen derived from algae is a superfood when it comes to the skin as it harnesses the unique power of ocean plants to survive extreme conditions and adapt to changing environments. It contains unique antioxidants and amino acids to provide the skin with a burst of rejuvenating and renewing action.

How does it work?

• Collagen support. Recent research shows that a peptide extracted from algae stimulates production of four types of dermal collagen and elastin. This means seaweed collagen is a powerful tool in fighting wrinkle depth, stimulating skin renewal, and regenerating skin tissue.
• Anti-ageing. Seaweed collagen is rich in vitamins and amino acids which reinforce the skin cell membranes, protecting against free radical attacks, which accelerate ageing. It can also ‘re-organise’ the cell membrane structure to reverse cell damage and restore the skin to its natural state, combating sagging and loose skin.
• Ultra-hydration. Ocean pants have an incredible ability to retain moisture and work to effectively trap moisture into the skin’s epidermis. They are also abundant in essential marine fatty acids which help to maintain the skin’s lipid barrier to keep moisture in. What is fascinating about sea collagen is that it is an abundant source of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring acid found in the human body that acts as a lubricating agent for our skin. It works to strengthen the skin’s connective tissue and attract moisture enabling cells to lock in hydration, giving a plumping and firming effect and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is what makes seaweed collagen an excellent alternative to type I collagen derived from the bones and skin animals. Hyaluronic acid contains the same benefits as animal collagen whilst being cruelty free, more easily absorbed and less likely to cause reactions.   

You will find Seaweed Collagen and Seaweed Leaf in our Plant Collagen Plumping Serum

Broccoli Extract

Broccoli extract is a stellar source of vitamins including pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and omegas along with detoxification enzymes which encourage  glowing, youthful and even skin texture and tone.

How does it work?

• Protects and repairs. Broccoli has a super high concentration of sulforaphane, a molecule which is molecule is known to boost a protective and detoxifying reaction in the skin. It not only protects the skin from damage caused by pollution, it has also been found to help already sun-exposed skin repair and to even act as a mild sunscreen!
• Smooths. People are turning to broccoli extract as a natural alternative to retinol. It contains a natural source of vitamin A and C, both proven anti-ageing substances. It will also smooth and calm the skin without the redness and irritation associated with retinoid or retinol products.
• Hydrates and calms. In addition to vitamin A, broccoli seed oil also contains linoleic acid, which encourages ceramide production. Ceramides, are found in the top layer of the skin and not only regulate skin cells, but they also form a protective layer that retains moisture and visibly plumps the skin. By promoting ceramide production, broccoli seed can be especially helpful in hydrating and adding a more youthful appearance to skin. Broccoli extract also contains an abundance of fatty acids which are not only hydrating, they have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. One study has shown a 37 per cent reduction in erythema (redness) when broccoli extract was applied to skin.

You will find Broccoli Extract in our Broccoli Blue Light Revitalise Serum

Probiotics

Research is now providing incredible evidence around the power of probiotics to restore both our gut and skin health. The link between our gut and skin microbiome has been firmly established with altered gut bacteria being linked to acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. The skin can benefit from the topical application of probiotics just as the belly can! Whilst the top layers of the skin are dead there is actually an abundance of microflora living there affecting the skin’s appearance and glow. This is what we call the skin’s microbiome and keeping it in balance is essential to healthy skin. By “balance” we mean that we are maintaining the population of the good guys or bugs (residents) and reducing how long the bad bugs (transient bacteria) stick around.  When the skin’s microbiome is out of balance, the good microflora can become bad, leading to issues such as acne, skin sensitivity/redness and premature ageing.

How does it work?

• Reduces redness. Redness and rosacea are often a result of a weakened and altered skin barrier. This can occur as a result of overuse of retinoids, peels, harsh cleansers and even just our environment. The more we can rebuild and repair this barrier, the more redness and skin hypersensitivity will be reduced and eliminated. Probiotics applied topically act to restore the skin PH and acid mantle reducing skin sensitivity and strengthening the skin barrier.
• Acne Fighting. An altered microbiome in both the skin and gut can result in the tendency for the skin to overproduce sebum (oil) and breakout. Probiotics can work to restore the skin’s healthy microbiome (the probiotics on the skin surface) thereby reducing the incidence of breakouts. They can also attack bacteria which sit on the skin’s surface which are responsible for causing blemishes.
• Anti-ageing. A healthy skin microbiome can ensure that the skin is resilient and protected from environmental threats contributing to ageing. It can also enhance the skin’s ability to become and stay properly hydrated.

You will find Probiotics in our Microbiome Calming Milk 

Avocado

Avocado is an essential ingredient in everybody’s Sunday brunch, and we think it should be essential in your skincare routine as well. 

How does it work? 

• Breakouts and oily skin. Avocado oil is derived from Avocado plant esters and is a wonderful product for hormonal acne and oily T-zones, having been clinically shown to reduce a shiny T-zone is as little as three weeks. For those interested in the science, it works by reducing the activity of 5-alpha-reductase. 5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme which converts testosterone to DHT, one of the hormones that has been linked to excess oil production and acne.
• Moisturising and protecting. Avocado Oil contains carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E which help moisturise your skin and protect it from damaging UV rays. Avocado Oil is used to promote collagen production for younger looking skin.
• Carrier oil. Avocado Oil has been referred to as a carrier oil due to its high levels of oleic acid. This means that it combines with other oils and helps to absorb their nutrients deep into the skin. Avocado Oil acts as a humectant, drawing water molecules into the skin deeply hydrating and nourishing your skin.  

You can find Avocado Oil in our Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse