We can all agree that the changing of the seasons - especially the transition from warm to cold weather - takes a rough toll on our skin.  Cracked lips, red cheeks, and flaky skin all noticeably increase once the temperature drops and the humidity disappears. Here’s a list of 8 superfood ingredients to incorporate into your beauty routine everyday for some extra winter hydration!

 

Avocado

An avocado is packed with a healthy fat called oleic acid which produces a natural sebum, keeping the skin hydrated.  While you can simply rub your skin with the inside of the avocado peel after scooping out the fruit, many people love to make their own face masks using this superfood to get those hydrating benefits.  One easy way to retain moisture with avocado is to mix ½ of the avocado with ½ cup of oatmeal and leave it on for about ten minutes. Applying avocado topically in face masks, hair masks, and moisturizers is not the only way to get those hydrating benefits for the skin, however.  Simply spread it on a slice of toast for breakfast to hydrate your skin from the inside out!

 

Wild Salmon

This might not be one that you want to apply to your face, but wild salmon is a great superfood to consume for hydrated skin.  Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and retain moisture in the skin. The best part about salmon is that it is such a versatile ingredient that makes for an awesome breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  It can be baked, grilled, even smoked. My favorite way to incorporate salmon into a meal is to spread cream cheese on a wheat bagel and top it with a few slices of smoked salmon and chives. There are tons of creative and easy ways to include this fish into meals!

 

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes contain potassium and pantothenic acid which help to moisturize the skin.  Pantothenic acid can be applied topically to moisturize while also get rid of any excess oils on the skin.  Sweet potatoes are a versatile dish, as well. They can be roasted, baked, mashed, grilled, and can even be eaten raw in moderation.

 

Honey

The antioxidants in honey protect the skin from environmental aggressors, while also allowing for a radiant complexion.  It is a natural humectant - meaning it has the ability to help moisturize and absorb moisture. Honey can be applied to the skin by itself for a few minutes to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin.  Additionally, honey contains gluconic acid, which is great for exfoliating the skin. Our PUMPKIN TUMERIC 2-in-1 Radiance Polishing Mask is great for getting all of the benefits of this superfood ingredient.  Apply it to the skin and relax for about 5 minutes. Before rinsing, rub the product in with your fingers to exfoliate.

 

 

Black Chia Seeds

Like salmon, black chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids.  It can help with irritation and anti-aging, while keeping the skin super hydrated.  Applied topically, black chia seed oil has even been shown to treat dry skin that was linked to underlying medical problems.  Our TONE UP Primer Essential Glow uses the powerful benefit of black chia seeds to restore moisture into the skin.  Pair it along with the PUMPKIN TUMERIC Radiance Polishing Mask for a soft complexion with a natural glow.  For the month of January, we paired the two together in our Radiance Duo.  Normally $80, you can get it for $50!

 

Mango

Mango contains many ingredients that are great for hydrating the skin.  This healthy and delicious tropical fruit contains potassium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E which help to hydrate the skin and protect it against free radicals.  To get the benefits of the mango, it can either be applied topically or consumed. Mango can be combined with honey and avocado for a DIY moisturizing face mask.  It is also a great ingredient to use to spice up any meal. Mangos can be used in salads and salsas. It can be used to top off a parfait, in smoothies, or just chopped up in a delicious fruit salad.

 

Matcha

This seems like an obvious one, but due to its extreme moisturizing properties, it’s not one that I could skip.  This Japanese green tea not only has the health benefits of detoxifying the body and aiding in the immune system, but it is also extremely beneficial in moisturizing the skin.  Drinking matcha will help lock moisture into the skin, reduce inflammation, and combat aging. If you aren’t so fond of the taste, there are plenty of moisturizers that you can apply topically that contain matcha.

Additionally, there are a ton of DIY matcha powder masks for you to try out for yourself!

 

Dark Chocolate

While all of the foods above are delicious, we can’t help that sometimes we have a sweet tooth! You might be thinking - how is chocolate a superfood? Well, a true dark chocolate is much different from a bag of M&Ms.  It is known to be good for your anabolic health, reducing stress, improving your mood, and even replenishing dry skin and keeping it well nourished. Dark chocolate contains fewer carbohydrates - less sugar and more fiber - than regular milk chocolate.  It is loaded with iron, calcium, and vitamins, such as Vitamins C and E, to moisturize the skin. When eaten in moderation (about a square each day) you will start to notice the amazing health, hair and skin benefits of dark chocolate!

 

Enjoy your new superfood beauty routines!