Aging is a part of life. While there is no magic food that whisks or rubs away the wrinkles, what we might not realize is not only does what we eat affect our body internally, but projects externally.
Some superfoods – from commonly known foods that’re readily available to the more exotic kind – are better at combating the effects of aging and keeps us looking youthful by repairing our body inside and out.
Learn how to keep its integrity and radiance with these superfoods for skin!
- Avocado – Avocados are one of the best anti-aging foods you can eat, but you can also use them in your beauty routine too! Containing chlorophyll to reduce inflammation, water to hydrate, Vitamin E to promote softness and prevent wrinkles, avocados can be applied as a mask for your skin and you can either use them plain, or mix them with other healthy ingredients like cocoa grounds and coconut oil to combat the aging.
- Almonds – are a great source of vitamin E which can help repair skin tissue, retain skin moisture, and protect skin from damaging UV rays. Not only does it make a great snack but almond oil has many uses in home remedies, especially when combined with other essential oils – to help plump and firm the skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator, removing dry, dead skin cells to reveal the smooth, glowing skin underneath.
- Spirulina – is a dark green algae that grows on the surface of lakes. It contains 65 per cent protein and is packed with vitamins, iron, amino acids and omegas, thus, it is extremely nourishing. The antioxidants found in spirulina are four times the amount found in berries. The rich green colour comes from chlorophyll which helps to eliminate toxins from our body, while also boosting the immune system. It is highly alkaline so it is beneficial when ingested or applied on the skin. The best way to use spirulina topically is by applying a face mask which can help sooth, hydrate and brightens aging skin.
- Prickly Pear (Nagfani) – Prickly pear is a fruit belonging to the cactus family that possesses a wide range of benefits. With increasing popularity, prickly pear cacti are now cultivated in Australia too. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties have made this thorny fruit popular. The seeds of this fruit are cold pressed to prepare a beauty oil with skin-softening vitamins E and K and a good amount of skin hydrating and nourishing fatty acids. These prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, thus making prickly pear oil a good anti-aging agent.
Kakadu plum is used in many skin repair products - Kakadu plums (Gubinge) – Native to Northern Australia, the Kakadu Plum has been used for thousands of years by Indigenous Australians across Arnhem Land as a natural medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions and for its incredible health benefits. Whilst small in stature, it packs a powerful punch, boasting the richest source of Vitamin C in any food which can help dramatically increase the production of collagen, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and is naturally plumping. For this reason, this superfood is popularly used in many anti-aging and skin repair products.
Tip: Mix 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder with ½ teaspoon raw honey and ½ teaspoon water or aloe vera juic until smooth. Apply to a clean face, avoiding the eyes, nostrils and mouth using your fingertips or a brush. Allow to dry for 10 – 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Moisturise as usual.