Feeding your skin with goodness, both inside and out, helps it to stay healthy, look its best and get that longed-for glow. And given that January is Veganuary – a challenge to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January – we’re taking a look at the vegan foods that also feed the skin.
There are certain foods which particularly help to protect, strengthen or hydrate skin cells. When it comes to vegan foods, you can fill your plate with tasty treats that do just that. Fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and high-quality plant oils are all packed with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties bursting with skin-loving benefits.
Prebiotics
Let’s start with the gut, which plays a vital role in keeping everything on an even keel. To keep your gut bacteria flourishing and to boost your immune system, eating prebiotic foods will help to boost the good bacteria. Vegan prebiotic foods include oats, garlic, leeks, asparagus, mushrooms, bananas, Jerusalem artichokes.
Although what’s going on in your digestive system may not seem to have much to do with what’s going on with your skin, it really does. If your gut microbiome is out of balance it can lead to spots, inflammation and even conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Eat the rainbow
We all know the importance of eating as many colours as we can in our diet. Fruit and vegetable are vegan foods that are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are bursting with skin-loving benefits too numerous to list but here are some highlights:
Citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries and peppers are good sources of glow-giving vitamin C.
Beta-carotene plays a part in helping skin to repair itself, protecting skin cells and helping them to regenerate. Mango, sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots and cantaloupe melon are all good sources.
Avocados are high in good oils and vitamin E to keep skin hydrated and protect its barrier function.
Grapes are a key antioxidant source, containing elements that help to protect against oxidative stress.
Olives contain polyphenols which help to protect cells.
Berries deliver a hit of antioxidant vitamins A and C so stock up on blueberries, blackberries, goji berries and cranberries.
Water-rich foods such as watermelon, tomatoes and cucumber deliver on nutrition and also help to keep skin hydrated.
Leafy greens are famously good for us and something we all know we should probably be eating more of. They contain carotene compounds which protect, repair and hydrate skin cells.
For fruits and vegetables not in season, don’t forget that their frozen versions can be just as good (and sometimes even better if they have been frozen at peak freshness).
Nuts about skincare
A great source of protein, healthy fats, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, potassium and zinc, nuts and seeds make a really good vegan snack, or you can use them as an addition to meals and smoothies. When it comes to skin benefits, look out for brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts and sunflower, chia and pumpkin seeds in particular.
Spice it up
Herbs and spices are vegan-friendly and not only add interesting flavours but come with skin benefits, too. Try to use fresh where possible, as those dusty jars of spices lurking in the back of the store cupboard will tend to have lost their potency.
Ingredients such as garlic, oregano, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and cloves can help to keep skin in its prime with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Oil slick
Choose high-quality versions of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and corn oil as they are full of essential fatty acids, omega 3s and vitamins which promote healthy skin cell function, hydration and elasticity, and minimise inflammation.
Drink it in
When it comes to skin, water is the best thing you can drink. It keeps skin hydrated and flushes out toxins. There’s no need to buy bottled water, tap water does the job perfectly. Start the day off with a cup of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in it to cleanse from the inside out. Then, just make sure you keep drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Green tea is another great choice. Used in many skincare products, it is high in polyphenols which have antioxidant properties to protect skin cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
The vegan superfoods found in Willowberry
We are committed to using the most nutritious, natural ingredients in our Willowberry skincare products. With a focus on vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, our high-performance skincare protects the skin’s natural barrier function. Some of our ingredients are also recognisable as vegan superfoods:
Chia seed oil, a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, is found in our Willowberry Nutrient Boost Day Cream, Willowberry Nutrient Boost Face Oil and Sensitive Face Oil. Reportedly one of the most nutritionally rich foods available, the humble chia seed aids skin regeneration, protects against environmental damage and reduces inflammation.
Our Willowberry Indulgent Hand & Body Lotion contains pomegranate extract, an antioxidant-rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to fight free radicals and reduce cellular damage.
Ginger is another powerful antioxidant. The ginger root extract in our Willowberry Indulgent Hand & Body Lotion soothes and rejuvenates the skin, reduces inflammation, evens skin tone and aids healing.
Willowberry Nutrient Boost Day Cream is formulated with virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in both vitamins and minerals and is an ideal skin conditioner.
Our Willowberry Reviving Eye Cream contains green tea and pomegranate, both of which are antioxidant powerhouses to protect and rejuvenate the eye area.
Vegan skincare
If you’re looking for vegan skincare products, all of our Willowberry products are vegan, with the exception of our Nutrient Boost Cleansing Balm, which contains beeswax. Willowberry is also cruelty-free and eco-friendly.
Willowberry is nutritious natural skincare for grown-ups, for your best skin.
A favourite with top make-up artists, Willowberry's luxurious award-winning products protect skin’s natural barrier function, to nourish and revive grown-up skin without telling women to be 'anti-ageing'.
As seen in Vogue, Independent, The Telegraph, This Morning and more.