TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Antioxidant
MAIN BENEFITS: Promotes collagen and elastin production, reduces hyperpigmentation, reduces oxidative stress.
WHO SHOULD USE IT: In general, anyone with uneven skin tone.
HOW OFTEN IS TYPICAL USE: Once or twice a day.
WORKS WELL WITH: Hydrators and barrier boosters.
Intrigued, we decided to do some digging—and what we found was major. Quite simply put, these little berries are chock-full of antioxidants, fight free radicals like none other, and might give you clearer, brighter skin. Think of them as a way, way more potent version of the berries we know and love. It's no wonder women in China have been adding them to their tea for over 4000 years.
What are Goji Berries?
Zhongning County, located in the Ningxia Hui region of Northern China, is considered the goji berry capital of the world. Goji berries are grown and eaten on a daily basis in Zhongning, where residents are known to live amazingly long lives. A total antioxidant powerhouse, goji berries are a significant source of vitamin C, minerals, amino acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides—all of which have incredible benefits, ranging from fighting free radicals to boosting collagen production.2
Benefits of Goji Berries for Skin
They're immune boosters: Studies have shown that consuming goji berries also significantly reduces UV-induced immunosuppression, all thanks to their antioxidant properties.3
They're potent antioxidants: "Its antioxidant ability comes from its natural content of vitamin C, polysaccharides, flavonoids such as quercetin, carotenoids such as blue light-protective zeaxanthin and beta-carotene," says Barron of the berry.
They're anti-inflammatory: Barron continues saying that "These work together with another ingredient in goji known as betaine, which can reduce the formation of inflammatory chemicals in skin."
They're barrier boosting: "Goji berry is also a good source of skin-beneficial fatty acids, including palmitic, oleic, and stearic, all of which help hydrate skin and enhance its barrier."
Protect skin from the sun: "They protect the skin against ultraviolet-induced damage and have also been shown to block melanin production," adds Shah.
Helps with skin tone: Hayag cites "its effects in decreasing sun-induced pigmentation thereby improving skin tone. For those who love the sun, it has been helpful in repairing UV light damage."
How to Use It
Many brands incorporate this beneficial berry into their products, and it's simple to rotate them into your daily routine. Because goji berries are so abundant in amino acids (they contain 17 in total, including several essential amino acids),4 they're a great source of hydration. Amino acids may also increase the efficacy of other hydrating agents in skincare products by transporting moisture through the skin.
Acai and Goji berry moisturiser uk
As beauty editors, we consider ourselves reasonably well-versed when it comes to superfoods. And yet, there's always something new and lesser-known out there—in this case, we're talking about the ancient Chinese goji berry.
GOJI BERRY
WHAT ARE ACAI BERRIES?
Like blueberries and goji berries, acai is a superfood berry that grows in Central and South American rainforests and is native to Brazil. Picked from the acai palm tree, these berries look more like thick-skinned, purple grapes—earning them the moniker "purple gold" from fans of its many health benefits.
But unlike most other berries, the acai berry has a seed that takes up almost 80% of the fruit. The remaining flesh and skin are packed with vitamins and other nutrients. Delicious acai berries are a perfect addition to a low-calorie diet as they only pack about 70 calories per cup of berries.
Acai berries can spoil, sometimes in as quick as one day when you buy them fully ripe. Not to worry, as you can always buy acai frozen, and even purchase acai juice or acai in powdered form for a longer shelf life. To ensure your fresh acai berries don't spoil too quickly, keep them unwashed, dry, and refrigerated for up to seven days.
If your skin is sensitive to synthetic beauty formulations that predominantly use chemicals, then you may want to consider products with organic ingredients like acai.
BENEFITS OF ACAI BERRIES
Skin, hair, and nail care begins from the inside out, and there are many health benefits to eating acai berries in addition to adding them to your skincare routine. Delicious when blended into smoothies or simply tossing them down as a snack, they have a taste similar to unsweetened chocolate. Notable benefits are:
Rich in antioxidants: Protecting your cells from damaging free radicals, acai will also boost your immune system for greater defense against viruses and infections.
High in fiber: The high-fiber content of acai helps keep your blood sugar levels steady. This low-fat berry is full of omega-3 fatty acids that benefit your heart and can help improve cholesterol levels.
High in calcium: Acai berries are also calcium-rich, promoting stronger bones, muscles, and nerves. When you need a boost of energy, consider an acai bowl breakfast of puréed acai topped with oatmeal, fruit, or peanut butter.
HOW TO USE ACAI AND GOJI BERRY MOISTURISER IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Beauty products that contain acai oil can be a powerful addition to your skincare routine. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, then acai-based products may be the answer you've been looking for.
In addition to the health benefits listed above, the very same nutrients are beneficial when you start an acai skin routine. Many beauty products, such as scrubs, serums, moisturizers, and even oral supplements, now include acai berry oil or pulverized acai powder into their formulations. The berry's high level of antioxidants, specifically ferulic acid and epicatechin, are said to be even more potent than blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, or blackberries, and is remarkable in the fight against free radicals. Some of its many benefits include:
Anti-aging: Acai-extract beauty products are excellent for anti-aging, reducing wrinkles and acne scarring, and helping with skin regeneration. It has also been said to help reduce stretch marks and crow's feet.
Hydration: Smooth acai seed oil on the face and body as a substitute for your moisturizer during your skincare night routine. Note: A few drops of 100% acai berry oil are highly moisturizing, while using too much may clog facial pores and lead to acne blemishes.
Eczema relief: As a natural emollient similar to cocoa and shea butter, acai extract can be added to body lotions and creams to treat eczema and psoriasis, and to heal dry and cracked skin.
Essential oil base: Those who use essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, or clary sage can use acai as a carrier oil to dilute potent oils without interfering with their therapeutic properties.