We’re all trying to take care of ourselves on a daily bases, but while we’re enjoying a simpler way of life, bothers like red skin, thinning hair, and wrinkles are still front and center.
To ensure we don’t have to cover them up with heavy makeup and high-maintenance hairdos, using nutrient-rich, anti-aging foods that work to reverse skin and hair agers both internally and externally. Here is our top food picks and the effortless recipes to younger:
ACAI BERRIES
These beautifying berries work better than pricey anti-aging lotions and creams to turn back the clock!
Acai berries’ antioxidants mend damaged cells and improve skin’s elasticity. Their magnesium keeps skin hydrated, giving saggy spots a tauter appearance.
CHIA SEEDS
The tasty whole grain improves hair health by reducing excessive shedding while increasing hair growth. Minerals like magnesium and calcium in the seeds hydrate and strengthen strands. Plus, their omega-3 fatty acids stimulate hair follicles to promote growth.
Make a tasty chia seed pudding by combining 3 Tbs. of chia seeds, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 Tbs. of maple syrup. Let set in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight, then top with fresh berries before enjoying.
The high content of protein in chia seeds can also repair damaged follicles and fortify strands when applied topically at the root to prevent fallout.
KALE
The leafy green rids eyes of pesky shadows so you’ll look well-rested even if you didn’t get your full 8 hours of sleep. Kale’s vitamin K promotes healthy blood circulation so the fluid won’t pool beneath the eyes and create shadows.
Make a salad with 2 cups of chopped kale, half of a diced apple, and 1 Tbs. of dried cranberries, then toss with a dressing made from 1/2 Tbs. each of lemon juice and olive oil.
Vitamins A and C in kale can thicken skin under eyes so shadows are less apparent.
AVOCADO
The fruit is not only a delicious addition to any healthy diet, it will also shave years off your skin in no time! Avocados’ antioxidant lutein repairs damaged cells and protects skin from wrinkle causing UV rays, helping to smooth out skin and ensure a crease-free complexion in the future too!
Make a slice of avocado toast: Mash up half of an avocado and enjoy on a slice of toast or whip up into guacamole.
Packed with fatty acids, avocados keep skin’s lipid layer moist and plump, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines.
CUCUMBER
There’s a reason why spas add cucumbers into both drinking water and pampering treatments — they instantly soothe inflamed and irritated skin.
Antioxidants in the anti-aging foods like manganese and beta carotene reinforce skin’s outermost layer to prevent rosacea flare-ups, while its anti-inflammatory flavonoids reduce the inflammation in the body that can result in facial redness.
Enjoy cucumber slices: Add 4 slices of cucumber into an 8 oz. glass of water. Or enjoy them in a salad or on a sandwich.
Cucumber’s caffeic acid also calms redness on contact while absorbing into skin to help heal from within.
