The concept of super-foods has been in vogue for almost a decade now and every other day something new comes up that is considered a super food. But very few among them have been able to maintain the same level of hype over tis time. Flax seeds are among a micro minority of food items that have been universally recognised as a super-food with a variety of benefits for the human body. One of the most relevant benefits is the use of flax seeds for glowing skin.
Flax seeds naturally have a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients. This means that when consumed regularly it provides several benefits for the skin including moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging functions. Read on to find how and when to use this superfood and how flax seeds can help you maintain a glowing and healthy skin.
An Introduction to Flaxseed for Skincare
Flaxseed comes from flax plants, which produce small, fiber-rich seeds full of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Besides its many health advantages, flaxseed is now popular for improving skin texture, controlling acne, reducing signs of aging, and more.
Flaxseed contains:
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Reduce inflammation
- Antioxidants – Combat free radicals
- Fiber – Removes toxins
- Vitamin E – Boosts moisture
- Lignans – Hormone balancers
Why Flaxseed Benefits Skin Health
Indeed, flaxseed has been described as a superfood and for good reasons. It packs a nutritional punch that provides the following beautifying effects when added to your diet or skincare routine:
Boosts Skin Glow
Flaxseeds are known to contain omega-3 fatty acids, which is very beneficial for moisturizing. They make sure that skin cells remain supple and moist, which result in a glow that comes from within.
More so, flax seed oil penetrates deeply into the skin to moisturize the dry areas subject to flaking or itching. Essential fatty acids speed up the regeneration of new skin cells, maintain the skin elasticity, and give your complexion a healthy glow.
Prevents Acne and Breakouts
Flaxseed helps in controlling the production of oil in acne skin. The flax lignans play a balancing role on hormones that regulate sebum secretion. This prevents too much oil that often gets into the pores and leads to pimples.
Moreover, the anti-inflammatory compounds in the flaxseeds cool down present acne and zits. This can be reduced by applying flaxseed oil quickly.
Additionally, the antioxidant levels further shield skin cells from free radicals which exacerbate acne. Flaxseeds control hormonal activity, inflammation, and free radicals in order to create an environment that does not favor acne growth.
Tightens Pores
Topically, flaxseeds make an excellent natural exfoliator for removal of dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other debris that clogs pores.
Exfoliating with flaxseeds or a flaxseed scrub will help you get rid of the dull surface cells to reveal the bright skin underneath. This also mildly exfoliates to remove the gunk that enlarge pores.
Flaxseeds can help in minimizing visibility of pores with regular use for smoother looking skin. Give the pore-tightening flaxseed scrub a try.
Anti-Aging Effects
Free radical damage and collagen loss often contribute to premature skin aging. Flaxseeds help in fighting the issues of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and other aging markers.
Flaxseeds contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals which degrade collagen and cause aging. Having regular flax intake provides a rush of antioxidant power to fortify collagen in the skin.
Another plant-based source of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats is flaxseeds. Lowering cortisol and oxidative stress that break down collagen overtime by reducing systemic inflammation.
Hence the reason flaxseeds are a must-have for anti-aging.
Soothes Skin Allergies
In case of those suffering from inflammation of the skin such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis – flaxseeds provide a soothing effect.
Topically, flaxseed oil works as an anti-inflammatory, hydrating irritated skin, reducing redness, itching, dryness, and flaking. Taking in flaxseeds regularly also helps in reducing the skin inflammation from the inside.
Omega-3s in flax help to improve the skin barrier function, which maintains moisture and protects against aggressors such as dust and pollution. Flaxseeds can serve as a highly therapeutic supplement to both the diet and skincare of individuals with allergy-prone skin.
Now that you understand the numerous benefits of flaxseeds for skin, let’s discover some simple ways to include them in your routine.
DIY Flaxseed Face Masks for Glowing Skin
Homemade face masks are among the best ways to use flaxseeds for the skin. Masks made from a combination of flaxseeds and other nourishing ingredients can revive a dull complexion by brightening and hydrating it.
Whip up one of these nourishing DIY flaxseed face mask recipes to reveal brighter, smoother skin:
Acne control using a Flaxseed and Lemon Mask.
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
Mix ingredients into a paste. Rub it on face and leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Why it works: Lemon juice has antimicrobial actions that kill the bacteria that cause acne. It also cleanses the excess oil from the skin surface. On the other hand, the flaxseeds balance sebum levels and reduce inflammation of the existing breakouts. Taken together, they are the best pair for clear, no-acne skin.
Fuller’s earth honey mask and flaxseed for skin detox.
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp fuller’s earth
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp yogurt
Blend into a thick paste. Rub on face, leaving on it for twenty minutes and wash off.
Why it works: Fuller earth is a natural clay that helps to remove impurities from the skin and get rid of clogged pores by means of deep cleansing. This is because honey is a humectant that prevents the skin from drying out. Flaxseads peel off dead cells and toxins while providing the yogurt with moisture and vitality. This powerhouse combo gives skin a shine and leaves it clear, fresh, and clean.
Mask for smoother skin made of Flaxseed Oatmeal.
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp oatmeal
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• A few drops of honey
Mix ingredients well. Rub it to the face, let it dry for 10-15 min./article> Rinse with lukewarm water.
Why it works: Rubbing flaxseed and oatmeal gently removes dry skin. This soft exfoliation uncovers the new skin under and smoothens the skin texture. Yogurt provides moisture and honey keeps the moisture in.
Mix these ingredients together to make a smooth paste. Apply to face and neck. Let it rest for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Why it works: The lactic acid in yoghurt dissolves the gluey substances bonding to dead cells. This makes for the loosening of the skin and allows for younger cells to rise and tighten the skin. Honey helps to plump up the newly revealed layer by drawing in moisture. On the other hand, flaxseeds provide essential antioxidants to boost collagen and firmness.
Using Flaxseeds for Skin Tightening
Another natural skin-tightening remedy is the use of flaxseeds alone. These lines and wrinkles are smoothed away and a young appearance is given.
Here is an easy flaxseed skin-tightening recipe to try:
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup water
Pour the warm water on it in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture set to form a gel state.
After cooling, apply the flaxseed gel evenly on the face and neck of a clean body. Let it on for 20 to 25 minutes. Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry.
Apply this tightening face mask 2-3 times a week for visible results. The flaxseeds mucilage has good water-binding properties that hydrate and swell the skin. Taking flaxseeds on a regular basis will tighten sagging skin, remove wrinkles, and bring back youthful looks.
Tips for Glowing Skin with Flaxseeds
It is more important to include them on your diet for inner health and outer beauty than use them topically. Here are some tips to maximize their skin-enhancing effects:
- Eat 1-2 tbsp freshly ground flaxseed daily. Sprinkle it over yogurt or salads cereal or blend it into smoothies.
- It is important to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
- Coping methods to stress such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
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