World Vegan Day: 7 vegan foods that promote skin benefits
The expert reveals how to apply plant-based ingredients directly to the skin to obtain natural and effective treatments
World Vegan Day, celebrated every year on November 1st, goes far beyond a conscious food choice. The event, created in 1994 by the Vegan Society of the United Kingdom, celebrates a lifestyle that is good not only for animals and the environment, but also for the health and beauty of the skin through the topical use of natural ingredients.
“The direct application of vegan foods to the skin offers a high concentration of antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals that directly fight premature aging and promote the skin’s natural luminosity,” explains dermatologist Ana Carolina Sumam. “These products promote significant improvement in skin quality in those patients who opt for topical treatments rich in herbal ingredients.”
7 vegan foods for topical application
The expert highlights eight plant-based foods and shows how to apply them directly to the skin for proven dermatological benefits:
Avocado
Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, avocado hydrates the skin when applied as a face mask. This fruit, in the form of a paste, acts as a natural intensive moisturizer, proving effective for dry and mature skin.
Oats
Oats can be used as an exfoliant when ground and mixed with water. This cereal has anti-inflammatory and calming properties, and is also effective for dry and mature skin.
Cucumber
Applied sliced as pulp, cucumber offers a refreshing and decongestant effect. This fruit contains ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, capable of reducing swelling and irritation, ideal for the eye area.
Tomato
Tomato pulp can be used as an antioxidant mask. The lycopene present in the fruit, applied topically, offers protection against free radicals and stimulates cell renewal.
Potato
You can apply potato slices on the dark spots. Vitamin C and the enzymes present in the tuber have a natural lightening action, helping to even out the skin tone.
Coconut oil
Applied directly, coconut oil acts as a moisturizer and has antimicrobial properties, as it is rich in lauric acid, which fights acne-causing bacteria and keeps the skin’s skin barrier intact.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar is a type of unrefined sugar used as a body scrub when mixed with vegetable oils. Effectively removes dead cells, stimulating cell renewal without causing microlesions.
Essential care for topical application
The expert warns of important precautions when using topical foods. “It is essential to carry out a sensitivity test before the first application, applying a small amount on the forearm and waiting 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions”, advises Ana Carolina Sumam.
“Avoid acidic ingredients such as lemon and orange, because they can cause burns when exposed to the sun. Use fresh substances correctly, as they offer components that have been proven to be beneficial for the skin.”
Limitations and when to seek professional help
The dermatologist points out that although natural ingredients are beneficial, they have limitations. “Home treatments are complementary to professional dermatological care. Problems such as severe acne, melasma or suspicious lesions should always be evaluated by a specialist,” he warns.
The expert concludes by underlining that World Vegan Day represents an opportunity to explore natural and sustainable alternatives for skin care. “Nature offers powerful ingredients that, when used correctly, can give you healthier, brighter skin in an ethical and conscious way,” concludes Sumam.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
