From honey and avocado to goji berries and coconut, superfoods are taking over our skincare and cosmetic products as well as our salads and smoothies. While we know our internal health has a strong correlation to our external appearance, what exactly defines a superfood and are they really effective when applied in cosmetic form?
According to Auckland-based naturopath Lisa Fitzgibbon, all plant-based wholefoods count as superfoods. “They provide us with a wide array of nutrients from their amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, natural anti-inflammatories, and alkalising minerals,” she says. “These nutrients not only make up our physical structure like our organs, skin, hair and nails, but they also ensure we function optimally in our digestive and hormonal systems as well as our detoxification processes.”
Kay Roby, managing director of Osmosis Skincare in New Zealand, agrees: “Superfoods feed the most important aspects of cellular activity which is why they are so beneficial to skin and body health. They often contain ingredients the body doesn’t get from other sources.”
When it comes to keeping skin looking healthy, Roby says there should be a synergy between the food we eat and what we apply topically – and that includes make-up. “If you’re feeding your skin the right superfoods and using great skincare, it’s essential that you follow suit with your make-up so it works in conjunction with everything else.” She says Osmosis products include ingredients such as Japanese pepper, extracts of fruits like goji berries, and anti-inflammatory agents such as usnea barbata (lichen) extract. “These act as a great source of antioxidants and nutrients for the skin and are essential in preventing and repairing damaged tissue because they slow down the effect of free radicals.”
With this in mind, we take a look at the new category of superfood skincare and cosmetics, and explore which ingredients you need to start using and why.
Avocado
“The glutamine amino acid in avocados helps cleanse your skin,” says Little Bird Organics Founder and Owner Megan May. “The D-manno-heptulose found in avocados has also been shown to boost collagen formation and their specific amino acids can help to reduce age spots and heal scars and burns,” she says.
Try:
Health Basics , $2.79
Lush Avocado Co-Wash, $17.50
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, $59
Perricone MD Pre:Emp Series Brightening Eye Cream, $103
Chia seeds
Rich in omega 3, fatty acids and antioxidants, chis seed oil contributes to the upkeep of skin cell membrane and improves its texture and quality. “The anti-inflammatory benefits help to calm and nourish the skin instantly,” says May.
Try:
Goodness , $23.99
Sukin , $24.50
Sunday Riley Flora Face Oil, $143
Antipodes Chia & Kiwi Seed Superfood Serum, $50
Goji Berry
Dubbed as one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients, with 18 amino acids plus vitamin B1, B2, B6, E and more vitamin C than any other fruit, it sure packs a punch. “Goji berry extract protects the skin by reducing the amount of free radicals which bring harm to the skin cells,” says Roby.
Try:
Sukin , $14
Osmosis Colour CC Cream Warm $93
Osmosis Colour Lip Glaze Sweet $52
Quinoa
When it comes to strong and healthy hair, skin and nails, this ingredient is the most impressive. Made up of 15% protein it can strengthen and repair hair and nails quickly as well as boost collagen in the skin.
Try:
Nutrimetics , $22
Kiehl’s Overnight Nightly Refining Micro Peel, $109
Paul Mitchell Ultimate Color Repair Shampoo, $35
Coconut
A great all-rounder “coconut oil makes for a fabulous eye make-up remover, frizz tamer, hair mask, eye cream and also cuticle oil,” says Fitzgibbon. Thanks to it abundance of essential fatty acids, it’s a superstar hydrator.
Try:
The Body Shop , $39
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula with Vitamin E Body Lotion , $13.50
RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream, $28
Manuka Honey
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey reduces redness and heals congested or inflamed skin and eczema. ‘It doubles as great face mask because of these rejuvenating and soothing ingredients,” says Fitzgibbon.
Try:
L’OCCITANE , $38
Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm, $9.90
Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm, $9
