Kale is the leafy green vegetable that is taking the wellness world by storm. Packed with nutrients, it’s no secret that kale is good for you. But did you know it’s also great for your skin?
With Vitamins A, B, C, and K and antioxidants, kale is perfect for hydrating skin, detoxifying pores, reducing fine lines, and more.
Dehydrated, blemished, irritated, and sensitive skin all can be aided and protected by a daily dose of kale.
Here are the 4 major benefits of kale for your skin. Plus, 3 easy ways to add kale to your skincare routine.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps largely to reduce dark circles under your eyes. It will also reduce fine lines and wrinkles in your skin because Vitamin K helps to tighten the skin.
Because of the immense amount of Vitamin K (215 mg per cup), kale is a great thing to eat after medical procedures. It can help to reduce swelling and diminish scarring.
Vitamin A & Antioxidants
One cup of kale contains 206% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin A. This, plus loads of antioxidants, makes kale great at repairing skin tissue. It also will prevent free-radical damage.
Lutein
Lutein is a carotenoid that promotes collagen production. Collagen is a major part of your skin’s strength and elasticity. When collagen breaks down, wrinkles form. The lutein in kale will help your collagen stay intact and give your skin a strong, full appearance.
Vitamin C
One of the most important benefits of kale for skin is the dense amount of Vitamin C per serving. One cup of kale contains more Vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C will help to to reduce dark spots, repair sun damage, and brighten skin tone. Overall, Vitamin C will help create a luminous complexion.
Ways to Use Kale in Your Skincare Routine
So, kale is great for your skin…but how do you make it part of your skincare routine? Here are three ways to reap the benefits of kale.
Eat it!
Kale doesn’t have to be applied topically to help your skin. Eating kale is as beneficial for your face when consumed as when applied topically So, chow down on these green leaves!
Whether you opt for green smoothies or a hearty soup, adding kale to your diet will revolutionize the health of your skin.
Here are 5 healthy kale recipes to start with!
Kale Facial Mask
Bring the salon home with this kale facial mask. Applying kale topically results in direct absorption into the bloodstream where the nutrients are needed.
This kale facial mask recipe is quick and easy, requiring only kale, honey, coconut milk, and a touch of fresh lemon juice. Check it out here!
Store-Bought Serums
If you prefer lotions and potions, try kale serums! There are many skincare products out there that are using kale in their formulas. Pick on and try.
We personally like this organic Kale Potent C + E Serum from Éminence, Sweet Chef Vitamin B Shot found at Target. Donna Letier, one of our Co-Founders is a huge fan of the Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins superfood cleanser, from Youth to the People. Her daughter introduced her to the product and she is now sharing it with anyone who will listen.
Related
FAQs
With Vitamins A, B, C, and K and antioxidants, kale is perfect for hydrating skin, detoxifying pores, reducing fine lines, and more. Dehydrated, blemished, irritated, and sensitive skin all can be aided and protected by a daily dose of kale.
How do you use kale on your skin? ›
"Along with indulging in kale smoothies and salads, applying kale face masks twice a week can bring positive results," says Dr. Henry. "[You can make] hydrating kale face masks at home by mixing honey, fresh lemon juice, and coconut milk with the leafy green."
Is kale good for your face? ›
The phytonutrients kale is known are very nourishing to the skin, its abundance of vitamin C brightens the complexion, and its characteristic greenness can even help balance out redness (albeit on a superficial level)—all without wreaking havoc on the planet.
What does kale oil do for skin? ›
What are the skin-care benefits of kale? The vitamin C present in kale is an antioxidant that's great for brightening your skin's appearance and can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, says New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD.
What are the top 3 benefits of kale? ›
Possible health benefits of kale include lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, protecting against heart disease, and helping prevent constipation. Kale may also improve bone, skin, and hair health. Kale is a healthful addition to a varied diet, and people can use it in numerous ways.
Is raw kale good for skin? ›
Antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative damage done by free radicals. Kale is packed with all the essential antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other polyphenols and flavonoids, to detoxify the body and ensure glowing skin.
Does kale build collagen? ›
Leafy greens
The dark green leaves of spinach, kale and Swiss chard contain chlorophyll, which increases the precursor to collagen in the skin.
What does kale do for your eyes? ›
Kale: See the Light
This leafy green is a source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are related to vitamin A and beta-carotene, and may help protect eye tissues from sunlight damage and reduce the risk of eye changes related to aging.
Is kale good for anti-aging? ›
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale contain a lot of nutrients that help to rejuvenate skin, making it look younger and more vibrant.
Is kale good for hair growth? ›
Dark leafy greens are full of nutrients that prevent hair loss. Some good choices are kale, spinach, and arugula. These contain vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C. One cup of cooked spinach contains about 6 milligrams of iron, a nutrient that is important for strong, healthy hair.
Kale will benefit from some gentle kneading to soften its texture. A bit of oil can help to break down the fibrous membranes as well. Here's how: Wash the kale and remove the leaves from the stems. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces and rub them in your hands with olive oil and salt.
Is kale good for skin and hair? ›
In addition, kale benefits your skin and hair, because of the vitamin A in it which helps to produce serum and keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A also promotes body tissue growth, which helps hair and skin tissues to grow.
What organ does kale help with? ›
Kale offers an abundance of nutrients that support heart health, including potassium, fiber, folate, and calcium. As part of a heart-healthy diet, kale can reduce the risk of heart disease by helping lower LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol”.
What organ is kale good for? ›
Kale is a nutritious food rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. It also contains nutrients that can support eye health, weight management, heart health, and more. Loaded with important micronutrients and antioxidants, kale is one of the most nutritious leafy greens available.
What is the healthiest form of kale? ›
Turns out purple kale is even better than the green variety because it contains anthocyanins which are responsible for the purple colour (the same nutrient that blueberries and cranberries contain), which have even more powerful antioxidant properties.
Do you have to massage raw kale? ›
Kale is fibrous and can be difficult to munch compared to other greens like romaine lettuce or spinach. The rubbing, kneading motion helps to tenderize the veg and make it easier to chew and digest. Try this for raw kale you are going to be serving or eating right away.
Do you massage kale before or after cutting? ›
Just let the salad sit for a half hour or more before eating so the kale has time to soften. However, the kale may taste even better if you still massage it beforehand. If you are using baby kale, you do not need to soften it.
How do you use raw kale? ›
To prepare a raw kale salad, start by washing and drying the kale leaves. Then, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces. Next, make a simple dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
