One of the latest trends in the beauty industry is superfood skincare. Although we’ve been munching on goji berries and sipping kale and chia seed smoothies for ages, superfoods – nutrient-rich foods considered especially good for our health – are now popping up in skin and body care products.
With an ever increasing desire to look and feel as good as we possibly can, many of us are now just as cautious about the ingredients we use in our beauty products as the ones we consume. Choosing certain foods and ingredients for their beauty benefits has become popular over the last few years, resulting in a new wave of beauty products aimed at using nutritious ingredients to help improve our external appearance. “These trends are further driving interest in the connections between food, health, and appearance. This creates great opportunities for beauty brands to take inspiration from new health trends such as juicing in order to better resonate with health-conscious consumers,” explains Jamie Mills, Analyst at market research group Canadean.
If you don’t fancy splashing out on superfood skincare products, why not have a go at making your own? We’ve created, tried and tested three simple DIY face mask recipes that you can quickly whip up using superfood ingredients you already have in your kitchen. All of the masks are made using coconut oil, another superfood that has already found fame as a natural beauty staple. Coconut oil is extremely versatile and helps to soften and nourish the skin.
A couple of things to note:
- Although the masks are made with natural ingredients, some people may find that their skin doesn’t get on with them. If any skin irritation occurs, remove the mask and apply a soothing cream or aloe vera gel.
- These masks are a little messy and may stain clothing, face cloths and towels, so make sure to only use items that you don’t mind getting a little grubby!
Softening Cacao Mask
This mask uses raw cacao powder to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth. Cacao is high in antioxidants such as flavonol, which may help to protect against premature ageing caused by the sun’s UV rays.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
Directions:
Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl until a thick paste forms. Apply the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area. The coconut oil will melt on contact with your skin, helping to spread the mask evenly across your face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then remove with a warm face cloth. Finish with toner and moisturiser.
Brightening Turmeric Mask
For centuries, women in India have used turmeric in beauty products for its ability to help brighten the skin and even the complexion. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and there is early evidence that turmeric, and its main component, curcumin, may be beneficial for improving skin health.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Directions:
Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Apply the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area, and leave for 10-15 minutes. Remove the mask with a warm face cloth and follow with toner and moisturiser.
Exfoliating Green Tea Mask
The tea leaves in this mask act as a gentle exfoliating agent to help remove dead skin cells, improve the complexion and soften the skin. Green tea is high in antioxidants and may help to protect against UV damage and premature ageing.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 green teabag
Directions:
Tear open the tea bag and mix the leaves together with the coconut oil in a small bowl. Apply the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area. Gently rub the mask into your skin in circular movements to exfoliate, then leave on for 10-15 minutes. Remove with a warm face cloth then apply toner and moisturiser.
