It's official: The juicing phenomenon has finally influenced the beauty industry. According to a Whole Foods trends prediction report, the ingredient labels on your skin-care products are about to start reading more like the menu at your go-to juice bar—and for good reason. Turns out that the benefits of superfoods (think celery, kale, and blueberries) aren't just limited to what comes from eating them or adding them to your morning smoothie. When formulated correctly, they can offer firming, brightening results, too. Ready to hop on the bandwagon? Keep scrolling to learn what your favorite juicing ingredients can do for your skin.
Why Superfoods in Skin Care?
"The beauty industry has seen significant consumer shifts this year due to COVID-19, and our trends are a true reflection of these changes," says Amy Jargo, global beauty buyer at Whole Foods Market. And with the global wellness industry estimated to be worth $4 trillion, it's safe to say that the juiced-up skin-care trend arose pretty naturally. "As customers seek out beauty solutions that are an extension of their total wellness, we are seeing more interest in these hero ingredients in skin care to support beauty and wellness inside and out," she says.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Ross, superfoods also contain amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that make them well-suited for optimizing skin health, specifically when it comes to environmental stressors. "Many skin problems are caused by or worsened by inflammation and environmental stress," Dr. Ross notes. "Incorporating ingredients to combat inflammation and all of the toxins in our environment makes sense."
Skin-Care Benefits of Superfoods
Celery has long been celebrated for its health benefits (seriously, our guts have never been healthier), but the superfood has been making waves for its beauty benefits when added to skin-care products, too. Says Dr. Ross, "Celery contains vitamin C and vitamin K, which are both healthy antioxidants for the skin. When incorporated into topical skin-care products, it's also hydrating since it has a high water content. Plus, some reports indicate it minimizes the appearance of pores and smooths the complexion." Bottom line: Check out this superfood if you have dry, parched skin.
Blueberries are another antioxidant-rich superfood and can help with discoloration. "Vitamins A, C, and E are all present in blueberries in healthy amounts to protect our skin from environmental stress as well as minimize the appearance of sunspots and uneven pigmentation," Dr. Ross tells us. They're also anti-inflammatory and, when applied topically, can help with things like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Finally, there's kale—aka the mother of all greens. Jargo explains that because kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, it can make a difference in your skin's radiance and brightness. What's more, Dr. Ross says that the nutrients present in kale can help protect us from developing thin, pigmented skin, which is a common issue our skin faces as we age.
Our Picks
Monat C. Radiance Illuminating Serum
Dr. Ross recommends this supercharged serum, which contains blueberry fruit extract and 100 times more vitamin C than an orange (#impressive). We love that it's quick-absorbing and that it imparts a radiant glow without feeling greasy.
Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
There's a laundry list of superfoods in this cleanser: kale to up the glow factor, spinach to sooth and condition, and green tea to fend off fine lines and wrinkles. Use it as part of your a.m. and p.m. skin-care routines to prevent buildup and cleanse pores.
Cocokind Texture Smoothing Cream
Celery seed extract is the hero ingredient in this silky skin-nourishing cream. Jargo says it helps firm and tone the skin, reduces the appearance of pores, and promotes a more even texture. And with vanity-worthy packaging (and a price tag that won't break the bank), it's easy to understand why it gets rave reviews.
Nau Overnight Rejuvenating Face Cream
Infused with carrot seed oil, this face cream balances the skin's moisture levels and protects from harmful environmental aggressors. Dr. Ross says that the beta-carotene and vitamin A present in carrots can also help reduce inflammation and encourage cell turnover, which is ideal for acne-prone skin.
Pur Cosmetics 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer
We love a good makeup/skin-care hybrid, and this concealer from Pur Cosmetics doesn't disappoint. Not only does it cover up last night's dark circles, but it features a blend of superfoods (think turmeric and elderberry fruit extract) for under-eyes that glow.
Wondergloss This Is Everything Beauty Facial Oil
If you've been neglecting your skin-care routine as of late, douse it with a few drops of this luxuriously exotic facial oil. It's made up of a unique blend of fatty-acid-rich superfood seed oils—including cranberry, pomegranate, avocado, marula, borage, and baobab. The result? Skin that feels loved.