3 Natural Ingredients That Will Give You An Instant Glow

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While a healthy diet (and a balanced gut!) is vital for healthy skin that glows, when you need a quick pick-me-up for your skin, try these tried-and-true ingredients.

These three foods are good for your skin when you eat them, but also when you use them topically! Use them the next time you want to appear more energetic, rested, and glowing with natural beauty.

Green Tea

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Most people know what green tea is: an antioxidant-rich tea that contains a bit of caffeine. It fights free radicals and oxidative damage in the body and can even have an anti-aging effect when consumed internally by promoting cell rejuvenation. (1) The antioxidants in green tea can even help keep the skin safe from environmental toxins and contaminants, like air pollution and tobacco smoke. (2)

You can brew and drink your green tea for skin health, but you can also use it topically for a natural, healthy glow!

Soothe tired and puffy eyes: After you’ve brewed your cuppa, save the tea bags and put them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. After they’re chilled, get comfy, and place one over each eye for 5 to 15 minutes. The tannins in green tea work to naturally tighten the skin around the eyes, helping them appear less puffy and tired.

Soothe a red or irritated complexion: Brew 2 cups of green tea in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Once the tea has cooled enough to safely put your hands in it, place 5 clean, extra-soft washcloths in the bowl. Fully saturate the washcloths. Lie down and place the washcloths on your face: one across your forehead, one across the bridge of your nose, one across the chin, and one on each cheek. Relax and let sit for 5 minutes, and then gently wipe your face when done. This is perfect for skin that’s irritated from sunburn, dryness, acne, and more. Repeat a few times per day if needed.

Steam your clogged pores away: Brew a few cups’ worth of green tea, then pour the hot in a large glass bowl. Place your head above it, and drape a towel over your head. Close your eyes, and breathe as normally as possible. If you need a breath of fresh air, pop your head out for a few seconds and then return. Try to steam for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice per month.

Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar is the darling of the health and wellness world, and for good reason. It can boost gut health and promote healthy skin. The skin needs to have just the right balance between acid and alkaline to appear vibrant and healthy. ACV has an alkalizing effect on the surface of the skin. It can also kill bacteria that sits on the surface and contributes to problems like acne, blemishes, and redness.

Wash that grime off your face: ACV makes a perfect all-natural cleanser for your face. Remove your make-up as usual (don’t use ACV for that—try coconut oil) and then dab a cotton ball, or a clean cotton washcloth, into pure apple cider vinegar (make sure it has “the mother”). Swipe across your face, focusing on the problem spots, and let air dry. You can do this every morning or every night before bed for bright and healthy skin.

Moisturize and brighten: Add a splash of ACV to your daily moisturizer for some enhanced shine and moisture without a greasy impact. Just take your existing moisturizer and use a dropper to add a few drops to a single serving size.

Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil restores moisture to skin without sitting on the surface and appearing greasy. It’s also antibacterial, making it a perfect way to fend off acne.

While there are many varieties, for the best skin-brightening effects, choose an extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil.

Clean your face and remove makeup: Coconut oil is a great way to remove eye make-up or any other cosmetic products. It’s gentle, won’t bother your eyes, and protects the skin from reddening while it’s being rubbed. Just take a dollop of coconut oil, warm it between your fingers, and gently massage it into your face. Let sit for a minute or so, and then remove with a soft, warm washcloth.

Moisturize and heal dry skin: Use coconut oil to remove make-up? After you’ve rinsed and patted, take another smaller dollop and gently massage it into the cheeks and forehead in upward motions. Coconut oil can brighten skin and complexion, especially when used as a moisturizer before bed.

(Read This Next: The 13 Best Ingredients for Natural Skin Care)