Not a fan of veggies, but still want to somehow work in your daily does of broccoli, spinach, and kale? You can get your “serving” of these nutritious goodies without having to munch on a tasteless salad. (I mean, really, salad is SO dull). Luckily for those of us who aren’t big on eating greens, plenty of beauty products are including these antioxidant-rich foods into their formulas — letting us sneak in the food group without having to actually eat it!
Kale
Health fanatics know kale as a superfood and for good reason. Jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and Vitamin C, this veggie is good for your insides as well as your outsides. Try Eminence Citrus & Kale Potent Masque ($70), which uses kale and other leafy greens’ high antioxidant content, to improve the appearance of skin’s elasticity for a youthful look.
Spinach
Maybe you recoiled at grassy, strength-building vegetable as a kid, but in skincare you should be its biggest fan. Spinach, along with other leafy green phytonutrients, are used in products like Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack ($22) to clean and protect the skin against environmental pollutants, drawing out impurities and conditioning the skin.
Broccoli
Bursting with vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients. Not only important to eat, broccoli extract is used in the Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser ($58) to thoroughly clean the skin and refine pores, clearing them of excess oil and dead skin.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are loaded with nutrients, omega-3s, high in both fiber and protein, but still low in calories. Products containing this health-boosting food use the nutrients and vitamins of organic chia to nourish skin and reduce oil without stripping the skin of moisture. Try One Love Organics Chia Whip (150 mL $28) or Perricone MD Chia Serum ($75) to get your daily chia seed dose.
Avocado
Nope, it’s not just for guacamole! Avocadoes are known for their healthy fat concentration and tons of vitamins. Put these benefits to good use in skincare with Oil Essentials Neroli & Avocado ($13) or Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (.5oz., $29), which help restore the natural moisture barrier in the skin due to avocado’s soothing properties.
Papaya
Refreshing and sweet, papaya is a favorite fruit for many. But don’t rule this tropical fruit out when it comes to skincare: The restorative properties of papaya are often combined with other healing botanicals to soften and improve the skin. Try Nature’s Gate Papaya Moisturizing Lotion ($12) or June Jacob’s Papaya Body Balm ($50) to get your own taste of papaya skincare.
Chamomile
Anti-inflammatory and reparative, chamomile is a necessity to soothe and calm skin. To preserve the skin’s natural barrier, try an intensely moisturizing lotion such as Weleda Skin Food ($19).
Pomegranate
Cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory, pomegranates are not only delicious, but extraordinarily healthy as well. Their beauty benefits regin supreme due to their molecular structure that deeply penetrates layers of skin to provide additional moisture. Try Elemental Herbology’s Cell Food Radiance & Vitality Facial Serum ($84),which uses pomegranate to moisturize and hydrate while also evening out the skin tone.
Wheatgrass
Full of proteins, minerals, and antioxidants, wheatgrass is as nutirious for your skin as it is for your body. Using a body wash such as Lush Grass Shower Gel ($28.95) containing wheatgrass, nourishes weathered skin and can help calm a sore, sunburned or irritated outer layer.
