Good Foods Make Great Skincare Ingredients

It turns out a lot of things you put in your body work wonders on your body, too. From kale to coffee, they can hydrate your skin, increase collagen, boost circulation, and so much more—and while it might be trendy to work salad components into the newest moisturizer, the five ingredients below are worth the buzz.

Kale 
You know it’s awesome for your insides, but it turns out this trendy, leafy superfood works wonders when applied topically, too. Its vitamin C can protect from environmental damage and dryness, vitamin A helps turn over dry skin, and vitamin K has anti-inflammatory properties to boost circulation and hydration, increase skin elasticity, and banish undereye circles.

Found in: serums, lotions, masks, and nail polish.

Coffee
Caffeine can wake up your skin the same way it does your body. The miracle drug shrinks blood vessels, increases the blood flow at the surface of your skin, and dehydrates fat cells to reduce puffiness.

Found in: body scrubs, eye creams, moisturizers, and anti-cellulite treatments.

Sunflowers
The resurgence of ‘90s-inspired sunflower prints may have triggered a movement in the beauty market as well. Its seeds are full of antioxidants and vitamin E, which heals blemishes, scars, and sun spots, while its oil hydrates and protects hair against environmental damage. Sunflowers also contain vitamin D3, which is anti-inflammatory and photo-protective.

Found in: hair treatments, serums, and lip balms.

Charcoal
It may sound bizarre to put the sooty ingredient on your body, but active charcoal refines your pores and draws out dirt and oil. It removes bacteria and toxins too, making it ideal for anyone with acne-prone skin.

Found in: bars of soap, masks, cleansers, and anti-dandruff shampoos.

Seaweed
Spas have offered seaweed-based treatments for ages, but now the ingredient is available in many over-the-counter products thanks to its abundance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that rejuvenate and heal your skin. It’s also anti-bacterial and boosts your blood flow, both key to skin brightening.

Found in: firming lotions, reparative creams, and body wash.

Photo: Henry Leutwyler