Happy New Year Friends!
The winter season can be harsh on our skin, even here in Hawaii. Cooler temperatures and dryness can leave your skin feeling flaky and deflated. The good news is, incorporating nutrient dense super foods into your diet and topically can combat inflammation, increase hydration, and flush toxins from your system. Discover what your skin is hungry for with the benefits of our favorite antioxidant and fatty-acid rich foods that help restore the natural glow and beauty of your skin.
Fatty Fish:
Most of our bodies do not have the ability to produce the fatty acids needed to create a protective barrier for our skin. Adding fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines to your diet may increase your levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to increasing your skin’s hydration and fighting acne, Omega-3’s may aid in preventing sun damage by blocking the release of substances that harm the collagen in your skin when exposed to UV rays.
Fatty fish is also a good source of zinc and vitamin E. Zinc is necessary for repairing skin damage by producing new skin cells and maintaining overall skin health while vitamin E fights inflammation and damage from free radicals. At O’o Hawaii, we love @seasonbrandofficial for their sustainably, wild caught fatty fish.
Don’t eat fish? Try adding a handful of walnuts to your daily diet. Walnuts are richer than most nuts and contain omega 3, 6, and zinc!
Avocados
Avocados have become a staple for many Americans for reasons far beyond their health benefits! This rich and creamy fruit goes well on just about anything and is another great fat source that helps reduce dryness of the skin and promote anti-aging. The magic fruit contains a unique compound called polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols which aid in fighting inflammation and protecting against sun damage. They’re also high in vitamin E, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Turmeric
The super food qualities in turmeric work wonders for our skin and overall well-being. The antioxidant rich root provides components that may enhance the natural glow of our skin. It contains the phytochemical curcumin known for its anti-inflammatory properties which target your pores to reduce acne and any scarring that can be left behind. The anti-inflammatory effects can even aid in reducing redness, hyper pigmentation and fighting fine lines and wrinkles.
One way to receive your daily dose of turmeric is through our Hawaii Superfood Boost. The highly concentrated supplement is a collection of antioxidant rich super foods which help brighten the skin, promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, and strengthen the immune system. It contains no artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives. This natural boost increases radiance and clears the skin from the inside out!
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Tomatoes
This slightly acidic fruit contains high levels of vitamin C and potassium which can help restore the natural glow of your skin. Tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene which is a potent antioxidant that protects our skin from UV radiation. Pairing carotenoids (includes lycopene) with fat sources aids in absorption. Try cooking your tomatoes in olive oil at a low temperature to receive the maximum lycopene benefits.
Although tomatoes have these unique benefits that may enhance the health of our skin, they’re a part of the dirty dozen foods that carry the most pesticides and have a high GMO potential. It’s important to choose organic tomatoes and consider peeling off the skins to remove vitamin blocking lectins like they do in Italy.
Spirulina
This blue-green super food algae can do it all! In addition to fighting cancer, boosting brain health, and strengthening the immune system, Spirulina has been known for its powerful anti-aging benefits and overall ability to enhance the health of our skin. The rich antioxidants eliminate free radicals and slow the aging of skin cells. Spirulina has a high content of calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins A, B12 and E which aid in retaining your skin’s moisture and tone. The chlorophyll content in the algae has powerful cleansing properties which promote the elimination of dead cells and the growth of new skin.
With all these amazing health and skin benefits, it’s no wonder we utilize Spirulina in both the Hawaii Superfood Boost and Soar Moisturizer. The Soar Moisturizer is a deeply hydrating blend of super foods that makes for a natural low-level sun protection and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and redness. The ultra-hydrating and smoothing moisturizer feeds your skin with micro-nutrients that repair at the cellular level.
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Green Tea:
The consumption of Green Tea dates back to 7th century where Japanese Monks discovered it’s unbelievable healing properties. Today, it’s popularity remains due to the antioxidant benefits that work to protect the skin against free radicals. The ancient tea is a powerful antibacterial making it a great solution for acne and healing blemish scars. The high content of polyphenols called catechins reduce redness, irritation, and swelling of the skin.
The caffeine content in green tea decrease inflammation and puffing in the skin around the eyes when used topically. These reasons are why you can find green tea in our Bird Bath antioxidant cleansing balm. This extraordinary cleanser gently yet deeply removes impurities and makeup while toning, moisturizing, soothing and working to destroy free radicals. Also included are Hawaiian antioxidants and organic superfoods to fight clogged pores and blemishes restoring the natural complexion of your skin. One of our favorite green tea’s is “Lean Green” from @republicoftea featuring organic Japanese matcha, Green Tea, Cinnamon, Garcinia Cambogia and Natural Maple.
Dark Chocolate:
Last but most definitely not least, dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that enhance your skin and your health! Pure cocoa beans are one of the highest sources of antioxidants but it’s important to keep the added sugar to a minimum to receive the maximum benefits of your dark chocolate addiction. Dark chocolate contains the organic compounds polyphenols, flavanols and catechins among others which act as powerful antioxidants. High flavanol content can increase blood flow, improve hydration, and protect the skin from sun damage. It’s important to choose raw or organic dark chocolate to avoid GMO sugars that many traditional brands use. Next time you find yourself looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure to reach for organic dark chocolate with minimum 70% cocoa to reap the full benefits of this delicious super food! Try one of our favorite brands @righteouslyrawchocolate
