Rana Good is the founder of Naïra NYC. A writer for publications such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Coveteur, Mens Journal and others, she created her own platform celebrating women of color.
As the saying goes, you are what you eat. That’s why a nutritious and vitamin-packed diet is often associated with improved health, weight management and glowing skin. Certain fruits and vegetables are considered to be exceptionally nutrient-filled and deemed “superfoods.” Popular pantry staples, they’ve made their way into our bathroom cabinets and impact how we cleanse, tone and moisturize our skin. Below are some popular superfood skincare ingredients you’ll want to stock up on to maintain “healthy” skin.
1. Spirulina
Spirulina is a form of algae that grows both in salt and fresh water. Also known as blue-green algae, this ingredient is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which is why it’s also making a splash in skincare. Enlist this superfood on your face by using Origins By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleaning Mask which is filled with nutrient-rich spirulina, spinach and green tea to help detox and purify your skin. Another great spirulina product is Youth to the People’s Age Prevention Superfood Mask which gives skin a firmer appearance and helps fine lines disappear.
2. Goji Berry
Goji berries have been popular in Asia for millennia and are said to have health-boosting qualities. They are derived from shrub-like plants and packed with Vitamin C, beta-carotene and fiber. In skincare, they are said to have free-radical fighting properties and can be found in serums such as Mad Hippie’s Antioxidant Facial Oil which softens and smoothes skin. People with sensitive skin will like Murad’s Soothing Gel Cleanser which removes makeup and oil with calming goji properties.
3. Açai
Love to start your day with a nutrient-rich açai bowl? Well it turns out what’s good to eat is also very good for your complexion. Açai berries are native to South and Central America and filled with Vitamin C and antioxidants (they are in fact, one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits in the world). They also contain fatty acids which are good for your skin and joints. Eminence’s Firm Skin Acai Cleanser gently removes oil and impurities from your skin while delivering antioxidant goodness to your complexion. To moisturize use Sol de Janeiro’s Acai Body Power Cream which contains Amazonian açai oil leaving your skin supple and replenished.
4. Moringa
Moringa is a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains Vitamin A, iron, calcium and phytochemicals said to improve liver function. It also has a high protein content which when applied to skin and hair has restorative and strengthening functions. Farmacy’s Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy™ contains Moringa and deeply cleanses skin from pollution and helps it feel refreshed. Or moisturize your whole body with KYPRIS Body Elixir made with moringa seed oil and essence of organic bitter orange blossoms.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used as a spice for thousands of years in India and has anti-inflammatory and free radical-fighting properties. This golden spice has also been linked to lower blood sugar and weight loss. Kiehl’s Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask gently exfoliates skin and gives it a healthy glow. Or give Osea’s Vitamin Sea Serum a try — it’s made with turmeric and helps give skin youthful vitality and firmness.