WE KNOW CONTOURING CAN BE FUN, BUT in the summer months, all we want is skin so glowy that very little makeup is required. Simplifying our complex routines is what summer beauty is all about.
There are three non-negotiables to make our skincare goals a reality: sunscreen, a little self-tanner (which covers a multitude of sins) and a non-stripping cleanser.
We’re loving the Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser by Youth To The People and here’s why — the cleanser’s cold-pressed ingredient list looks a heck of a lot like a green juice recipe. If you’ve ever enjoyed a week of greens in the morning you know the kind of glow that shows up on your skin. Apparently, those same antioxidant-rich ingredients have a similar effect topically — the cleanser won the coveted Reader’s Choice Award from Allure this year.
Infuse your skin with vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients this summer by making this gentle cleanser the foundation of a simplified beauty routine. Here are all the potent green ingredients found in the Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser…
GREEN TEA: Green tea is a potent source of antioxidants which are key to lessening the impact of oxidative stress, the cellular wear-and-tear that’s associated with aging and disease. Green tea has been extensively researched, showing the ability to reduce inflammation. It also contains anti-bacterial properties that helps keep skin clear.
ALOE VERA: There’s a reason why aloe is a go-to for sunburnt skin. Cooling, soothing and super hydrating, this plant is nothing short of a skincare superstar. It’s also deeply detoxifying when consumed as it contains powerful antioxidant compounds and is said to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood-sugar management. Aloe also soothes digestion, which always benefits your skin too.
SPINACH: Spinach is known for its high antioxidant content, anti-inflammatory and cancer-prevention properties. It is a potent source of the phytonutrients carotenoids, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals – including vitamins K, A, C, B2, B6, B1 and E, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc choline.
ALFALFA SPROUTS: Most seeds, grains and beans can be sprouted. What you’ll end up with are nutritionally evolved versions of the plant, brimming with plant-protein and essential vitamins. In addition to having a high concentration of a wide range of vitmains and minerals, alfalfa sprouts are a proven to be an extremely high-antioxidant food, which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals (the key trigger of visual signs of aging).
KALE: This dark leafy veg is rich in skin-loving phytonutrients and vitamins C, E, and K to strengthen and leave skin glowing. It’s filled with potent antioxidants such as beta carotene, quercetin and kaempferol – a cardio protectant and potent anti-inflammatory. Kale also contains vitamins, A, B6, B1, B2, B3, vitamin K (necessary for calcium absorption), magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium and omega 3 fatty acids.
Grab a bottle here! Beauty foods are definitely a thing — the more we integrate certain ingredients into our lives the faster we’ll see results. Next time you’re rolling through your local farmers market, scoop up the skin-loving ingredients above. Paired with a few key products that allow for a super simple yet effective beauty routine, and you’re set for summer of serious glowing…
