Eating the rainbow is such an amazing practice for your well-being both inside and out. It’s no wonder some of my favorite clean beauty products are derived from foods that are good for your skin and body.
Actually, my approach to skincare is very similar to my approach to food. I look for products made from clean, healthy ingredients that are safe enough to eat.
Since the skin is our body’s biggest organ, a lot of nutrients found in our favorite colorful foods like pomegranate and pumpkin also enhance the overall health of our skin when they’re applied topically.
Just as your body needs nutrients like antioxidants, chlorophyll, collagen, hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, and minerals, your skin needs these things too for a naturally healthy glow.
Below are a few of my favorite foods that not only taste great but provide tons of beauty benefits:
Pomegranate –
Pomegranate is one of the best foods for healthy skin complexion. It is rich in Vitamin C, a proven skin-enhancing ingredient that brightens the skin, as well as antioxidants with free-radical fighting and anti-inflammatory benefits.
And if you love luxurious, shiny hair, the pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that make hair follicles stronger and improve blood circulation in the scalp—factors that help to stimulate hair growth.
Pomegranate peel extracts are also rich in tannins that help lock in color pigments which helps enhance natural hair colors making them more vibrant. Additionally, pomegranate seeds are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and essential minerals that promote healthy skin. The seeds also boost collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Cranberries –
A lot of clean beauty products are derived from cranberries because cranberry seed oil is especially rich in skin-protecting ingredients. It contains forms of Vitamin E that protect the skin, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 essential fatty acids that moisturize, and antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors. Plus, it smells delicious and absorbs quickly into the skin. The fruit itself is rich in antioxidants including Vitamin C as well as potassium and manganese.
Carrots –
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a natural retinol alternative that helps stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, and smooth the skin. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Pumpkin –
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies and lattes! Pumpkins are packed with natural fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate the skin.
Our skin tends to dry out and build up dead skin cells during colder months, leaving our skin looking dull.
Beets –
This bright, sweet, and flavorful veggie is a powerhouse of protein, fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Beets get their bright red color from betalain, an incredible antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Beetroot juice is often juiced as a DIY scalp rinse to soothe itchy, dry scalp. Beetroot provides essential minerals and vitamins for healthy hair by strengthening the follicles.
Beets are also a must-have in your beauty regimen to deal with various skin issues. It is used in topical ointments for acne as well as itchy and dry skin.
Sweet Potato –
Like carrots, sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, a natural retinol alternative. They are rich in pantothenic acid, a moisturizing molecule that hydrates and nourishes the skin.
Sweet potatoes also contain many of the nutrients that are important for hair growth, including potassium, B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin C.
Guava –
Guava fruits actually contain more Vitamin C than oranges. Guava leaves are just as packed with nutrients and have been used in Latin America and Asia as a hair and scalp rinse to promote healthy hair growth. The leaves contain vitamin B and C to stimulate collagen production, lycopene to protect it from the UV rays, and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Avocado –
Some of the creamy green avocado lotions I’ve tried look good enough to eat! It’s not surprising that all those amazing healthy fats that avocados have an abundance of are not only good for your health, but they can also do wonders for skin, especially the delicate skin under your eyes.
And if you want to cleanse your face from impurities and increase circulation, you should definitely check out an avocado mask.
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Remember, the informed choices you make in terms of diet and beauty products are what will help give you that inner and outer glow. I hope these natural ingredients inspire your inner and outer beauty routine!
And if you’re looking for some delicious recipes featuring these superstar foods, you can find them all here.
XO – Serena
