We all know that eating superfoods can offer plenty of benefits for our inner health. But, you might be surprised to learn that many of your favorite superfoods can also offer powerful properties when applied topically as a beauty treatment. Talk about bang-for-buck!

Consumers are growing more educated every day, demanding to know exactly what ingredients are going into the products we buy and use. And with good reason — many of the most common chemicals used in skin care products can have dangerous outcomes not only for our health but often the environment, too. The more we learn, the more we are challenging beauty companies to replace those icky chemicals with natural ingredients. And we think that’s tremendous.

Here are just some of the super-beauty foods we’re loving right now:

Reishi-Mushrooms

Known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties, Reishi are said to slow down the aging process by improving blood circulation, which improves the elasticity and tone of your skin. Youth to the People use the Reishi-Mushroom in their beautiful  Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream, also using adaptogenic herbs, known for their calming effects on the skin.

Moringa Oil

This essential oil is culled from the Moringa Oleifera tree, which is also known as the Miracle Tree. Moringa Oil is said to help with dry skin, psoriasis, and dandruff and has antibacterial properties that can aid wounds, cuts and scrapes. There are so many products containing this magic oil out there, but if we had to choose a favorite, it would be the Kiehls Damage Repair & Rehydration Shampoo for gentle cleansing and emergency strand care.

Spirulina

A longtime smoothie favorite, spirulina is rich in nutrients, which when applied topically, can firm the look of sagging skin, protect the skin, and also offer anti-aging properties. Spirulina also encourages regeneration of new skin cells, helping us maintain a healthy glow. Affordable yet effective, the Sukin brand offers a beautiful Detoxifying Facial Scrub packed with lots of goodies including spirulina.

Chia seeds

Ah, how could we miss our own favorite nutritional powerhouse: chia! Not only does the humble chia seed offer a long list of dietary benefits, but it also offers plenty of beauty benefits, too. In particular, chia seed oil has been clinically proven to help your skin fight irritation, dehydration and even banish blemishes. It is also noted as being “the richest botanical source of 18:3 n-3 fatty acid” which means it can offer powerful anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Add a little chia oil to your moisturizer for a super boost of hydration, or try this  DIY hair mask or face mask at home!

Ginger 

Good old ginger. Best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,  studies show that ginger can also have a soothing effect on the skin. We love this Origins Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub —it starts as a gentle scrub, buffing away dry skin, then becomes a creamy, soothing lather, leaving the skin soft and invigorated.