We know to nourish our bodies with a variety of fruits and vegetables to deliver our system the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function at its best, so why not approach our skincare with the same mindset? Superfoods are deemed "super" for a reason; they deliver concentrated goodness to our bodies and, when applied topically, these skin care superfoods can effectively improve the overall health of our skin. Here's a look at 10 of our favourite superfood ingredients for your skin and your body.
1. Olive Squalene
Olive Squalene is a key ingredient across the Botani range as it mimics the built-in moisturiser that our skin naturally produces. Our natural squalene levels deplete with age, leaving our skin without a strong natural barrier. It's also an effective natural anti-inflammatory and moisturiser, making it perfect for preventing and reversing the visible signs of ageing. When applied topically, olive squalene restores, strengthens and rebuilds that natural protective barrier, and when consumed orally, olive squalene may lower cholesterol levels and act as an antioxidant within the body. You'll find olive squalene in our best selling Olive Skin Serum and our Olivene Repair Balm.
2. Cranberry Seed Oil
Cranberries are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A which are both potent antioxidants, making cranberries great for boosting immunity, improving iron absorption and the formation of collagen. These properties make cranberry seed oil an amazing natural anti-aging ingredient, with Vitamin C working to even skin tone, fade age spots and pigmentation, promote cell turnover and boost collagen production. Discover the benefits of cranberry seed oil for yourself in our Acai Berry Active Antioxidant Serum.
3. Avocado
Rich in fatty acids, avocado is renowned for its natural anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to lower cholesterol and, in turn, promote heart health. Fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin, and when applied topically avocado oil can soothe skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Avocado oil is also highly emollient, meaning it readily absorbs into the skin and softens the skin surface almost immediately. We've used avocado oil in our Healing Lip Balm to heal dry, chapped lips.
4. Spirulina
When used as part of a natural skincare routine, spirulina works to revitalise skin tone and detox the skin. For the body, spirulina packs a seriously impressive amount of vitamins and nutrients into each serve. A single tablespoon of spirulina powder contains 4 grams of protein, 15% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin B2 and 11% of the recommended daily amount of Iron. You'll find spirulina in our Spirulina Salt Scrub, which is designed to leave your skin silky smooth and radiant.
5. Coconut Oil
Another rich fatty acid source, coconut oil is as great for the skin as it is for the body. Deemed the "healthiest oil on earth," coconut oil can boost your body's ability to burn fat, swiftly provide your body with energy and protect against heart disease. In beauty products, coconut oil deeply hydrates both the skin and hair, protects against free radical damage and kills the bacteria linked to acne breakouts. Coconut oil is the key ingredient in our Coconut Glow Body & Hair Oil.
6. Acai Berries
As part of a balanced diet, acai berries work to fight back against free radical damage throughout the body, improve cholesterol levels and boost brain function- they've even been linked to the prevention of both bladder and colon cancer. The acai berry has rich antioxidant properties, which also make it a wonderful skin-salve, fighting inflammation and free radical damage on the skin's surface. Discover acai berry oil in our divine-smelling Acai Berry Active Antioxidant Serum.
7. Blackberry Seed Oil
Another rich source of antioxidants, blackberries contain Vitamins A, C, E and most B Vitamins. They're also a potent source of potassium, magnesium and calcium as well as being antibacterial and antiviral! For the complexion, the antioxidants in blackberry seed oil are perfect for reversing the visible signs of ageing as well as improving the overall elasticity and texture of the skin. Blackberry seed oil is just one of the many superfoods you'll find in our Acai Berry Active Antioxidant Serum
8. Carrot Oil
Do you remember your mum telling you that if you ate your carrots, you'd be able to see in the dark? While this isn't exactly the truth, carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight. A diet rich in carrots will also help you to maintain healthy teeth and gums, a healthy heart, great digestion and improved cognitive functions. That rich Vitamin A content also makes carrot oil a wonderful skincare ingredient as it rejuvenates the skin boosts the skin's ability to heal and soothe itself and promotes cell turnover to exfoliate the skin naturally. You'll find carrot oil in our Olivene Repair Balm.
9. Cucumber Seed Oil
Cucumber seed oil is a skin care superfood to look for if you have a naturally oily skin type as it can help balance out your skin's natural oil production while it hydrates, rather than stripping the skin. It's also great for sensitive skin and is highly emollient, making it easy for the skin to absorb. Cucumber is an age-old superfood and has been used throughout history to treat bone and muscle swelling conditions (such as arthritis) thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being used as a diuretic to flush toxins from the system. We've included cucumber extract in our Rescue Eye Treatment to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
