Benefits of Chia Seeds for Skin

Featuring a high concentration of essential vitamins, calcium, minerals, and omega-3 fattymacids, Chia seeds are considered a nutritional powerhouse, and for good reasons. A less-known fact about these tiny seeds is that these seeds were quite popular during Mayan civilization. The soldiers would eat a couple of these seeds before the battle. Not only because of its numerous health benefits, but Chia seeds are famous for their many skin and hair nourishing properties.

Nowadays, people add a handful of these black seeds to yogurt, smoothies and other desserts. As this superfood offers so many health benefits, there is no doubt why it has become a staple ingredient in desserts and other dishes. Not to mention, it comes loaded with the best nutrients for your hair and skin health. In this post, we are going to discuss chia seeds' benefits for the
skin. Keep reading.

10 Benefits of Chia Seeds for Skin

Chia seeds are primarily known for their health benefits. Rich in water-soluble fiber, regular consumption of these seeds keep your gut in good health. It can help your digestive system in multiple ways. For one, it aids in weight loss. People who have the habit of eating unhealthy snacks should consider chia seeds. It works as a protein-rich snack that satisfies your hunger pangs and keeps you full for long. Some people believe that chia seeds can be excellent stress- busters. A few seeds a day can keep your gut and immune system healthy. But, how can you use it for the skin? Let’s check out these top 10 chia seeds' skin benefits.

1. A Good Skin Hydrating Ingredient

Moisturizers can do wonders for people with dry and sensitive skin. They retain skin moisture and keep your skin hydrated all day. That’s exactly what chia seeds do for your skin. These tiny black/brown seeds have moisturizing properties. In fact, they are a great alternative to chemical moisturizers that might hurt your skin in the long run.

Chia seeds are rich in water-soluble fiber content (as mentioned earlier). This enhances their ability to retain water, thus keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. Everyone needs a natural hydrator for summer. Your skin feels dry and parched from sun exposure and humidity. Just like aloe vera gel and chemical moisturizers, chia seeds work as a magical skincare ingredient for dry skin.

2. Excellent Solution to Free-Radical Damage

Do you work out in the sun for prolonged periods? Well, an SPF 30+ sunscreen can block up to 97% of the UV rays, thus protecting your skin from tan and other sun damage. But, you have to re-apply it every two hours. Besides, some sunscreen products cause irritation and redness. Some products can also make your skin extremely sensitive.

To ensure lasting protection against these damages, you need a skincare product containing a high concentration of antioxidants. That’s what chia seeds offer. These antioxidants slow down aging and reduce the appearance of aging signs, including wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. It also improves your skin's ability to produce collagen. You can eat a handful of these seeds before heading out in the sun or make a paste of chia seeds and apply it to your skin.

3. Works as a Natural Exfoliator

Oftentimes, those harsh chemical-based exfoliators cause skin redness and irritation when applied frequently. You can’t avoid exfoliation, as it is an important part of your skincare regimen. Exfoliators remove dead skin cells and provide moisture to your skin, keeping it healthy and nourished. However, if you have sensitive skin, consider switching to chia seeds. This natural exfoliator is known for its mild texture and many skin-nourishing properties. You can use it for gentle scrubbing. Try it once or twice every week to see the best results. Chia seeds remove sebum and dirt from your face, thus keeping it looking fresh and clean.

4. Reduce Skin Inflammation

Chia seeds have a cooling effect on your skin. This can help reduce skin inflammation and protect your skin from elements causing redness and irritation. In addition to the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, chia seeds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds also contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent itching and skin irritation. Regular use of chia seeds can hydrate your skin and keep the soft tissues moisturized throughout the day. If you often struggle with skin inflammation and can’t seem to get rid of
the itching, try chia seeds face pack every alternate day.

5. Get Rid of Pimples

You may have tried every recommended face wash, serum, and face pack, but nothing worked for pimples. People say that pimples come and go. Those with sensitive skin get pimples and acne more often than people with other skin types. Chia seeds contain zinc and, in high concentration. This ingredient alone can fight acne and pimples seamlessly. Try chia seeds regularly to get rid of the acne-causing bacteria, redness, and pimples. Combined with the antioxidants, the zinc and other healthy nutrients found in chia seeds are pretty good for your skin. Thanks to the protein and high fiber content, chia seeds remove oil from your skin and work as a natural cleanser.

6. Get a Glowing Skin

At the end of the day, we all want a natural glow on our faces. While chia seeds can’t magically bring a sudden glow, it increases your skin elasticity and gives you a soft and clean texture. Thanks to potassium, folate, and essential vitamins, chia seeds are great for dry, oil, sensitive, and combination skin. These important nutrients are quite good for your skin health. If you want to retain your skin glow, try chia seeds face masks. You can make it at home with other
ingredients (we will discuss that later) and apply it every few days to get pimple-free and radiant skin.

7. Act as an Excellent Skin Barrier

Your skin is prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging symptoms as you get older. There's no way to reverse aging or prevent it altogether, but there are ways to slow down the aging process. Chia seeds, specifically, work wonders for aging issues. This natural skincare ingredient strengthens your skin's natural barrier, which tends to disappear over time. It also increases your skin's ability to fight UV rays and other environmental damage.

Whether you go out in the sun or not, your skin is highly likely to sag and wrinkle once you reach a certain age. The only way to prevent this skin damage is by using the right natural ingredients. Chia seeds, as mentioned before, work as exfoliators, moisturizers, and natural skin hydration. Featuring a high amount of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, chia seeds oil protects your skin from all types of damage.

8. Good for Dark Spots

Chia seeds contain vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, and other essential nutrients that increase your skin elasticity. Although there is no clinical evidence suggesting the benefits of chia seeds for skin lightening, some people have claimed that this natural ingredient has the ability to remove dark spots. UV rays, which are believed to be the biggest cause of free radical damage to your skin, can also be fixed with chia seeds. The ingredient is also quite rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, which can lighten your dark spots, pigmentation, and other skin
damage effortlessly.

9. Keep You Looking Younger

Botox, Radiesse injections, and cosmetic injectables have become quite popular these days. These cosmetic treatments are used to reverse aging by filling fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, and sagging skin. These procedures also restore skin volume. However, as tempting as they feel, Botox is very expensive and comes with its share of side effects. Besides, there's no need for these expensive treatments when there are plenty of natural ingredients that can do
wonders for your skin and prevent aging.

Chia seeds, for example, are one such ingredient that has proven to offer excellent skin benefits. In addition to the vitamins mentioned above, chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants that keep your skin looking fresh and young. Although it can't magically reverse aging, regular use of chia seeds can help fade the aging symptoms to some degree. You can use it as an exfoliator once or twice a week or add it to your homemade face pack. Apply it to your skin
before sleeping and rinse off your face with cold water in the morning.

10. Clear Your Skin from Blemishes

As mentioned above, chia seeds consist of a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for skin inflammation and blemishes caused by bacteria. The antibacterial properties of these seeds protect your skin from all bacterial and fungal infections. It fights acne-causing bacteria and fades blemishes, adding glow to your skin and keeping it looking fresh. If you are tired of trying those chemical-based formulas for acne and blemishes, give this natural ingredient a try.

How to Use Chia Seeds?

While chia seeds are quite great for your overall health, they should be consumed with care. Experts say that Chia seeds must not be eaten in their raw and dry form. That’s especially important for those with a history of constricted esophagus. You can eat a handful of these raw seeds every day, but making a homemade face mask is better to reap the best benefits. Below we have mentioned a few easy homemade chia seed face masks you can try.

Chia Seeds and Lemon Face Mask

Chia seeds are packed with a wide range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are pretty good for your skin. It protects your skin from free radical damage. It eliminates the dead skin cells. Add the lemon and coconut oil to it, and you will get the most radiant skin.
Here’s how to prepare a face mask with chia seeds.

Ingredients Needed

● A handful of chia seeds
● 1 cup of coconut oil
● A few drops of lemon juice

How to Prepare

1. Take a bowl, fill it with water, and add all three ingredients                               2. Mix them well and let them sit and soak in the water for at least 20 minutes
3. Wait until you get a smooth and gel-like consistency
4. Wait for a few minutes until the mixture dries completely
5. Apply it all over your face and massage it gently

Chia Seeds and Olive Oil

Chia seeds can fade the marks of acne and blemishes, while olive oil works as a natural moisturizer. Here’s how to prepare.

Ingredients Needed

● 1 tbsp of honey
● A few chia seeds
● 2 tbsps of olive oil

How to Prepare

1. Take a bowl filled with lukewarm water and add a handful of chia seeds
2. Let the seeds soak in for 20 minutes
3. Mix it until you get a good consistency
4. Massage your face gently with the paste and let it sit for 10-15 minutes
5. Wash your face with lukewarm water to remove the residue of the paste, and then wash your face with cold water.

Chia Seeds and Coconut Oil

Lastly, chia seeds and coconut oil face masks are great for sensitive and dry skin. Both ingredients work as natural hydrators. Coconut oil is loaded with anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. It contains antioxidants, which prevent the signs of aging.

Ingredients Needed

● 1 tbsp of coconut oil
● A few tbsps of chia seeds

How to Prepare

1. Mix coconut oil and chia seeds until you get a smooth consistency                  2. Apply the mixture to your face and let it be there for 15 minutes before washing your face off with cold water

Each face mask is easy to prepare and filled with many nutritional properties. Try these twice every week to see the best results.

Conclusion

Chia seeds are known for their many nutritional properties. These were only a few benefits of eating chia seeds. You can eat a handful of these in their dry and raw form or create a face mask using other natural ingredients. Hope these tips will help you get glowing, clear, and acne- free skin. Try these face masks at home.