Natural beauty

The secret to glowing, soft skin is all in your kitchen pantry. Here’s how to make your own beauty treatments.

Having an enviable radiant glow is something many of us aspire to. Yet, with our fast-paced lifestyles and daily stressors taking their toll, it can be a challenge to keep our skin in top-notch condition. Aside from drinking plenty of water each day, there are lots of fresh foods you can enjoy to assist in maintaining a healthy glow. Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, anchovies and tuna, are high in omega-3s, which reduce inflammation and keep the skin moisturised. They’re also rich in protein, vitamin E and zinc, all of which are essential for supple, soft and clear skin. Walnuts, chia seeds, linseeds (flaxseeds) and sunflower seeds also contain various amounts of omega-3s, selenium, zinc and vitamin E to nourish and protect your skin cells. Avocados contain healthy fats to moisturise and soothe your skin. They are high in vitamins E and C, important antioxidants for healthy skin. Dark leafy greens are loaded with antioxidants and chlorophyll to fight free radical damage that cause collagen to breakdown. Choose the darkest greens possible, such as kale, spinach or rocket. They help neutralise free radicals from UV light and provide a great source of skin-firming vitamins C and A too. Sweet potato is also a skin soother. An excellent source of beta-carotene, these bright potatoes protect your skin from sun damage. A healthy dose of beta-carotene can also be found in any yellow and orange fruits and other vegetables, as well as vibrant leafy greens. Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, while tomatoes contain all the major carotenoids that protect from sun damage and may even prevent wrinkles. Turmeric, ginger and fermented foods can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn can calm the skin.

BUFF & GLOW COFFEE SCRUB

PREP TIME 10 MINUTES MAKES 1â…“ CUPS