4 Undeniable Reasons To Add Chia Seeds To Your Skincare Routine

Chia seeds can take your skincare routine to the next level.

You probably recognize chia seeds because they became associated with the popular clay figurines called Chia Pets. Ch-ch-ch-chia! Nowadays, though, the Chia Pet trend has mostly died out, while the actual seeds have become more popular than ever. A member of the mint family, chia seeds originate from the desert plant Salvia hispanica.

In recent years, people have also hyped them up as a superfood with all sorts of health benefits. That’s because they’re high in fiber, calcium, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. You can eat chia seeds raw or add them to salads, cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and meals—the possibilities are endless.

 

 

Chia is truly an “inside-out” beauty food. When you eat it, you become healthier and it shows on your skin, as it starts glowing with renewed vitality. You can even eat chia as dessert, like in this key lime pie chia pudding courtesy of the fabulous Jess of Choosing Chia.

You don’t have to stop eating chia seeds. You can also apply its oil, which works wonders when used topically. Consider the benefits of chia seeds for skin.

 

1. Incredibly Hydrating

Chia seed oil is great for moisturizing dry skin, especially for those with eczema, providing hand eczema relief. An eight-week study on subjects with pruritus, skin itchiness caused by various ailments, found that chia oil was able to significantly increase skin hydration and skin barrier function while also reducing transepidermal water loss. Its moisturizing effects are also anti-aging making it less likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles.

Chia seed oil is light, absorbs easily, and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. It works well under makeup, making it a great choice.

 

2. Strengthens Skin Barrier

A healthy barrier is essential for beautiful skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. How to repair skin barrier or even strengthen it? Chia seed oil can help strengthen the skin barrier, which naturally weakens as we age, leaving skin prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Using overly harsh and aggressive skincare treatments and other factors like sun exposure compromise the barrier. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can prevent this weakening by reinforcing the epidermis. Helping to repair a damaged skin barrier.

3. Quells Inflammation (and Itchiness)

Chia seed oil can help soothe itchy and cracked skin with essential fatty acids that reduce inflammation.  This is especially beneficial in cold-weather situations when the skin is more likely to become dry and irritated.

4. Helps Combat UV Damage and Dark Spots

As lovely as the sun it is, its UV rays are the largest source of free radical damage to your skin. It can manifest as fine lines, creepiness and dark spots. Too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer or other skin conditions. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding too much sunlight.

Chia seed oil can help protect the skin from UV damage because it has anti-inflammatory properties. This information comes from Joshua Zeichner, a dermatology expert at Mount Sinai Hospital, as reported by StyleCaster. Another expert, dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, told the publication that chia seed oil may even help minimize dark spots.

 

Your New Beauty Buddy

Chia seed oil is worthy of being added to your skin care routine. Not only does it moisturize people with severe skin problems, but it also helps reduce inflammation. Chia seed benefits for skin health are endless. To use, rub a few drops of the oil onto your face and neck daily for optimal results.

Want to reap the benefits of chia seed oil? Try our facial oil, which is packed with the good stuff to unveil soft, smooth and youthfully vibrant skin.