Benefits of Kale for Skin Health

Why is kale good for your skin and what are the best ways to use it.

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

I knew about the benefits of kale for healthier looking skin. But to be honest, it's not my favorite vegetable. 

In fact, I used to hate kale!

But, I'm always looking for ways to protect my skin from aging, whether it's from creams, face masks, serums, and even food.

After doing some research, I found plenty of ways to reap the health perks of this tough green vegetable, even if you're not a fan.

From delicious chips and shakes to nourishing masks, I stumbled upon simple tricks for achieving healthier skin!

How does kale improve skin

Kale is extremely rich in nutrients and plays an important role in anti-aging care.

But since this veggie is dense in skin loving vitamins, you don't need to eat a lot. About 1–2 cups a day is all you need to reap the benefits and protection against free-radical damage. 😜

How does kale make your skin glow

The nutrients found in Kale offer some impressive skin benefits.This beautiful dark green vegetable is very high in vitamin K and sulfur, which are essential for healthy skin, and studies show that vitamin K can protect against discoloration and bruising.

It's also rich in vitamin A, C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that supplementing with these carotenoids can help brighten and improve skin health.

Kale's nutrients can also help:

• reduce bruising 
• increase hydration due to high water content
• protect against free radical damage
• feed the skin due to its higher than average content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals
  

While incorporating kale extract into your skincare regimen could be beneficial, keep in mind it's just one part of a comprehensive approach to anti-aging skincare. A healthy diet and sun protection is also critical.

How can I eat more kale?

Here are some ways I try to get more of this powerful leafy green into my body. There are a hundred different ways, but these are my favorites!

Kale chips

Healthy Kale chips

I LOVE this snack! And because kale is nutrient dense, you don't need to eat a lot of it.

Try this as a salty, crunchy snack. While there are more benefits in raw kale, this is better than my usual salted snack alternative.

Try this quick kale chip recipe:

• Wash, dry and trim the leaves from the stalk.
• Then place the leaves in a bowl.
• Add a tablespoon of olive oil and salt to taste.
• You can also add other seasonings like pepper flakes, soy sauce, yeast flakes, garlic, etc.

Then mix well and place the seasoned kale leaves on a baking pan. Place the pan in a pre-heated oven (@ 300 degrees) and bake for 10-12 minutes.

As soon as it turns a rich dark green color, they are ready to eat. Don’t bake too long, or they’ll burn.

Salads and shakes

Try making Kale shakes, salads, and healthy kale chips.

So here a few other ways you can introduce a serving of kale a few times a week into your diet.

If you're not crazy about the taste of kale, try slipping it into your diet by adding a few leaves whenever possible. 

You can use dinosaur kale or curly kale, whatever your local supermarket carries.

Note: always wash, dry and separate the hard stalks from the leaves first.

Breakfast - Throw 1 cup of raw kale leaves (about a handful or two) into your blender when making a protein shake in the morning. Or even better, blend a cup of kale with celery and apple slices or low sodium tomato juice.

Lunch - Try making a salad with kale, black beans, grilled chicken, corn, and some dressing. The tart taste of kale will be balanced out by the other sweeter ingredients. Or just throw a cup or two of kale into your regular salad.

Note: If you massage the kale with a bit of salt and olive oil first, it breaks it down and makes it easier and tastier to eat. Massage it well using clean hands, until it begins to wilt and turns a dark green color.

Dinner - Sprinkling some chopped kale in or on top of sautéed vegetables. If you really dislike the taste, try adding extra seasoning or flavoring such as soy sauce will help mask the taste.

How to make at-home kale face mask and rinse

Other ways to reap the benefits of kale is using it topically, whether in the form of a face mask or even a quick rinse/toner.

Note: While many people rave about kale skincare products. Except for extra hydration, there isn't much scientific research on using kale directly on the skin. If your skin is sensitive, make sure to do a patch test first.

Here are easy ways to apply it directly to your face.

Kale Face Rinse:

Who said eating kale was the only way to get its benefits? You can use a rinse. 

Here is how to use this green leaf cabbage is in a quick rinse. Some women swear by this, and it’s easy to make:

• boil kale in a small amount of unseasoned water
• Let the water cool
• use a cotton ball or wash cloth and apply the rinse to your face 
• let it sit for a few minutes and rinse off (if you wish) and moisturize

Easy at-home kale mask:

The benefits of a mask is that the kale is very hydrating. Try applying a mask once or twice a week. Make sure to do a patch test first.

In a food processor, blend the following:

• 1/2 cup of kale
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon warm water

Then apply the mask to your face for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well and moisturize.

Kale masks and cleansers

You can also buy masks and cleansers. Just make sure they're free from harmful chemicals and perfumes.

Here are two popular ones you can buy from Amazon:

Pacifica Beauty Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Face Wash

• It gets skin super-clean and hydrated as well. It contains kale, green juices, and coconut milk to clean and detoxify the skin.
• Plus, it's 100% vegan and free from chemicals, parabens and mineral oil.

CoCokind Sea Kale Clay Mask.

• This is good for oily skin and those prone to breakouts. It's great to use during the hot, humid summer months. Helps get all the oil, sweat, gunk and sunscreen out of pores.

Benefits of kale for glowing skin

As you can see, it's easy to reap the benefits of kale and there are many ways to incorporate this lovely green into your diet for better skin healthy.

Also consider massaging your face for even firmer, healthier skin. I use the Kansa wand. It's great when your hands are tired or you have issues like arthritis and can't massage your face with your hands.

Questions, comments, or would you like to share your kale tips for better skin? Please feel free to contact use at the link below.

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