Five superfoods that will boost your natural beauty – from green tea to turmeric

A healthy diet is a no-brainer when it comes to getting a glowing complexion. But did you know that a lot of the good stuff on your plate can also do wonders when applied to your skin. Here are a few popular beauty products that put ingestible ingredients centre stage.

Turmeric This anti-inflammatory superfood is said to prevent collagen breakdown and has been popping up in coffee shops in the form of lattes. And, it turns out, the stuff is also useful topic­ally, particularly for acne- or eczema-prone skin. Besides calming the surface, it’s a natural anti­septic that stops the spread of bacteria.

Try: First Aid Beauty’s Hello Fab Ginger & Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask has a calming and brightening effect.

Green tea Filled with anti­oxidants, green tea is touted as a fat burner and is said to improve brain function and lower the risk of diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s. As a skincare ingredient, it’s powered by a rich concentration of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps with ultraviolet radiation- and bacteria-induced damage. The polyphenol present in green tea combats inflammation, making it an anti-ageing powerhouse.

Try: AmorePacific’s entire line is based on EGCG har­vested from green tea plants. The Korean brand’s lab tested more than 10,000 species of the plant to find the most potent varietal for its Prime Reserve Epidynamic Activating Programme.

Melatonin These magic pills help you fall asleep, naturally – but what can melatonin do for your skin? It’s a supercharged antioxidant with repara­tive abilities, fighting pigmentation and skin damage while protecting the skin against ageing, and it’s easily absorbed.

Try: Peter Thomas Roth’s Green Releaf Therapeutic Sleep Cream is formulated for all skin types and contains melatonin, cannabis sativa seed oil, a 2 per cent retinoid complex and soothing oatmeal, to hydrate, brighten and smooth skin.

Probiotics Since the world went gaga for gut health, probiotics have been flying off shelves as people try to restore the bacteria balance in their tummies. The micro-organisms can also help balance stressed-out skin, activating the cells’ natural ability to create a harmonious ecosystem – in other words, they help your skin self-regulate. If you see prebiotics on the label, that’s good stuff, too; it refers to the nutrients needed to feed probiotics.

Try: Aurelia’s Probiotic Concentrate contains a potent dosage of healthy bacteria, along with a good helping of healing hyaluronic acid.

Reishi mushroom This adaptogen is great as an oral supplement for boosting immunity, reducing stress and warding off fatigue. It is even said to fight cancer. In skincare, fungi might already be a part of your regime, as the common skin-lightening ingredient kojic acid is a mushroom derivative. When used topically, Reishi mushroom is said to reduce inflammation and boost the skin’s immunity.

Try: Shiseido’s Ultimune range, including the bestselling Power Infusing Concentrate, strengthens the skin’s natural defence so it can protect and rebuild itself. It counts reishi and iris root extract among its key ingredients.