Some foods and drinks recommended by Sai Gon Tiep Thi, an online news site of the Saigon Times Group, to help beautify the skin efficiently.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains saponin, which has a foamy quality when agitated in water. Saponin can help clean pores and remove dead skin cells. Oatmeal has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help moisturize and protect the skin.
Oatmeal mixed with a moisturizing gel can also treat such skin diseases as psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter has a large amount of oil that can help nourish the skin. Peanut butter has vitamins B and E, which help relieve skin aging characterized by hyperpigmentation and rash. Studies indicate that the abundant oil in peanut butter can protect the skin from the bad impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Rub the mixture of one tablespoon of peanut butter, one teaspoon of honey and one egg onto the skin areas in need of cleansing and leave there for a bout 15 minutes; wash the skin with warm water.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has its own antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve the circulatory system and nourish the skin.
Apply a facial mask made by mixing cinnamon powder with honey, or rub the mixture of cinnamon powder and honey on affected skin areas for about 10 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water to remove dead skin cells and fade acne and dark spots.
Cinnamon can cause skin allergy or burns. So, consult your doctor before using it. Do not apply cinnamon oil onto your skin.
Milk
Milk contains lactic acid, which can be used to remove dead skin cells for different types of skin. It is also used to treat acne, and fade scars, large pores and hyperpigmentation.
Proteins and fats in milk can help soften and smoothen the skin. Milk can be used as a toner, or mixed with wheat flour as a facial mask, or poured into a bathtub for body soaking.
Coffee
In addition to helping drinkers welcome a new day full of sobriety and energy, coffee can be helpful in recovering skin health. Apply used coffee grounds onto facial skin to remove dead skin cells, and relieve acne, stretch marks and cellulite.
According to a study conducted in 2021, the caffeine in coffee helps stimulate the circulatory system, thus smoothening the skin.
Turmeric
Aside from adding color and flavor to several dishes, turmeric also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This is why turmeric has been used in many skin-care products.
Turmeric application can help accelerate the healing of external wounds and relieve inflammations.
The curcumin in turmeric is used to treat such skin diseases as acne, eczema, facial skin aging, and psoriasis. The mixture of turmeric powder, honey and wheat flour (or milk) can be used as a facial mask.
Rice water
Rice water – the leftover water from rinsing rice – has long been considered good for the skin, especially by Oriental women. Rice water has many vitamins, amino acid and minerals that can help strengthen and smoothen the skin. It can be applied to help brighten and protect the skin, and fade dark spots. Rice water can be used as a toner, or mixed with honey and turmeric powder as a facial mask.
Coconut water
The application of coconut water can help nourish and moisturize the skin, as coconut water has sugar, amino acid and a high content of electrolytes. It can be used to treat acne, acne scars and skin aging.
Coconut water contains vitamins B2, B3 and C, which are good for the health of the skin. Intake of coconut water can help relieve wrinkles, moisturize the skin, improve skin elasticity, and facilitate collagen production.
