Quinoa is one of the trendiest superfoods around and it seems that we shouldn’t just be consuming it, we should include quinoa into our beauty regime too because it comes with a host of benefits.
Credit: Boren Realist/ At Media
Quinoa skincare products have started creeping onto the shelves of our departmental stores and beauty counters for a reason. Besides being a nutritious and healthy superfood, it is also a natural skin care ingredient that takes great care of our skin. Here are some of the reasons why you should let those quinoa sitting in your kitchen to make a move to your vanity table. Read on to learn how to DIY your own quinoa face wash too!
1. Great for exfoliation
Quinoa has a soft husk which is great for rubbing off dead skin but at the same time gentle enough not to hurt our skin. Exfoliating your skin twice a week can help to clear the dead skin and allows skin care products to penetrate and be absorbed easily. It can also clear up the clog pores to prevent comedones and other skin problems.
Tip: Do not over-exfoliate your skin because that may result in breakouts or skin rash.
2. Prevents aging
Collagen is that magical protein in our body that we tried so hard to retain because of its anti-aging properties. Quinoa contains certain bioactive compounds that can inhibit an enzyme in our body called matrix matalloproteinase, which breaks down collagen and elastin, and researchers also mentioned that “quinoa phytochemicals may play a role in the treatment and prevention of skin aging through a multiplicity of effects.” (source: The Alternative Daily)
3. Evens out skin tone
When applied topically, quinoa can help to prevent skin pigmentation and even out our skin tone by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase in our body. Brown spots can be prevented, and we can look forward to a healthier skin tone!
Credit: Rossana Davison Nutrition
Preparing your DIY quinoa face wash
Now that we know all the skin benefits of this superfood, let’s get down to preparing our very own DIY quinoa face wash.
Step 1: Simmer a cup of quinoa in water for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is soft, or when most of the water is absorbed.
Step 2: Pour the quinoa into a bowl and pour in some olive oil. How much you want to pour in is entirely up to you!
Step 3: Mix the quinoa and olive oil mixture until it becomes a paste-like texture.
Step 4: Gently rub the mixture on your face not more than two to three times a week.
Now that you have got your own quinoa face wash, remember to get some quinoa skincare products to make sure that your skin can reap the full benefits of quinoa!
