Acai Berry in Skincare
If you think about superfoods, acai berries are probably one of the first products coming to your mind. This Amazonian treasure possesses many beneficial qualities, which make it an important part of a healthy diet. In this article, I’ll explain how they can also be used in your skincare routine.
What are acai berries?
Acai berries are a type of fruit native to the region of the Amazon rainforest. They grow on acai palms which can reach the height of even 15m. For centuries, indigenous communities of the Amazon have been using them as a key ingredient of their diet, as well as a part of their natural medicine. Now, as they reached worldwide popularity, they’re used in many meals in mainstream culture, such as smoothies and acai bowls.
When it comes to their chemical structure, acai berries are 60% made out of essential unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, they contain 19 amino acids, as well as vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamins from the B group. They are also a good source of phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, silicon and copper. Acai contains ferulic acid, which is a strong antioxidant that prevents skin cell mutations at the DNA level, and polyphenols with antioxidant properties that help accelerate the growth of muscle mass. That makes acai berries a perfect ingredient that can boost both the overall health and your skin condition.
It is also worth mentioning that acai has the best antioxidant capacities according to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) index. For 100g of acai berries ORAC units marked at 18400. In comparison, the ORAC index is 5100 for blackberries, 4200 for blueberries and 2100 for cherries. It has been determined that to keep the body healthy, you should consume products providing approximately 5000 ORAC units per day.
Acai berries in skincare
As you’ve read above, acai berries have numerous properties that can be used to boost your general health. They can also be very beneficial for your skin. Let’s see, what are the advantages of incorporating acai berries into your skincare routine.
- They are an amazing antioxidant. Because of that they will help your skin to fight against free radicals, the environmental factors that cause hyperpigmentation, dark spots, wrinkles and premature aging. Using acai berry products will help you keep a healthy, youthful complexion.
- They provide hydration. Acai berry skincare will work on two levels: it will bring the hydration to the skin and help to keep it in by maintaining the healthy skin barrier. Skin barrier is a structure that protects the skin from environmental factors and locks in the moisture to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
- They have anti-inflammatory properties. Acai berries contain ingredients that work to reduce redness and soothe irritation. They will be especially helpful for people with skin conditions like acne and eczema.
- Thanks to the presence of many healthy fatty acids, acai berries help to boost skin’s elasticity.
- Another beneficial ingredient of acai berries is vitamin C. It is a strong antioxidant used in many skincare products. It works as a brightening agent promoting an even and healthy complexion. If you use it regularly, it will help you to get rid of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and consequences of sun exposure. It’s important to remember to use it with SPF, because skipping it will basically erase all the benefits of vitamin C use.
- They support collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that’s produced naturally in the human body. It is responsible for proper function of skin, bones, connective tissue and many, many others. Unfortunately, the collagen production declines naturally with age. That can cause the loss of firmness and elasticity of the skin that leads to wrinkles and sagging.
To learn more about natural ingredients in skincare, check out my article.
