Superfoods for Super Beauty — As Seen on “Great Day Houston”
You know the saying “You are what you eat?” Well, your skin and hair’s condition might also be related to the ingredients they’re eating up! Just like quinoa bowls, matcha lattes, and kale smoothies can give your body the energy and nourishment it needs, these nutrient-dense super foods can do wonders for your skin and hair when applied topically. Which superfoods have made their ways fro our plates to our beauty products? Well, I chatted about some of the buzziest foods in the beauty biz on “Great Day Houston” (you can watch the segment video embedded above or click here to watch it on KHOU.com) — and, of course, chatted about some of my fave products featuring these ingredients!
Read on for more details on the superfood-packed products featured!
SUPERFOOD SPOTLIGHT: MATCHA TEA
You’ve seen those green lattes on your Instagram feed and wondered, what in the world is that? Well, most likely, you were looking at a shot of a Matcha latte. How is Matcha different from any other green tea? Well, it’s made from the camellia sinensis plant, just like other green teas, but what makes Matcha unique is the way it’s harvested and prepared. Only the youngest and greenest tea leaves are used to make Matcha — in fact, about six weeks before harvest, the plants intended to be used for Matcha are covered so as to be almost fully shaded from direct sunlight. Shielding the plants from the sun’s rays makes them produce more chlorophyll and amino acids (among them L-Theanine, which plays an important role in skin hydration). When the leaves are finally picked, they’re laid out to dry and stone-ground until a finely milled powder is produced. This bright green powder is what we call Matcha and it’s prepared by simply whisking the powder into hot water. This, too, accounts for its higher nutrient levels — while most tea is steeped in hot water so that only a portion of the tea’s nutritional properties make it into our beverages, with Matcha we consume the whole tea leaf and hence get more of those antioxidants and amino acids.
What does it do for the skin or hair? Well, because of its high antioxidant content, Matcha can defend the skin against oxidative stress resulting from environmental aggressors and pollution. Moreover, Matcha is really rich in catechins (a type of antioxidant) — particularly in EGCG. One study showed that 1 cup of Matcha has 137 times as much EGCG as a cup of regular green tea. This is particularly important within the context of healthy hair since ECGC has been shown to boost circulation along the scalp, promoting hair growth and strengthening hair follicles. This, in turn, makes Matcha a natural fit for hair care product formulations
PRODUCT FEATURED: Not Your Mother’s Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Butter Masque
This indulgent hair mask helps to restore damaged strands as it’s packed with antioxidants and amino acids. And, because matcha has antibacterial properties, the masque also helps to purify the scalp so that nutrients can really penetrate the skin and stimulate hair follicles. Like all Not Your Mother’s products, the Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Butter Masque ($9 at ULTA) features plant-derived ingredients and is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, dyes, and gluten. To use, you just work the masque into damp, clean strands, leave it on for 2-5 minutes, and rinse.
It smells absolutely heavenly, and it doesn’t weigh hair down but, instead, makes it feel softer and bouncier.
SUPERFOOD: CHIA SEEDS
It’s become trendy to pour some them into yogurt cups or sprinkle them into rice bowls and salads, but chia seeds are hardly a new discovery. In fact, they were prized by the Aztecs and Mayans: the word “chia” is actually derived from the Mayan word for “strength,” and some historians say that warriors from these ancient civilizations traveled with chia seeds, knowing these grains would fulfill their nutritional needs during arduous journeys. The Aztecs were onto something as the nutritional profile of chia seeds — particularly their protein and omega-3 content — is beyond impressive: two tablespoons of chia seeds have the same amount of protein as one egg, and one tablespoon of chia seeds has the same amount of omega-3 contained in a 4 oz. serving of salmon. That means that, gram for gram, chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. Beyond their amino acid profile, chia seeds contain antioxidants and are known to have calming and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these attributes make chia seed oil incredibly valuable as a skincare ingredient that can replenish lost moisture, calm irritated skin, strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, and restore a dewy and healthy glow.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: Nubian Heritage Abyssinian Oil & Chia Seed Collection
Designed to counteract aging signs on the body — think droopy elbows and knees or dull-looking arms and legs— the Nubian Heritage Abyssinian Oil & Chia Seed Bath and Body collection makes you feel like you’ve taken a soak in the Fountain of Youth. The collection is comprised of a Bar Soap ($4.99 at Vitamin Shoppe stores and VitaminShoppe.com) with a shea butter base; a sulfate-free Body Wash ($11.99 at Vitamin Shoppe stores and VitaminShoppe.com); a lightweight Body Lotion ($11.99 at Vitamin Shoppe stores and VitaminShoppe.com); a Hand Cream ($9.99 at Vitamin Shoppe stores and VitaminShoppe.com); an aluminum-free Deodorant ($8.99 at Vitamin Shoppe stores and VitaminShoppe.com); and a Hand and Body Scrub ($12.99 at Vitamin Shoppe stores and VitaminShoppe.com). All these products contain chia seed oil, along with abyssinian oil, which was made famous by Ethiopia’s Queen of Sheba as the ruler relied on it to keep her skin supple and soft. They also contain ginseng, which is rich in phytonutrients that increase the skin’s metabolism, increasing collagen production and cellular regeneration. Ginseng is also known to brighten the skin, so it’s the perfect addition to a range designed to keep skin looking radiant and taut!
SUPERFOODS: KALE EXTRACT, BROCCOLI SEED OIL, QUINOA SEED OIL, CHIA SEED OIL, FLAX SEED OIL, GOJI BERRY, MATHCA TEA, GINGER EXTRACT, PUMPKIN SEED OIL, AND BARLET EXTRACT
Yes, that’s a long list of super foods — from greens to grains and fruits — but that’s precisely the beauty of the products in the Elemis Superfood Skincare Range. While other brands have focused on one or two superfoods, Elemis went all in, creating an entire range of products that tap into the skin healing, rejuvenating, brightening, firming, and protective properties of over a dozen super foods. Here’s a bit of a cheat sheet on what makes each of these superfoods special:
— Wheatgrass extract: Not only is wheatgrass rich in amino acids and vitamins, but it also contains 98 of 102 earth elements — among them magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s particularly popular in anti-acne treatments as it has great detoxifying and antibacterial properties, but it’s also said to have brightening benefits.
— Broccoli seed: High concentration of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, along with powerful antioxidants
— Avocado Oil: Because oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid) accounts for 63% of avocado oil’s fatty acid content, the oil can penetrate the skin more deeply than many other botanical oils, which makes it particularly effective as a moisturizer and anti-aging treatment.
— Pumpkin seed oil: Because it’s rich in vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin seed oil can help to firm and tighten the skin and it also protects the skin against environmental aggressors. Also, it contains minerals like zinc, which has skin-tightening properties, and selenium, which helps to regulate oil production and keep skin balanced and acne-free. It also features Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that moisturize the skin, leaving it smooth and supple.
— Goji berry: They’re known as superfruits for a reason! Goji berries contain a number of flavonoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, crytoxanthin, and xanthophyll that protect the skin from UV rays and other environmental aggressors. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, which has brightening properties and also stimulates collagen production, working to keep skin looking radiant and firm.
— Kale extract: This leafy green is loaded with vitamins A, C, B6 and K. Both vitamins A and C have known anti-aging benefits (and the latter can brighten skin in addition to stimulating collagen production), while vitamin K tightens the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
— Barley extract: Rich in amino acids, barley also contains selenium, which helps to preserve the skin’s elasticity, and azelaic acid, which works as an anti-inflammatory and decongests pores so as to keep skin clear and acne-free.
— Chia seeds: This super grain is a great source of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, as well as vitamin C, tocopherols and phytosterols.
— Quinoa: Because it contains all 8 amino acids, quinoa has amazing anti-aging properties: these amino acids can penetrate the dermis (the deeper layers of the skin) and trigger the production of new, healthier collagen. It also contains vitamin A, which also stimulates collagen production and helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and vitamin B3, which helps to treat acne and soothe any redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. Its vitamin E content, meanwhile, helps skin to neutralize the free radicals that lead to collagen degradation.
— Matcha tea: Packed with antioxidants, Matcha tea helps to defend the skin from the environmental aggressors that lead to premature skin aging.
— Flax seed: This grain contains Omega 3 fatty acids that correct any redness and soothe the skin.
— Rice bran oil: Because it’s rich in omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, rice bran oil conditions and softens the skin, while its vitamin E content helps it protect the skin from free radicals.
— Macadamia oil — This prized oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids like Omega 9, which softens and moisturizes skin; Omega 6, which helps to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and keep it hydrated for longer periods of time; Omega 7, which combats fine lines and wrinkles; and Omega 3, which reduces redness, calms any signs of external stressors, and hydrates the skin.
— Cucumber oil: Known for its cooling and soothing properties, cucumber extract is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids.
— Rosehip seed oil — A great source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, rosehip seed oil is often used in anti-aging formulations as it keeps skin supple and soft.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: Elemis Superfood Skincare Range
The name of the Elemis Superfood skincare collection says it all — this isn’t just an assortment of products with one or two superfoods but, rather, a range of offerings formulated with multiple nutrient-dense ingredients that feed and power the skin. Elemis initially forayed into the superfood space with its best-selling Superfood Facial Oil ($55 at Elemis.com), a lightweight, non-greasy oil that balances the skin and leaves it looking radiant and healthy thanks to a Superfood Complex comprised of broccoli seed oil, cucumber oil, flax seed oil, macadamia oil, rice bran oil, Daikon radish oil, poppy seed oil, and rosehip seed oil.
After the success of the Superfood Facial Oil, Elemis decided to develop en entire range of skincare products that would work synergistically, each featuring a unique array of antioxidant-packed, vitamin-rich, fatty acid-loaded, mineral-rife superfoods. The current range, then, includes the Superfood Facial Wash ($25 at Elemis.com), the Superfood Day Cream ($45 at Elemis.com), and the Superfood Night Cream ($55 at Elemis.com). All three products contain a prebiotic designed to support the good microflora (a term for beneficial bacteria) on the skin’s surface, helping to maintain the skin’s ecosystem. When the skin’s microflora is balanced, the skin can then focus on all the regenerative and rejuvenating activities it has to perform as opposed to expending so much energy on tackling dehydration, defending against environmental stressors, and so forth. This pre-biotic, then, allows the superfoods in each product to more effectively nourish the skin.
The Superfood Facial Wash is incredibly refreshing and features a gel-like texture that gently removes makeup and impurities but which doesn’t leave skin feeling tight or dry. The cleanser contains wheatgrass extract, broccoli seed extract, kale extract, nettle extract, avocado oil, and organic pumpkin seed oil, all of which work to balance oil production, prevent breakouts, detox the skin while delivering deep hydration, brighten skin tone, and soften the complexion.
The Superfood Day Cream, meanwhile, features a Supergreen Complex comprised of goji berry, broccoli seed extract, ginger ferment, Matcha tea, Daikon radish, green mandarin and cucumber seed, and which also contains lactobionic acid to brighten skin and enhance hydration. The day cream, then, helps to hydrate the skin, soothe irritation and reduce redness, promote cellular regeneration and collagen synthesis, and protect against environmental aggressors.
Last but not least, the Superfood Night Cream helps to feed dry and depleted skin thanks to moisturizing sweet almond milk and a Supergrain Complex comprised of barley extract, chia seed oil, quinoa seed extract, flax seed oil, and rice bran oil.
SUPERFOOD: GREEK YOGURT
Did you know that Greek yogurt contains twice as much protein as regular yogurt? It’s also rich in calcium potassium, and vitamins. It’s also a natural source of probiotics which are essential to maintaining a healthy gut and, in turn, a functioning immune system — and this, of course, affects the skin as it’s an organ and its condition is directly tied to our internal health. When it comes to our hair, Greek yogurt can work wonders to strengthen and repair strands — after all, our hair isis mainly made of protein!
PRODUCTS FEATURED: HASK Greek Yogurt Repairing Blueberry & Açai Shampoo and Conditioner
The HASK Greek Yogurt collection of shampoos and conditioners harnesses the power of Greek yogurt while adding even more powerhouse ingredients. Available in three scents — Blueberry & Açai, Pomegranate & Cranberry, and Fig & Honey — each shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner addresses a unique hair-related concern. The Blueberry & Açai products, for instance, feature blueberries to help restore damaged hair and açai berry to prevent breakage, while the Pomegranate & Cranberry products are designed to keep hair color vibrant and true.
Free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, and drying alcohols, the shampoos and conditioners in this collection feature a unique dual chamber delivery system. When you look through each tube you’ll notice that the Greek yogurt is contained within an inner chamber, while all around its exterior, there’s a separate formula containing fruit ingredients. When you squeeze the shampoo or conditioner tubes, these inner and outer formulas converge, providing a perfect mixture of ingredients. Also, they smell like a yummy parfait!
The HASK Greek Yogurt Shampoo and Conditioner are available only at Walgreens and retail for $9.99 each.
SUPERFOOD: KAKADU PLUM
Native to Australia, Kakadu plum is one of the richest natural vitamin C sources on Earth. Ounce per ounce, it contains 55 times more vitamin C thank a Florida orange. This, of course, makes it a prized ingredient in skincare formulas since, as we well know, vitamin C can boost radiance, help to fade dark spots and create a more even skin tone, and stimulate collagen production, hence helping to boost the skin’s elasticity and decrease the appearance of fine lines.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: DermaDoctor Kakadu C Serum and DermaDoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil
Perhaps no skincare brand has explored the benefits of kakadu plum as thoroughly as DermaDoctor, which has an entire line of products that tap into this ingredient’s brightening, firming, and texture-improving benefits. On “Great Day Houston” I focused on two of my favorites: the Kakadu C Serum ($95 at DermaDoctor.com) and the Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil ($74 at DermaDoctor.com)
The Kakadu C Serum contains a 20% concentration of vitamin C, as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid, a phenolic phytochemical with antioxidant properties that fights free radical damage and helps to slow down sin aging. This serum, then, gives skin a radiance boost while softening fine lines and wrinkles.
The Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil, meanwhile, features a 20% concentration of vitamin C derived from five natural sources including kakadu plum and acerola cherry. Like the serum it also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, but it’s all the more hydrating thanks to the addition of maracuja and marula oils, both of which are packed with essential fatty acids that replenish the skin’s moisture balance and prevent moisture loss, keeping skin looking plum and dewy.
SUPERFOODS: BANANA AND TURMERIC
Bananas don’t get enough respect. We keep hearing about oranges and their vitamin C content (even though, technically, acerola cherries, goji berries, and guava all contain considerably more vitamin C per weight) or about how “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but bananas never seem to get any glory. Well, folks, that’s about to change! See both banana pulp and banana peel contain pro vitamin A, which the body converts into retinol. This substance, in turn, works to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin production, thereby helping to prevent cystic acne, fade dark spots and acne scars, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin a dewy glow. Both also contain vitamin C, which brightens the skin and stimulates collagen production, and antioxidants that protect the skin against UV rays and environmental aggressors.
Turmeric, meanwhile, has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it great for soothing acne-ravaged skin, decongesting pores, and clarifying the skin. It also contains turmerones that contain antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
PRODUCT FEATURED: FarmHouse Fresh Mighty Tighty Turmeric & Banana Tightening Mask
With a formula featuring a 98% concentration of natural ingredients, the vegan FarmHouse Fresh Mighty Tighty Turmeric & Banana Tightening Mask ($30 at FarmhouseFreshGoods.com) smells as delicious as freshly baked banana bread, but it’s really a sweet treat for your face. The anti-aging mask contains banana pulp and peel, turmeric extract, and echinacea purpurea, which is extremely high in antioxidants and helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, the mask contains three types of clay: Kaolin clay to pull out dirt and impurities lurking deep inside pores, preventing breakouts; and Illite clay and bentonite clay, both of which draw impurities, toxins, and excess oils away from the skin’s surface, thereby eliminating all the toxins that lead to premature skin aging while improving blood circulation and oxygenation so that all the beneficial minerals in these clays can be better absorbed by the skin.
To use, you simply apply the mask to clean skin, wait until it dries, and rinse off with warm water.
