You probably already know that what you put inside your body can be reflected on the surface – as in, on your skin. But here’s an interesting question: can the same foods and nutrients that nourish your skin from the inside also be used externally as topical treatments?
Take fruits, for example. We know that strawberries, goji berries and blueberries are packed with skin-supporting vitamins and antioxidants. And while we wouldn’t advocate simply smearing berries on your face, there are a few good reasons that skin creams and serums with berry-derived ingredients may be successful at keeping your date of birth a secret. (You need to see my I.D.? Aw, shucks!)
Vitamin C: A good source of vitamin C, extracts of exotic fruits such as acai berry and goji berry are showing up in many different skincare products, with promises to renew and rejuvenate. My favorite picks? Giovanni D-Tox System Lotion – it’s infused with pure acai and goji berries for intensive nourishment; and Home Health Goji Berry Facial Cream, a paraben-free formula packed with fruit-powered vitamins, antioxidants and other anti-aging ingredients.
Ellagic Acid: This naturally occurring nutrient is found in fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries. As a powerful antioxidant, ellagic acid has been studied for its potential protective powers against free radical-induced damage. There are many different skin products formulated to harness the anti-aging powers of blueberries, including Yes to Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum. (Check out the entire Yes to Blueberries collection, which features nourishing cleanser, overnight cream and more.)
Anthocyanin antioxidants: Responsible for the rich color and pigmentation that makes berries so appealing (who doesn’t love biting into a deep-red strawberry?), these antioxidants may also play a part in protecting and supporting skin’s structure, tone and texture. Want to reap the benefits of multiple berries at once? Try Andalou Naturals Bioactive 8-Berry Fruit Enzyme Mask. It’s made with a potent blend of antioxidant-rich berries, fruit stem cells and other essential nutrients to help renew, repair and regenerate skin’s youthful appearance.
Have your berries and eat them, too.
As we stated before, snacking on (or consuming supplements with) these nutrient-rich berries also has stellar skin benefits. One cup of blueberries delivers almost 25% of your daily value for collagen-supporting vitamin C, plus the skin-protecting powers of ellagic acid. Strawberries have a similar nutritional profile – these juicy fruits are packed with vitamin C to support the skin’s natural production of collagen. (Smoothies for smoother skin, anyone?)