A quick look at the Internet is enough to see that making homemade facial masks based on food (especially fruits and vegetables) is trendy. They are also recommended for hair and body, since they promise hydration and well-being and have, a priori, numerous advantages. On the one hand, they are economical, since only food is used to make them, and on the other they are natural, a concept that in recent times has acquired a series of connotations that make it very attractive for a certain consumer profile. According to the doctor in biochemistry and molecular biology from the Autonomous University of Valencia, JM Mulet, this current tendency to value what is natural above all else, whether in food, health, cosmetics or in any other field, has to do with the fact that "we are human and that humanity is precisely what makes us think that there is a kind of truth in nature that makes what is natural better than what is artificial."
This gives rise, in the case of cosmetics, to many people believing that it is safer to apply food-based masks to the face, body or hair (all of them natural and, therefore, safe in the imagination of many). ) than any processed product, no matter how minimal its handling. However, this belief is not only not true, but it can even entail risks. As explained by Carola Schuhmacher, senior product developer at Ringana, an Austrian company that specializes in sustainable and natural, chemical-free cosmetics: "Applying fruits and vegetables as is, directly to the skin, is not the safest way to use these ingredients, as they Anything we apply to our skin must be rigorously checked in terms of microbiology and quality."
The scientist assures, however, that applying these foods directly to the skin is becoming a trend. "It is true that vegetables and fruits have a lot of vitamins, polyphenols, antioxidants and other fantastic compounds, so it is understandable, to some extent, that people think that if we can eat them they can be applied to the skin and they should work Same thing. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Our skin is our "shield", it protects us from what's outside our body. This means that not everything passes through it, which, if you think about it, is great. If not, we would be constantly sick, picking up all the viruses, bad bacteria, microbes and other agents that are in the air (or in everything we touch) that could easily penetrate our dermis," explains Schuhmacher, who has dedicated a good part of his career to the development of cosmetic products for skin and hair care.
This does not mean that fruits, vegetables and other foods should not be used in cosmetics (chocolate and cucumber are also very popular), but that this use requires certain processes. "We know how beneficial vegetables and fruits are, in fact that is why we formulate the way we do, taking advantage of the properties of these products and extracting them or adapting them to use them in cosmetic products, so that people can take full advantage of their benefits without take risks. They are powerful ingredients, but you have to use them correctly for them to work when applied to the skin," says Schuhmacher.
Therefore, fruits and vegetables yes, but always correctly formulated to enhance their effectiveness. "The skin is not as permeable as people think, so for people to take advantage of all the benefits of certain foods, scientists have to extract the compounds we need (vitamins, polyphenols or directly a concentrated extract of a fruit, vegetable or plant) through sustainable processes, under strict quality and care, and then use them in the appropriate formulation. This is what guarantees the effects of that vegetable or fruit on the skin," he continues.
In this sense, the scientist from Ringana insists on the need to move towards more environmentally friendly cosmetics in every sense, which translates not only into the use of natural products such as fruits and vegetables but also into thinking in sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of cosmetics. In the 21st century, there is no other option than cosmetics whose ingredients "are obtained through responsible use of natural resources, respectful of the environment and with careful processing and manufacturing methods," explains Schuhmacher. In addition, "their biodegradability must be guaranteed when they are finally returned to the environment."
It is time, then, to demolish some myths such as that homemade chocolate masks can have beneficial effects on the skin, since although this food has certain compounds that can improve its appearance, leaving it softer and silkier, this is not the case if it is applied directly. "Chocolate is good for its high flavonoid content, plus it contains many healthy fats that act as emollients for the skin. That's why after a chocolate treatment you will notice your skin softer and less irritated, but unfortunately these effects are not Insured if you do the same at home with a cooking chocolate.Estheticians, cosmetic chemists and skin care professionals exist for a reason, and although it can be very tempting to try a "DIY" (do it yourself), it is not the same as a professional product and therefore will not have the same effects," says the Ringana expert. It is important to understand, in this sense, that when we undergo a chocolate therapy treatment (common in aesthetic centers) we are not using dry stick chocolate like the one we might have in the fridge, but "a product that has been made and formulated under strict quality processes ensuring that the chocolate is safe to use."
Another home remedy for the skin, probably the most widespread, is to apply cucumber under the eyes to reduce inflammation in the area and improve bags and dark circles. Works? Yes, but not because of the benefits of cucumber. "The results are due to the fact that the cucumber is cold and contains a lot of water. This effect could also be achieved by applying a cold spoon or using an eye serum that focuses on preventing this inflammation in the first place and also helping reduce it," says Schuhmacher.
To keep your skin in good condition, it is important to follow a daily routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and using appropriate sunscreen. Schumacher recalls that "sunlight is the number one cause responsible for the loss of collagen and elastin and causes premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and inflammatory processes." It is also important to remove makeup correctly, use the right products for your skin type and, of course, eat the right diet. "It has been shown that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits promotes younger, healthier skin," recalls the expert.
Numerous scientific studies support this thesis. According to research carried out by scientists at the University of Nottingham, in the United Kingdom, and published in the Journal Evolution and Human Behavior, eating fruits and vegetables such as carrots or tomatoes provides a healthier golden skin tone than sunbathing. Another study, this time carried out by the University of St. Andrews, in Scotland, and published in the journal PLoS One, indicates that the consumption of fruits and vegetables makes us more attractive, since the skin changes its tone and appears more radiant and healthy. "It is possible that even very small changes in diet can produce noticeable benefits in skin color," the study states. Another of this research, carried out by scientists at the University of Nottingham, indicates that eating dark chocolate softens and improves the appearance of the skin, as it reduces signs of aging, fatigue and can improve sleep problems.
Therefore, to have beautiful and healthy skin it is essential to "consume whole and seasonal fruits and vegetables, as much as possible raw or steamed, cook with olive oil and increase the intake of legumes, nuts, whole grains and fermented such as yogurt or kefir,” details, for her part, the nutritionist and dietician at the Quirón San José Hospital in Madrid, Elena de la Fuente Hidalgo.
Drinking water is also important for healthy, hydrated skin, inside and out. “The most recent scientific evidence has shown that water needs vary depending on different factors, such as sex, age, level of physical activity and climate,” explains sports nutritionist and nutritional coach Luisa Castillo, who recommends adequate hydration. at all times, since "even the slightest dehydration can negatively affect our physical and cognitive performance."
