protective barrier, and balancing
moisture levels by reducing the
amount of water that evaporates
from the skin’s surface,” explains GP
and cosmetic doctor Dr Rabia Malik.Honey
Glossy, golden and a natural
sweetener, this bee by-product is
more than just a porridge topping.
Honey’s natural enzymes release
hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids
and phenolic acids, which have
been clinically proven to prevent
bacteria from growing and, along
with its low pH, make it ideal for
acne-prone skin. But instead of
stripping skin, honey appears to
nourish as it neutralises. “Honeyis a humectant, which means it can
bind water to the skin, leaving it
with a moist glow,” says Emma
Hobson, education manager for
the International Dermal Institute
and Dermalogica. Even better?
It contains anthocyanins, which
boast next-level anti-inflammatory
properties. “Anthocyanins promote
circulatory integrity, which boosts
the flow of oxygen and nutrients
to the skin,” explains Hobson. Dark
New Zealand manuka is also one
of the richest in its purifying and
antioxidant capabilities. Sweet.Vitamin C
You plate up C-doses via citrus
fruit, strawbs and capscium (FYI,
NT superfruit Kakadu plum packs
the biggest punch) but applied
topically, vitamin C can have serious
anti-ageing effects, especially in the
fight against free radical damage.
Why that matters? When free
radicals enter the skin, they cause
tiny breaks in the amino acid chain.
The more breaks, the less supported
skin is. That’s when you begin to
see fine lines and sagging. Skin
superhero vitamin C plugs those
gaps with collagen. “It’s needed
to help produce and maintain
healthy collagen to encourage skin-
strengthening,” explains Hobson.
“It also acts as a brightening agent
for sun-induced pigmentation
by inhibiting melanin formation
and matrix metalloproteinases
(MMP) enzymes that contribute to
collagen degradation.” The result:
brighter, more evenly toned skin.
So what should you look for on
the label? “Ascorbic acid has the
most skin-related research of any
form of vitamin C. Studies show
concentrations as low as 0.6 per
cent provide antioxidant and anti-
ageing benefits,” says Begoun.Chia seed oil
Argan, coconut, rosehip: there
are many contenders for the best
beauty oil. So what sets chia seeds
apart? “[They’re] rich in antioxidants
and load skin with omega-3 and
6 fatty acids,” says Paula Begoun,
founder of Paula’s Choice Skincare.
“These fats aren’t made by the skin
naturally, but when ingested or
applied topically, they have strong
anti-inflammatory properties that
can prevent ageing and soothe
conditions like rosacea and acne.”
In fact, chia seed oil has been
reported as the richest source
of omega-3s currently known.
“As inflammation is reduced, the
omegas get to work repairing
damaged skin and its naturalC
Check Instagram and in, oh, about three
seconds you’ll stumble upon a new superfood.
Chaga mushrooms? Regrammed. Maqui
berries? Double-tap that. Maca powder? All
over it. And while they’re filling your feed in their
edible form, superfoods have now found their
way into our skincare routines, too. Almost
a third of products launched in the past five
years with the words ‘superfood’, ‘superfruit’
or ‘supergrain’ in the product description were
cosmetics, according to market research firm
Mintel. So, which ingredients are worth popping
on your face as well as in your mouth? Read on!NOURISH
WITH CHIA
Use when you feel
rundown and your
skin needs a lift.
Press Goodness
Certified Organic
Chia Seed Oil
($19.95) into your
freshly cleansed
face and neck.CLEANSE
WITH HONEY
Use Swisse
Manuka Honey
Detoxifying Facial
Mask ($17.99)
as a purifying
yet nourishing
10-minute
treatment when
you’re breaking out.PROTECT
WITH C
Layer a light
vitamin C serum
like Drunk Elephant
C-Firma Day Serum
($116) under a
broad-spectrum
SPF to provide
amped-up free
radical protection.Get your three a day
Your new recipe for well-fed skin60 womenshealth.com.au SEPTEMBER 2017