The skin and hair are but two of our precious attributes that can tell us if we are getting enough nutrients or not. When we lack vital vitamins and minerals, our skin and hair turn out to be dry or scaly and our nails become brittle. Among these beneficial nutrients for our hair and skin re Biotin (Vitamin B7), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Retinol (Vitamin A), essential fatty acids and calcium, among many others.

The good thing is that, apart from the synthetic over-the-counter supplements we can readily get from the drugstore, natural and healthier means are also available – thanks to the abundance of nature. Basically, some foods are gifted with just enough nutrients to give us that radiant, glowing skin and that beautiful crowning glory.

1. Almonds

   Almonds are considered to be the most useful and one of those superfoods available in the market. The health benefits of almonds are varied and wide, and don’t forget that it is also delicious! Consuming almonds has always been believed to be good for the complexion and for the digestive system. Currently, scientists are eyeing it for its antioxidant properties. But vanity wise, one can utilize almonds as a natural means for skin and hair care.

   As a natural hair care, almond oil can be a good conditioner for the hair. Apply it directly to the mane, paying attention to the scalp using gentle circular motion and leave it for about 20 minutes then thoroughly rinse it.

   For the skin, it can be utilized as an exfoliating agent. Submerge almonds in water for a few hours then grind them. Create a paste with the ground almonds then mix it with milk then apply it in the desired area. As an exfoliant, it will even out the skin texture and take away dead skin and deep-seated dirt.

2. Avocado

   Avocado is rich in B vitamins, vitamin E and it contains more potassium than bananas. High in defensive antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it helps in restoring your skin and hair to a shiny and beautiful state.

   Moisturize skin with avocado oil or a combination of mashed avocado with a couple drops of apple cider vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice and/or egg whites. Rub the oil or the mixture into the skin and get ready for soft, smooth skin. It is also beneficial in healing scars and eczema and it turns dry and flaky skin into young-looking skin. The same application and mixture can be used on the hair.

3. Cocoa

   Cocoa is the main component of one of our guilty pleasures, chocolate. Chocolates, especially the dark ones, are not just comfort food.  Numerous studies have shown that cocoa are high in flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which are observed to be beneficial in promoting cardiovascular health. Furthermore, these flavonoids serve as antioxidants which help our skin and hair remain healthy by preventing further damage and adding vibrancy and shine.

   Cocoa butters, soaps and moisturizers are available in the market and there are several ways to apply it. Try adding 1/8 unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/3 cup of fat free milk in your tub or rub on some cocoa butter on your skin to condition it; the same follows with the hair.

4. Coffee

   Before, coffee was deemed bad for your health – but current studies proved it otherwise. It is already known to be rich in antioxidants which make it suitable hair and skin care. Apart from the warm, energetic feeling we get from drinking our favourite cup of coffee, topical application proves to be beneficial to the skin. It is important that the right pH of the skin and hair, which is around 4.5 to 5, is maintained to lock in its vitality and shine. And luckily the same acidic pH level is found in coffee. Keep in mind that the higher the pH level, the more likely it is to cause hair cuticle to swell and become rough.

   Applying your brewed espresso directly to the skin smoothens cellulite because coffee are natural topical diuretics, they even work wonders on puffy eyelids. The antioxidant property of coffee help in defending the skin from sun damage and inhibits lyses of collagen and elastin that could lead to sagging and wrinkles.

5. Strawberries

   Crowned as the queen of all fruits, strawberries are as good to eat as it is tremendously good for the skin and hair.  Strawberries are high in vitamin C – much higher than citrus fruits, and they are incredibly eminent in soluble fibres. But the main element of strawberries that is good to the skin is its alpha-hydroxyl acids which can slough off dead skin cells thus making the skin maintain that youthful glow.

   Ancient Egyptians used strawberries as a natural treatment for acne because they have salicylic properties, a component found in commercial anti-acne creams. Strawberries condition and lighten the skin tone while making it supple and smooth. One of the easiest ways of eliminating dead skin cell is to cut the strawberry in half and directly scrub it unto the area using a circular motion and as gently as possible. Wait for a few minutes then rinse it off with tepid water and feel that instant softness of your skin.

6. Tea

   Tea is used in a variety of ways that ranges from relaxation, medicinal purposes and even aesthetically. Teas contain vitamin A and B2 that aids in nourishing the mane and the skin. Green tea helps in giving the skin a radiant glow, inhibits formation of dark spots and freckles, and it provides skin with elasticity. When utilized in topical composition, it reduces sun damage by releasing free radicals and decreasing inflammation, rather than just barricading ultraviolet rays. Black tea on the other hand, has a natural dyeing effect. It makes the hair shinier and a bit darker. Brew some tea and start sipping your way to a more radiant, youthful, glowing skin and mane.

7. Yogurt

   When you hear the word yogurt, the word probiotics would always came to mind. To create a yogurt, the process of fermentation is utilized to allow milk to turn it into a sumptuous and beneficial healthy food. The fermentation uses ‘good’ bacteria to transform the liquid milk into a semi-solid yogurt. Yogurt is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, calcium, lactic acid and protein.

   Yogurt has tons of healthy enzymes that add natural oils to the skin. It is known to decrease pore size and ameliorate the texture of the skin which gives one a radiant look. An application on the areas with acne on a daily basis can make a difference. A combination of yogurt with a quarter teaspoon of lemon or orange juice can give effective results. Mix it all together and lather the combined ingredients onto your face and wait for 5 minutes, then rinse it off. For oily skin, yogurt can also be used to exfoliate daily and remove white and blackheads. Just rub them onto the skin in a circular motion and leave it for a while before washing them off.

   Yogurt also works wonders to the hair. It is a great cleanser and can be a base for your conditioner. It encourages hair growth and it makes the hair soft, making it tangle free. Blend half a cup of yogurt until it turns into a smooth paste consistency. Apply a generous amount on the mane, wrap the hair with a towel for 15 minutes then thoroughly wash the hair.

Sources
dailyglow.com
ehow.com
divinecaroline.com
b3products.com
worldofhair.com
holisticbeautycompass.com
health-guidence.blogspot.com
dailyglow.com