Plant-Based Skincare Products and Their Benefits for Your Skin

We live in a world surrounded by new technologies, but when it comes to beauty, nothing replaces natural, plant-based skincare products.

Many nutritionists and dermatologists believe in the power of food to nourish our skin.

Indeed, it seems that our skin is our largest organ and everything that happens in our body arrives at some point in our epidermis.

Let’s take the example of having eaten fast food, it is not uncommon to see small pimples appearing from time to time on our face after having consumed greasy food which is just one reason to avoid eating junk food.

But you should know that foods can also have beneficial properties for your skin if you ingest them or apply them in a mask or in an infusion. For example, some foods help prevent cellulite.

Related post: Top reasons to use natural skin care products

Read on for a very wide array of plant products known for their benefits on your skin and, consequently, on your body!

Plant-based skincare products and their benefits for your skin: Introduction

The natural ingredients you’ll read about here contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, acids, antioxidants against free radicals, and more.

Some are foods that we eat on a daily basis, while others are oils that have been pressed from various plant parts.

Most of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, health food store or online.

Let’s go for a little insight into these magical foods!

Fruits and vegetables

Apricot

This small fruit rich in antioxidants is a concentrate of care for the skin.

The vitamin A present in apricots helps repair skin damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Avocado 🥑

Avocado contains many antioxidants that protect the skin from external threats.

It contains vitamin C, which is essential for the creation of collagen and elastin, and vitamin E, which fights oxidative damage and helps protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.

The essential fatty acids of the avocado moisturize the skin and scalp. They can also help repair damaged skin and fight the first signs of aging.

Banana 🍌

Bananas contain amino acids, potassium, lectin (a protein), zinc and vitamins A, B, C and E, all of which are beneficial to the skin.

This popular fruit can be used for everything from moisturizing to anti-aging treatments.

Its benefits are not limited to placing mashed bananas on the skin. Eating bananas can also promote skin health from the inside out.

Coconut 🥥

This tropical nut can be used in many forms from coconut milk to coconut butter. For example, shredded coconut is a great gentle exfoliator.

This fruit has antibacterial properties and includes essential fatty acids, which hydrate the skin.

Cranberry

Acidic and antiseptic, cranberry is a good complement to treatments for oily skin.

Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight against the signs of aging.

Berries are also loaded with vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen to keep your skin healthy.

Cucumber 🥒

Cucumber flesh is mainly composed of water, but it also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, which soothe skin irritations, reduce swelling and prevent water retention.

It is often used to treat swollen eyes, dermatitis and burns.

Cucumbers have the same pH level as the skin. Therefore, its use helps restore the protective acid mantle (a slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin), which is essential to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from being absorbed.

Cucumber also has moisturizing, nourishing and astringent properties.

Lemon 🍋

Lemon contains phytonutrients, which are healthy chemicals for the skin.

Specifically, citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids that help the skin absorb vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.

The scent of lemon is also known to be uplifting.

Mango 🥭

This fruit is composed of vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of beta-carotene, which can help fight acne.

Its antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative damage and can help maintain the skin’s youthful appearance.

Kaki

Diospyros kaki, also known as persimmon, is rich in anti-aging antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

They have long been recognized for their benefits to the skin in traditional Chinese medicine.

Persimmon can help control the overproduction of sebum, which leads to oily skin.

Papaya

Papaya is rich in antioxidants, papain, vitamin A and carotene, all of which can improve skin health.

It helps to moisturize the skin while eliminating its dead cells. Antioxidants present in the fruit help repair environmental damage.

Pineapple 🍍

This fruit contains vitamin C and bromelain, a skin-softening enzyme that removes dead skin cells.

Bromelain also stimulates collagen production, helping the skin to look and feel younger.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is full of fruit enzymes, alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants and zinc.

This allows the pumpkin to increase our skin’s cell turnover, remove dead cells, brighten and smooth the skin, fight acne and prevent aging.

Pumpkin has the ability to penetrate the deep layers of your skin and help other ingredients do the same.

Strawberries 🍓

Strawberries contain vitamin C, antioxidants, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids and natural exfoliating ingredients.

It is a powerful anti-acne cleanser and anti-aging treatment.

Wolfberries

Also known as goji berries, these fruits are loaded with antioxidants and beta-carotene as well as skin-loving vitamin C.

Juniper berries

They have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They are great allies for acne-prone skin.

Juniper berries help balance and regulate the skin and can be used for detoxification and deep cleansing.

Reishi mushroom

This fungus contains high levels of polysaccharides, which are responsible for the skin’s natural ability to moisturize and retain water.

Polysaccharides are also essential for skin repair and renewal.

Nuts

Almonds

Almonds are composed of antioxidants, which help slow down the skin’s natural aging process. They also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to reduce inflammation.

Ground almonds (or almond flour) are gentle exfoliants that do not cause micro dermabrasions (small tears that damage and age the skin).

This ingredient is often found in face masks or cleansers.

Walnuts

They are rich in essential fatty acids and, like other nuts and seeds, can be used as a gentle, moisturizing scrub when crushed and added to a cleanser.

Plants

Alfalfa

This nutrient-rich plant is beneficial to all parts of the body, including the skin.

The chlorophyll it contains helps rid the body of impurities.

It is also rich in vitamin A and enzymes.

Aloe vera

The aloe vera plant contains over 70 different nutrients, including beta-carotene, which can help with skin renewal.

Called the “plant of immortality” by the ancient Egyptians, it stimulates the regeneration of skin cells.

Aloe vera contains many skin-friendly amino acids that can help smooth fine lines and improve elasticity.

Birch tree

Birch bark contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help relieve eczema and similar skin problems.

Birch leaves have a history of use in the treatment of skin rashes.

Calendula

Coming from the daisy family, calendula flowers have been used in medicine since antiquity.

This plant has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent soothing ingredient for the skin.

Dandelion root

This bitter-tasting plant is rich in vitamins A and C which are beneficial for the skin.

Elderberry

Not only are elderberries delicious, but they are also rich in flavonoids (a powerful antioxidant) and full of nutrients that fight aging and acne.

It is also a good element to detoxify the skin.

Elderflower

The plant from which elderberry grows is an equally effective ingredient for skin care.

Elderflower water is the most commonly used in skincare products and contains vitamins such as vitamins A, B1 and B2, as well as vitamin C.

Elderflower fights oxidative damage and can even fade scars and blemishes.

Olive leaf extract

While we know a lot about olive oil and its benefits to the skin and body, olive leaf extract is just as powerful.

It contains antioxidants and the bioflavonoid luteolin.

Olive leaf extract fights free radicals (oxidative damage) and combats the aging process.

Irish Moss

This alga is rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as amino acids, calcium and zinc.

It also produces mucilage, which gives lubrication to skincare products and is useful as a detangler.

Milk thistle

The active ingredient of the milk thistle plant is silymarin, a natural antioxidant with detoxifying properties.

Some people use it to treat psoriasis and eczema.

Mint

This herb contains vitamins A, B and C, which keep the skin healthy and protected. It is also a source of salicylic acid, a key ingredient in anti-acne products.

The mint helps to clean the skin and stimulates blood circulation.

Good to know: if you tend to get redness, avoid mint-based facial products, soaps and lotions.

Neroli

Coming from the flower of the bitter orange tree, the scent of neroli is soothing.

When used in skincare products, it can help reduce redness.

Rose jelly

This rose petal based jelly is used for its high vitamin C content and to control excess sebum and unclog pores.

It also has astringent and antibacterial properties.

White willow bark

This anti-inflammatory is known for its ability to reduce pain.

It also contains salicylic acid, which helps control acne and breakouts and also removes debris from congested pores.

Horsetail extract

It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps the body repair and regenerate damaged skin cells.

Horsetail extract contains silica, an element that helps form collagen.

It is beneficial for hair health and can reduce split ends and help with growth and shedding.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel reduces redness, itching and swelling and can also relieve insect bites.

Because it is both astringent and antioxidant, it works wonders on both young acne-filled skin and mature skin to preserve youth and eliminate fine lines.

Nettle or stinging nettle

When used in skincare products, nettles are astringent and anti-inflammatory.

Nettle is also known to help with scalp problems, both sebum and dandruff.

Slippery elm bark

Best known for its healing properties, the inner bark of slippery elm can be used to treat skin conditions ranging from psoriasis to cold sores.

The inner bark is dried, powdered, and mixed with water and promotes smooth, glowing skin.

Burdock root

In Chinese medicine, burdock root is used to reduce internal heat (which is seen as toxic in this ancient approach to health care) and for blood cleansing and skin healing.

It is also known for its benefits on the skin and hair thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Iris root

Derived from the root of the iris flower, iris root is used as a fixative (scent retainer) in fragrance products, as a gentle exfoliation, breath freshener and teeth whitener.

Ginseng

Ginseng is known for its ability to soften and moisturize the skin. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Lavender

The scent of lavender leads to relaxation.

The buds of the plant have an astringent quality, making them useful for both cleansing and healing the skin.

Liquids (coffee, tea, vinegar, juice)

Coffee

The caffeine in coffee helps to tone and firm the skin. Because it is “restrictive” (meaning it reduces inflammation and swelling), it can be beneficial for relieving swollen eyes.

Good to know: If a recipe calls for coffee grounds in a scrub or cleanser, used grounds are preferable, as the hot water has already activated the more potent ingredients in the beans.

Blueberry tea

Packed with flavonoids and tannins, blueberry tea is known to increase circulation and reduce swelling.

Black tea

Composed of naturally beneficial vitamins for the body, black tea is an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce skin swelling.

The tannins present in black tea serve to protect the skin from environmental damage and fight bacteria that can cause skin problems. They also increase circulation, which promotes skin regeneration.

Black tea is also packed with antioxidants that fight oxidative damage like many teas.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory. It is a miracle ingredient for those who suffer from eczema and rosacea.

It is also composed of flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce skin damage resulting from oxidation.

Green tea

Scientists have stated that the antioxidants in green tea are among the most powerful in the world.

These antioxidant compounds, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, help prevent skin damage such as wrinkling and inflammation.

Licorice root tea

Applied to the skin, this licorice-based tea is anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturizing.

It is effective in treating rosacea and psoriasis. It is also used as a skin-lightening agent.

Rice wine vinegar

Rice wine vinegar is sometimes used in place of apple cider vinegar, but it has a different amino acid profile and enhances the absorbent properties of the other ingredients.

It is extremely softening and smoothing.

Rooibos tea

This tea is rich in skin-healthy compounds such as flavonoids and superoxide dismutase enzymes (necessary for producing healthy skin cells).

It is also antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

In addition, rooibos has a wonderful soothing effect on skin prone to acne.

Saint-John’s-wort tea

Known for its healing and soothing properties for the skin, Saint-John’s-wort is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

This ingredient is ideal for sensitive skin in autumn, for example.

White tea

White tea is the least processed among black, white, and green teas.

Its high level of antioxidants fights oxidative damage, making it an ally in any anti-aging routine.

Apple cider vinegar

Cider vinegar contains a significant amount of alpha-hydroxy acids.

These are a group of compounds that are often added to skincare products to help remove dead skin cells.

But with apple cider vinegar, these acids are delivered to your skin from a natural source, making them alive, active and more powerful.

Cider vinegar also has antifungal properties, which is great for acne-prone skin and helps reduce pore congestion.

It also helps balance the skin’s pH level, helping it to be neither too dry nor too oily.

White wine vinegar

Made from grapes, wine vinegars contain antioxidants such as resveratrol.

Use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar to avoid color stains.

Apple juice

In general, apples are full of vitamins and beneficial compounds. Therefore, apple juice contains antioxidants derived from the skin and flesh of the fruit.

The juice promotes circulation and thus helps to replenish old and damaged skin cells.

The most important component of apple juice is malic acid, a natural form of alpha-hydroxy acid.

Flours

Banana flour

Banana flour is loaded with potassium, an important electrolyte that helps maintain the skin’s water balance.

It is an excellent gluten-free flour for baking.

Hemp flour

Hemp flour is made from ground hemp seeds, rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, all of which are beneficial to skin health.

Oatmeal

Whole oats and oatmeal are anti-inflammatory and soothing.

They are excellent for relieving skin wounds such as poison ivy and insect bites and are full of proteins that strengthen the skin.

The polysaccharides in oats help prevent dryness, while their fat content moisturizes the skin.

The saponins in oats are natural cleansers that gently purify pores.

Oat straw

Oat straw relieves dry, itchy and irritated skin due to its high gluten and mucilage content.

It is also a concentrated source of silica for the skin, nails and hair.

Quinoa flour

Quinoa flour is made from ground quinoa seeds, which are rich in amino acids, niacin, potassium, manganese, and vitamin E.

It promotes collagen production.

Polenta

Polenta is an excellent addition to foot or body care recipes for its exfoliating properties and richness in vitamins.

Spices

Laurel leaf

This herb is rich in antioxidants and helps to rejuvenate the skin and prolong its youth.

Laurel or bay leaf has antiseptic properties that fight acne and promote blood flow to the skin.

Cinnamon

This popular spice brings blood to the surface of the skin. It has antioxidant properties that help soften the skin and help remove dead skin cells.

Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, cinnamon can also help fight skin infections.

Good to know: cinnamon can make you sensitive to the sun and cause redness and irritation if used in too high a concentration.

Fenugreek

This spice has many healing properties for the skin.

Packed with skin essentials such as vitamins A, B1 and K, calcium, zinc and selenium, it is not only a good spice for cooking, but ideal for strengthening the skin to fight acne, reduce inflammation and act as an exfoliant.

It also helps prevent sun damage.

Ginger

Good for treating skin problems like acne, ginger is antiseptic.

Its antioxidant content helps rid the body of toxins that cause premature aging.

Ginger also helps to tone the skin and stimulate blood circulation. It has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect.

Lucuma powder

Made from the Peruvian fruit, lucuma, this powder is packed with iron, niacin, calcium and beta-carotene.

This ingredient is excellent for skin care.

Coconut sugar can be an easy and effective substitute if you can’t find lucuma powder.

Oregano

This herb has many benefits for the skin.

It fights oxidative damage, kills bacteria, fungi and viruses. It also reduces inflammation.

Paprika

This popular spice is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

It contains several vitamins, including A and E, which are essential for healthy skin.

Rosemary

Rosemary is composed of phytonutrients and antioxidants that defend against oxidative damage.

It is antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It is an excellent ingredient for fighting various skin problems and for deep pore cleansing and detoxification.

Turmeric or curcuma

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. It is anti-inflammatory and helps to expel toxins.

It is also an antiseptic and antibacterial, both good for treating skin problems.

Turmeric helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and balances sebum production, making it an effective complement to skincare products which can be made at home.

Vanilla bean

Vanilla beans contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.

They are also an excellent source of B vitamins and even have antibacterial properties.

Seeds

Chia seeds

Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds nourish the skin and help improve its barrier function against external threats.

They expand and soften in water, creating a small pocket of moisture, making the seeds a gentle exfoliator for the skin.

The oils in chia seeds improve the skin’s natural barrier by keeping it moisturized. They are therefore ideal allies for dry skin.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are full of lipids, fats that can keep the skin moisturized and protect it from particles in the air.

The oil from these seeds helps regulate sebum and is suitable for oily skin while being rich in vitamin E.

When ground, pumpkin seeds make a gentle exfoliator.

Sunflower seeds 🌻

In addition to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, sunflower seeds are packed with skin-loving vitamin E.

Once ground, they are a gentle exfoliant that moisturizes at the same time.

More plants useful for skin care

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is the starch derived from the roots of various plants and is a natural thickening agent.

It also aids in transdermal penetration, which means it helps the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.

Bicarbonate of soda

Known as sodium bicarbonate, this powder deeply cleans nails and hair.

It is also a popular ingredient in oral care products.

Citric acid

Naturally present in citrus fruits, this acid is often used as a preservative.

In both DIY skincare recipes and traditional skincare recipes, it has the benefits of removing old layers of skin and cleaning the pores, so that dirt and oil can escape.

Citric acid is available in powder form, but it is also present in citrus peels.

Cocoa powder

Caffeine and theobromine are naturally present in cocoa powder.

These two plant chemicals can help break down fat and therefore have draining effects, which would help reduce swelling and cellulite.

Cocoa powder is also rich in anti-aging antioxidants.

Tip: Cocoa butter also has several benefits for your skin.

Plant-based skincare products and their benefits for your skin: Conclusion

Many foods and plant products can benefit our bodies and our skin.

Whether consumed directly or mixed with other substances, all these foods are a good starting point if you want to have beautiful skin.

Ingredients in your cosmetic products or simply on your plate, there are many ways to have a healthy body!

Many plant-based ingredients are also used in massage oils to help relax the body. Read our other post for more details on relaxing massage techniques.