Just because these foods aren’t great on your plate, doesn’t mean your skin can’t enjoy the indulgence.
We’ve spent a year telling you to cut back on these foods and beverages to get enviable skin and a killer body, but turns out we were all wrong! Well, sort of. Sorry we hurt your feelings sweets, caffeine and salt, but you can now take a topical seat on our beauty pantry super-food shelf.
ALSO READ: Gluten-free treats: you can have your gluten-free cake and eat it too.
Coffee
Good for: cellulite. Depending on who you’re talking to, coffee will get all kinds of wraps: bad for teeth, good for metabolism, bad for anxiety, good for muscle recovery.
But when it comes to ridding your body of cellulite, it’s a unanimous call – get your coffee fix, fast. Before you order that double espresso, we’re talking about using ground coffee as a scrub à la Dr Oz, who touted the benefits of coffee on the skin’s surface. The coarseness of the granules acts as a light exfoliant. When applied in a circular motion to your bumpy spots, it will increase blood flow to the area and smooth out cellulite. Also, the natural antioxidants in caffeine fend off free radicals as they absorb into the skin after topical application, to help release toxins and fat stores that contribute to the cottage cheese effect. Rub it on with an exfoliating or tanning mitt while in the shower – it can get a little messy!
Butter
Good for: Soft skin & lips. Okay, so we’re cheating with words here.
Butter in its traditional grandma’s cooking form, while tasty in very small amounts, will do little to enhance your beauty routine. Body and lip butters, however, are super-hydrating and use the oil from seeds and nuts to form a nutrient-rich formula. Typically, you’ll find shea (great for stretch marks and eczema), cocoa (stimulates collagen) and almond oil (rich in vitamin E). Fruits and essential oils are injected for added skin-smoothing and pretty smelling benefits. These ingredients work as anti-inflammatories and guard the skin against environmental damage.
DIY: 1 cup organic, raw shea butter; 1/2 cup coconut oil; 72 cup almond oil; essential oil of your choice 1 Melt shea butter and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes. 2 Stir in almond and essential oils. 3 Place oil mixture in the freezer until it has partially solidified. 4 Whip into a butter-like consistency. 5 Place in a clean, glass jar and enjoy! (Recipe from rawmazing.com.)
Sugar
Good for: scaly skin. The small coarse granules of sugar make it a gentle but effective body buffer over salt-based scrubs that can tear the skin. Sugar has naturally occurring humectant (a substance that attracts and absorbs moisture), keeping moisture locked in rather than stripping natural oils from the skin. In the shower, gently scrub skin in circular motions from the ankles up to boost the blood flow as you go.
Salt
Good for: muscles. “Hold the salt, please. Unless you’re pouring it into a bath, then go nuts.”
Bath salts are packed with minerals like magnesium, potassium and sodium. Soaking in salt baths twice a week (more than this could irritate the skin is said to detox environmental nasties by increasing the magnesium levels that maintain muscle, nerve function and bone density. Your legs will feel smooth and soft, and your post-Pump class muscles will love you for the soak.
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