You want to get good skin, and you’ve tried every skin-care routine there is. The truth is, one of your problems is you don’t eat fruits and vegetables. Even your dermatologist said that it would do you good if you ate a couple of servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Not only are they rich in antioxidants that your skin badly needs, but they also have anti-aging properties that will benefit your goal to age gracefully.
Everyone knows about do-it-yourself face masks at home. They include familiar pantry items such as egg yolk, oatmeal, honey, green tea, cucumber, and milk. You know that these are good when also consumed since they promote healthy skin in various ways when combined with a balanced diet. But since you’re not into eating them, you want to know if they are good applied topically as much as they are great when consumed. The answer is no, except for some instances.
The Difference Between Skin Absorption and the Digestive System
The digestive system is designed to break down food and absorb the nutrients from it. The skin isn’t designed like that. Instead, it acts as a protective barrier that prevents toxins and harmful substances from entering your body. The skin’s main function is to protect your body. That’s why it has the most abused cells, too.
Of course, there are medicines, creams, serums, and, yes, mashed food applied topically. The skin can absorb vitamins from these sources, too. They get vitamins A, C, and E from the cream that you apply every day. However, that doesn’t mean the skin can absorb all kinds of nutrients coming from mashed food.
There are exceptions. Soaps bars and creams made of vegetables and fruits are great for the skin because they are already manufactured for the skin to absorb. You can check out reliable websites such as harmonyandwellness.com.ph for some products that use vegetables like carrots for an anti-aging soap.
Fruits and Vegetables Commonly Used for Face Masks
The inability of the skin to absorb nutrients doesn’t mean that face masks made of fruits and vegetables aren’t great for your skin. They are, so you should make it a habit to make some DIY face masks from mashed oats, pureed cucumbers, and grounded coffee beans for your skin. Many of these types of food make for a great exfoliator and pore cleanser. Others can also moisturize your skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They can also heel puffy skin when they are cooled in the refrigerator, much like how a cucumber does its magic on swollen eyes.
Honey
The stickiness of the honey might avert you from wanting to put this on your face; however, honey is one of the best natural moisturizers on the planet. Manuka honey, in particular, is highly antibacterial, so applying it to your face will reduce the probability of acne and other kinds of blemishes. You don’t have to mix honey with other ingredients. You can apply it on its own, let it sit for a few minutes, and wash it off with warm water.
Acai Berries
Consumed on their own, acai berries have high levels of essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants. They fight against aging and improves blood flow to the skin. They almost have the same functions when applied topically, so you can mix them with your favorite natural face mask. You can mix them with oats and honey before using the mixture as a face scrub.
Oats
You will always find oats on the list of superfoods that are great for the skin. They help soothe irritated skin. If you have skin conditions like eczema, oats are great for it, too. You have to use the ground form of the oats, though, because the whole and rolled forms may be too sharp for the skin. Mix the oats with honey and yogurt to have a cooling face mask.
Coconut Oil
You can apply coconut oil on every area of your body—from your scalp down to your toes. Coconut oil has a long list of benefits both for consumption and topical application. It is rich in antioxidants and is also antifungal, so it’s best for dry and chapping skin. The best thing about coconut oil is you don’t have to mix it with other ingredients. On its own, you can slather it all over your body.
There are so many superfoods that you can try turning into a face mask. Although consuming them is more beneficial for your health, applying them topically makes sense, too, because the skin can absorb certain nutrients that will improve its appearance. The next time you have extra time on your hands, mix a couple of these ingredients and have a soothing face mask to shoo away the stress of the day.
