A recent article by Cosmetic Design announced that the latest trend in the beauty industry is the use of food ingredients in beauty products. Many companies are going as far as products that are so natural they are even edible! Regardless of how edible a product is, the use of natural foods we eat in beauty products is not necessarily a bad idea. Dr. Debra Luftman, a well-known Dermatologist told Better Nutrition, "What's good for your heart and weight is good for your skin and brain."
Almonds are a high source of Vitamin E, which is a natural sunscreen. Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a professor of dermatology at Yale told Women's Heath, "Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that helps to prevent skin cells from UV light and other environmental factors that generate cell-damaging free radicals." Studies have shown that people who consumer certain amounts of Vitamin E don't sunburn as easily as those who do not. Try Queen Helene's Almond Massage Cream.
Carrots are one of the best sources for beta-carotene, which is a natural anti-oxidant and source of vitamin A. Dr. Howard Murad told Better Nutrition that carrots can, "help present the overproduction of cells in the skin's outer layer," even the development of skin cancer cells. For a quick midday skin pick-me-up, try Burt's Bees Carrot Seed Complexion Mist.
See, chocolate is good for you! In fact, the antioxidants in cocoa butter can help reduce skin roughness and prevent sun damage. Cocoa butter also contains high moisturizing properties that help prevent and hide stretch marks, and skin irritation. Try Triple Lanolin's Cocoa Butter Creme.
The Romans had it right. They used to crush up grapes and use the mush for various topical skin cream. Grapes (particularly the grape seed oil) are a great source of antioxidants. Vinotherapy, spa treatments that use grape extracts and grape seed oil is a trend that started in Paris, and has started expanding to many high end spas throughout the United States. For some at home Vinotherapy, try Vineyard Grapes Moisturizer.
Cleopatra used to bathe in milk. If it was good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for us! Milk has very strong concentrations of vitamins A and D, which are natural skin moisturizers. Health Magazine also reports that the fat in milk is also good for reducing swelling. Try Almay Milk Plus Renewing Night Cream.