16 Superfoods that work wonders on the skin

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight free radicals that can cause cancer. They also contain an antioxidant phytochemical called lycopene, which helps prevent heart disease. So, make sure you add tomatoes to your daily diet.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that regenerates, hydrates and brightens the skin. So, revive your skin with this tomato sugar facial scrub!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Ripe, soft red tomato
• 1 TBSP brown sugar

Directions:

There are a couple of ways in which you can make this scrub. One is by putting the half tomato (after washing it, of course!) in a high-powered blender and then mixing it with the sugar. Another way is by taking out the pulp using a spoon and mixing it with the sugar. Once you have the mixture, apply it on clean damp skin and rub softly in circular motion on the face and neck. Exfoliate for about 3 minutes and then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. Then, wash your face and neck with lukewarm water and hydrate.

Tomato is a natural astringent that's excellent for fighting and preventing acne. If you have acne-prone skin, you have got to try this natural tomato facial toner! 

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe red tomato
• 1 Lime

Directions:

Blend tomato in a high-powered blender to get a puree. Then, use a strained to squeeze our the juice, which is what you will be using as toner. Add the juice of one lime, mix well and put in the refrigerator. Use daily as a toner for better results.

Curcumin, the primary antioxidant in turmeric, is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been used in medicine for centuries. This spice also has healing properties; it is loaded with antioxidants and can help detoxify the liver.

Due to its high antioxidant content, turmeric helps reduce skin inflammation and slows down cell damage. It can be used as a natural remedy for different skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dryness, wrinkles and dark undereye circles. And, it can also help reduce pigmentation and evens out skin tone. 

The mask below combines turmeric and thanaka, a natural cosmetic used by people in some Asian countries to cool and even out the skin. Thanaka is highly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and absorbs UV rays.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tbsp turmeric
• 1 Tbsp thanaka powder
• 4 Tbsp milk (or plain yogurt)
• 1 Tsp raw honey

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl to form a smooth paste. Apply on clean skin and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will dry up on your face and become hard. So, to remove it, I recommend you wet your fingers first and then rub your face softly with a circular motion to exfoliate your skin. Then, use a sponge or piece of cloth to wash it off and reveal beautiful, bright skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp turmeric powder
• 1 Tbsp raw honey

Directions:

Mix both ingredients in a small bowl and apply to clean face. Leave on for about 20 minutes. Then, follow the same directions I gave on the previous mask: Wet your fingers first and then rub your face softly with a circular motion to exfoliate your skin. Then, use a sponge or piece of cloth to wash it off.

Years ago, eggs were believed to raise blood cholesterol levels. However, in more recent years, research has shown that this humble food is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. This low-calorie food is rich in choline and a very good source of biotin, protein, vitamin B12, D, B2, and A, They are a good source of vitamin B5, phosphorus and iodine.

Besides being loaded with nutriens for your body, eggs also have amazing benefits for your skin! The yolk will hydrate your skin and give you an instant glow, while the white has astringent properties that help tighten the skin and shrink pores. So, depending on what you want to achieve, you can make a face mask using only one of the two parts or the whole egg. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Egg
• 2 Tbsp oatmeal

Directions: 

Whip the egg in a bowl and add the oatmeal. Mix to form a soft paste and apply to clean face. Leave on for about 20 minutes and remove with lukewarm water. You will love the way your face looks and feels after applying this mask!

This delicious, spicy root has been used to treat many conditions, from nausea and gas to manstrual cramps and arthritis. It can help fight infections, reduce inflamation and muscle pain, and can in lowering blood sugar levels. The gingerol contained in this root may help prevent cancer.

I always have ginger at home and I put it in everything, from green juices and smoothies, to soups and salad dressings… and, on my face too! The first time I put ginger on my face, I was amazed at how nice and glowing my skin looked. And that's because of its high antioxidant and anti-inflmatory content. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp grated ginger 
• 1 Tsp raw honey

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients, apply on clean face and let it act for about 20 minutes. Ginger might be a bit strong for sensitive skin. So try applying the mixture on a small area first to see how your skin reacts. Adding more honey might help.

When it comes to my skin, I prefer to use natural, homemade products that I mix in my kitchen. And that includes my toner. This is one of my favorites because it really helps clear your skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of fresh ginger juice
• 1 Lime
• 1 Tsp raw honey

Directions:

Mix all ingredients very well and store in a container. Keep it in the refrigerator and apply once a day, preferably at night, on a clean face. Leave on for about 30 minutes, wash your face and follow with your regular serum and moisturizer.

The Chinese has been used green tea as a natural remedy to address just about everything, from treating headaches and depression, to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing heart disease, memory loss and diabetes.

Because of its high antioxidant and anti-inflamatory content, green tea can help tighten, detox and soothe your skin. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp of loose green tea or the content of 5 green tea bags
• 1 Cucumber cut in small cubes
• 1 Cup of water

Directions:

Bring the water to boil and brew the tea for about 3 minutes. Let it cool. Then, remove and throw away the leaves from your brewed tea. Put the brewed tea and the cucumber in a blender and blend for about one minute. Then, strain. Apply on your clean face at least once a day, or as needed. You can leave it on and use under your moisturizer and even makeup.

I remember the first time I saw my grandmother eating the aloe vera gel. I thought she was going to get poisoned. Of course nothing happened to her! Aloe vera has been used on the skin and hair for centuries for all its amazing benefits. But, this plant also has great health benefits. It aids in treating constipation, helps with digestion, boosts the immune system. So, make sure you pick up some aloe vera leaves from the local market or, even better, grow it yourself at home!

Aloe vera is loaded with minerals and antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, C and E. It helps treat many skin conditions, such as acne and even eczema. Say goodbye to dry skin with this aloe vera and almond oil mask. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 Tbsp almond oil

Directions:

Mash the aloe vera gel using a fork and mix it with the almond oil. Apply on your clean face and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water and follow with your moisturizer.

This versatile and delicious fruit is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, folate, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B5 and vitamin K. It is also high in magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and antioxidants. It has great anti-inflammatory properties, helps regulate blood sugar levels and keep blood pressure under control.

So, make sure to include avocados in your diet. You can add it to salads or eat it with soup, make a healthy toast spread, add it to your smoothies, and much more.

Avocado works wonders on the skin! It will moisturize, nourish and revitalize your face and leave it looking so radiant. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 ripe avocado 
• 1 teaspoon of plain organic yogurt 
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey

Directions:

Remove the skin from the avocado and mash it up into creamy pulp in a bowl. Add the yogurt and the honey and mix it until you get a uniform paste. Apply it to your clean skin, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, pat dry and follow with a moisturizing face cream. 

Apply this homemade mask once a week for nourished, young skin.

You can mix the pulp of a half ripe avocado with any of these ingredients for a face mask that will leave your skin soft and radiant.

A banana contains roughly 350mg of potassium, which is a powerful mineral that helps the cardiovascular system maintain a low and regular blood flow. So make sure you include one banana into your daily diet, to help reduce your chances of developing blood pressure problems. This delicious fruit is also a natural energy booster, so it makes for the perfect pre or post-workout snack.

The first time I made a banana face mask, I could not believe how beautiful my skin looked afterwards. It gives you an instant glow, while also helping fight the signs of aging.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 banana 
• 1/4 cup of plain yogurt 
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Directions:

Mash the banana with a fork and mix in the yogurt and honey. Apply to your clean face and wait 15 minutes. Place a warm washcloth over your face, then rinse it off. Follow with a nourishing face serum.

One kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange! Mix it with a banana and you can get a delicious and healthy smoothie, AND a face mask loaded with skin-friendly properties. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 A ripe banana
• 1 Medium kiwi (peeled) 
• 1 Tbsp plain yogurt

Directions:

Mash the banana and the kiwi, separately, using a fork. Then mix all three ingredients and a small bowl. Apply on your clean face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash of with lukewarm water and be ready to show off your skin!

Blueberries are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals, as well as vitamins A, E, C and K and manganese. Make sure you add them to your grocery list!

This acne-fighting mask contains two superfoods: blueberries and turmeric. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pureed fresh or thawed blueberries 
• 1/2 cup pulverized oatmeal powder 
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice 
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Directions:

Mix all ingredientes well and apply to clean face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Apply this mask twice a week and you will start noticing a big difference on your acne-prone skin.

Get beautiful, radiant skin with this face mask made of three ingredients you probably already have. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, enzymes, and zinc, which softens your skin and lightens dark spots. The raw honey is a mild exfoliant, encourages tissue growth and will seal in the moisture. If you have some of the mask left-over, pour it into a glass container and store in the fridge for up to two days.

Ingredients: 

• A handful of blueberries 
• 2 Tbsp Greek plain yogurt 
• 1 Tbsp raw honey

Directions:

Put all the ingredients in a blender or a food processor for about one minute to form a uniform smooth paste. Apply on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizer.

This blue-green algae is higher in protein than red meat. It also contains all of the essential fatty acids your body needs, and it's rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Its health benefits include potentially preventing plaque buildup in the arteries, lowering blood pressure and protecting against cancer. It is most often found in powder form, which can be added to smoothies or sprinkled over foods for increased nutritional content.

This brightening, anti-aging mask is one of my favorite homemade beauty treatments ever! Spirulina brightens your skin instantly, leaving it looking radiant, while plain yogurt helps fight and rejuvenate and soften the skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon plain unsweetened yogurt  
• 1 tablespoon spirulina powder

Directions: 

Mix both ingredients very well until uniform. Apply on clean skin using your fingertips or a clean face brush. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water to uncover nourished, bright skin. Follow with a moisturizer or serum for added hydration.

Activated charcoal helps draw impurities from the skin, while raw honey contains enzymes that help boost the complexion. Moreover, raw honey has antibacterial properties that may help treat acne. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Tbsp spirulina
• 1/2 Tbsp activated charcoal
• 1 Tbsp raw honey

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a container to form a smooth paste. Apply on clean face and neck, preferably using a face brush. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water. This could be a bit messy, so be very careful when applying and taking it off. I recommend you wash it off in the shower.

This popular member of the cabbage family is packed vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, folate and manganese. It has gained huge popularity in the last couple of years because of all its nutrients and incredible low calorie content.

If you like kale salad and smoothie, you will definitely love this kale face mask. 

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of organic kale 
• 1/2 tablespoon of organic coconut milk 
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey 
• 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

Directions:

After rinsing the kale, toss all the ingredients in a blender for a few seconds. The mixture will be very watery, but it is totally okay. Using a clean makeup brush, apply the mixture to your clean face and neck, including the area around the eyes, as this mask will help you fight fine lines. Leave on for about 10 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with moisturing face cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 Kale leaves (chopped)
• 1/2 Cup of brewed chamomile tea (cooled)
• 1 Tbsp oatmeal

Directions:

Put all three ingredients in a food processor or blender for about 2 minutes to form a smooth paste. Wash your face with mild soap, pat dry your face gently and apply the mixture. Leave on for 30 minutes to allow the skin to soak all the benefits. Wash off with lukewarm water.

One teaspoon of matcha green tea contains over six times the antioxidants in goji berries, seven times the antioxidants in dark chocolate, 17 times more antioxidants than blueberries, and 60 times the antioxidants found in spinach. Because of its high antioxidant content, it has even been found to prevent cancer, as it helps fight off free radicals. This powdered green tea is also energizing and anti-inflammatory. You can drink it by itself as regular tea, add it to your smoothies or hot cereal, and even make healthy ice cream, muffins and other desserts.

This mask is super simple to make, and it only requires two ingredients. But I promise you will love the results. 

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder 
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon raw honey

Directions:

Start by mixing half teaspoon of raw honey with the matcha green tea power and add some more honey as needed, until you get a soft paste consistency. Apply on clean face and let is sit for 15 minutes. Remove with a warm washcloth and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Instead of raw honey, you could also mix the matcha with plain yogurt, or even with just a few drops of water. For dry skin, try mixing matcha with organic coconut oil.

These berries contain healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, and may help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Mix them into a smoothies or make a delicious acai bowl.

The antioxidants in these berries help fight wrinkles and fine lines, promoting youthful skin. Acai also reduces swelling and puffiness of the face, and fights acne and pimples. It also exfoliates the skin, leaving it bright and hydrated. 

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon raw honey 
• 1 tablespoon organic Acai berry powder 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Mix the acai powder into the olive oil and Manuka honey. Stir well and apply to clean skin for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and a washcloth, and follow with hydrating moisturizer.

These tiny seeds are rich in fiber, antioxidants and plant-based omega-3 essential fatty acids. Chia is considered a "complete protein", which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids. To reap all these benefits, make sure to soak the chia seeds in order to break down enzyme inhibitors that protect the seed. This makes it much easier to digest, and your body can then access all the nutrients inside the seeds.

This face mask will help fight the signs of aging and will leave your skin soft and moisturized. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 5 tbsp water
• 1 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and apply on your clean face. Remove with warm water after 10 minutes.

It is loaded with fiber, antioxidants that fight cancer, and vitamin C that aid in iron absorption. It is also a great source of calcium, which helps control blood pressure and build strong bones. Try to eat broccoli as well as other cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts) a couple of times per week to get all the health benefits.

I'm pretty sure you have seen or even used those commercial broccoli sheet face masks that have become so popular. But, why go with a processed product when you can get the real deal at home and reap all the natural benefits without the added chemicals? This homemade mask will transform your skin!

Ingredients:

• 4 broccoli florets 
• 1 tbsp raw honey 
• 2 tbsp cooled green tea

Directions:

Using a blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients until you get a thick puree. Apply on clean face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Green tea is a natural toner that helps draw out impurities, reduce large pores and will give your skin a nice healthy glow. So, I recommend spraying some of the leftover cooled green tea directly on the face after removing your mask. Follow with your regular moisturizer.

This superfood can help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and potentially protect against cancer and diabetes. These seeds are high in thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, protein and fiber. You can take advantange of all its health benefits by adding flaxseed to everything from salads and cereal to hummus and other spreads and dips.

Flaxseed is packed with vitamin E, which is known as the "skin vitamin". Also, the omega fatty acids keep skin healthy and moisturized while b-vitamins promote youthful skin. Using a flaxseed face mask firms, tones and tightens skin. This mask will exfoliate and cleanse the skin while removing impurities. It also helps tighten the skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal
• 4 tbsp water

Directions:

Mix both ingredients and let sit for about 10 mins until it all sticks together, forming a sticky and gooey gel with almost an egg-like consistency. Apply on clean skin and let it sit fron 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.