Your Skin From Within
Emaya highlights super foods reshaping the beauty landscape in the 2020’s
Our skin is a remarkable canvas, reflecting the intricate tapestry of our overall health and well-being. As the largest organ of our body, it serves as a protective barrier, a medium for sensory perception, and a canvas for our unique beauty. Yet, maintaining the health and vibrancy of our skin can often feel like a daunting task, fraught with a myriad of common issues such as acne, dermatitis, and premature aging.
However, the key to unlocking the secrets to radiant skin may lie not just in our skincare regimen, but in the very foods we consume. Numerous nutritionists and holistic health experts agree that "what you consume directly affects the condition of your skin." This growing recognition has ushered in a new era of kitchen staples transitioning into beauty essentials, with a particular fascination surrounding the transformative powers of superfoods.
Additionally, fuelled by the DIY beauty ethos fostered during lockdowns, there's a rising inclination towards applying certain superfoods directly onto the skin. This aligns with the broader shift towards 'clean' beauty products within the industry, with the migration of 'clean label' concepts from the food sector to cosmetics. Terms like vegan, organic, and gluten-free are now commonplace in beauty discussions.
To implement this trend in both our diets and skincare routines, we have researched which superfoods could offer beneficial additions to our shopping lists for the sake of skincare.
1.Turmeric
Turmeric, known for its natural antioxidant properties, has been the subject of thousands of studies highlighting its potential benefits for skin health. A 2001 study revealed its ability to aid in skin regeneration by enhancing collagen production. Additionally, research has shown that curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, has the potential to reduce UV damage, offering further protection against skin aging and damage caused by sun exposure.
The numerous benefits that turmeric offers for both skin and overall health make it a valuable addition to your diet. From indulging in turmeric lattes and whipping up no-bake turmeric energy balls to savouring flavourful curries, there are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate this versatile spice into your meals. Utilising turmeric as a skincare treatment for addressing hyperpigmentation is becoming popular as well as using turmeric in various skincare applications, such as mixing it with your favourite mask or combining it with honey and sugar to create an exfoliating scrub, to achieve glowing, healthy skin.
At Emaya you have a choice of three turmeric based blends to choose from: TURMERICHAI Star-Latté, Orange-Spice and Pumpkin- Spice. Used twice daily in a simple tea, or added to your morning oats, yoghourt or smoothie are just a few suggestions of how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.
2. Moringa:
Moringa oleifera, renowned for its abundance of vitamins and protein, stands out as a skincare powerhouse. It surpasses oranges with seven times more vitamin C, crucial for combating free radicals that contribute to wrinkles, premature aging, and skin sagging. Additionally, the protein content in moringa aids in shielding skin cells from harm. A 2014 study further supported its efficacy, suggesting that topical application of moringa extract can rejuvenate the skin and diminish signs of aging. Referred to as 'the tree of life,' moringa originates from India but thrives in regions across Asia, Africa, and South America.
We recommend incorporating any of Emaya’s Moringa based blends, such as MORINGACHAI Holy-Maté or TURMORINGA Lemon & Lime into your diet on a regular twice-a-day basis. Make a simple tea, or blend into smoothies or add into curries and sauces. Results are accumulative and it’s recommended that at least 3 months of use to see results.
3. Olive Leaf
Did you know that consuming olive leaf can be a game-changer for your skin? Beyond its culinary uses, olive leaf is packed with polyphenols - beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties that may help keep you healthy and protect against various diseases. They can be subdivided into flavonoids, phenolic acid, polyphenolic amides, and other polyphenols. By incorporating olive leaf into your diet, whether through teas, supplements, or incorporating it into your meals, you're providing your skin with a powerful dose of nutrients that help combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.
From reducing acne flare-ups to improving skin elasticity and hydration, the benefits of consuming olive leaf extend far beyond the kitchen. Emaya recommends TURMORINGA Lemon & Lime served as a chai or tea, or simply sprinkle it into your favourite dishes for a tasty way to support your skin's natural radiance.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can be incorporated into your skincare routine as a means to combat inflammation associated with acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A, B, C, and E, along with folic acid, all of which possess anti-inflammatory properties. It’s recommended using the inner gel of the leaf and 100% aloe juice from the inner leaf can be consumed internally. We suggest mixing one third of a cup of aloe juice with two thirds of a cup of coconut water for enhanced hydration and a radiant complexion. Besides consuming aloe juice, its historical use is as a topical treatment in the beauty industry, which makes it versatile for both internal and external use. Due to its potassium and sodium content, fresh aloe is particularly hydrating to the cells, organs, and skin.
5.. Fruit:
There is a significant impact of diet and hydration on overall health and appearance, particularly on the skin. Consulting a dermatologist for severe skin issues and ensuring the prioritisation of sufficient sleep and stress management will all help to support a healthy glow. Hydration and a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruit, which provide a plethora of skin-nourishing and protective compounds is key.
Specific fruits can contribute to skincare. You might be surprised to find that everyday fruits can possess 'superfood' qualities for skin health. Oranges and other citrus fruits offer a very good source of Vitamin C and hydration, essential for skin growth and repair. Additionally, berries are recommended for their antioxidant properties and abundance of Vitamin C.
6. Sea Moss:
Sea moss holds a longstanding tradition of use in regions like Ireland, Africa, and Jamaica. Internally, sea moss aids in cell, blood, and tissue development. The entire plant can be soaked, cleaned, and transformed into a gel, suitable for incorporation into smoothies, juices, or tea. As a topical application, sea moss serves as a healing face mask for acne scars and discolouration. It’s one of the few vegan sources of EPA, an omega fatty acid that regulates oil production, diminishes premature aging, and alleviates acne. It’s rich content of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids, all contribute to skin hydration and support healthy cellular function.
7. Green Tea
According to studies the polyphenols found in green tea can lower sebum production, potentially aiding in acne prevention. This suggests that incorporating green tea into your skincare routine may be beneficial. Research from a 2017 review highlights the presence of EGCG in green tea, which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These properties have demonstrated effectiveness in treating acne and oily skin, further emphasizing the potential benefits of green tea consumption for skincare.
8. Purple Tea
When it comes to superfoods for skin, a new contender has emerged - purple tea. This vibrant variation surpasses green tea in its antioxidant properties and skin-rejuvenating abilities. Within Emaya's Moringachai lineup, purple tea takes centre stage, offering a powerhouse of nutrients that outshine traditional green tea. Rich in anthocyanins and catechins, purple tea not only aids in skin protection but also promotes a youthful complexion from within.
