We all have our favorite skincare products
that help you glow from within, like vitamin C serum or a favorite scrub, but
what if I told you that your skin’s secret weapon is in your kitchen could?
ICYDK, the food you eat affects the health and complexion of your skin. And for
the flawless skin we all crave, there’s a superfood: cherries. Not only do they
get recognition for being delicious; They hit the jackpot with their
nutritional makeup and beauty benefits from the inside out. The icing on the
cake? They are currently in season. Ahead, skin experts explain the benefits of
cherries for your skin and how you can incorporate them into your skincare
routine and diet.
Beauty Benefits of Cherries
Protects skin from fine lines, hyperpigmentation and damage
Cherries are full of antioxidants, namely anthocyanins and vitamin C. “These antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to premature aging,” explains Dr. Jake Woods, a board-certified dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and dermatologist at Gya Labs. “By neutralizing free radicals, cherries can help maintain the health and appearance of skin.” The antioxidant that tops them all is vitamin C, which has the added benefit of reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented dark spots, for example Helps protect against UV-related light damage and stimulates collagen production. “Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen synthesis, a protein that gives skin structure and elasticity,” agreed Dr. Woods too.
Cherries are rich in other essential nutrients that are also good for the skin, including vitamins A and K, potassium, magnesium and calcium. For example, vitamin A accelerates cell metabolism and renewal processes, makes the skin smoother and more resilient and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Moisturizes the skin
Hydrated skin means a natural, supple glow (no makeup required). Because of their high water content, cherries are your best friend if you are prone to dry skin. “Proper hydration is important to maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness, flaking and fine lines,” confirmed Dr. Woods. “Cherries actively nourish and soften the skin, boosting its barrier defenses, making it less prone to dryness and irritation, and helping to plump and smooth the skin,” added Valerie Aparovich, certified esthetician, cosmetologist and biochemist at OnSkin.
Reduces inflammation such as breakouts, redness and rosacea
If left uncontrolled, chronic inflammation can eventually cause damage to your healthy cells, tissues, and organs, resulting in cellular damage. And when it comes to your skin, inflammation can manifest itself in the form of various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The good news? “Cherries contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and puffiness, and promote a more even complexion,” Aparovich explained.
Aparovich shared that cherries also contain vitamin K, which promotes the skin’s healing mechanisms and provides anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes and softens the skin, reduces redness and puffiness, and creates a more radiant and luminous complexion. Whether you break out in an unexpected rash or have persistent rosacea or eczema, try consuming more cherries to give your skin a little extra TLC.
Removes dead skin cells and ensures a radiant complexion
You already know that exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and boosting radiance, but that exfoliation doesn’t necessarily have to come from expensive scrubs or serums. It can also come from (you guessed it) cherries. “The slight acidity in cherries can act as a gentle exfoliant when applied topically,” suggested Dr. Woods before. “It can help remove dead skin cells and promote a more radiant complexion.” Aparovich agreed, explaining that cherries contain certain acids that act as a gentle skin exfoliator, helping to renew and refresh the skin’s texture and even out the complexion. To try it for yourself, cut open the cherry (it’s the juice inside, not the peel, that contains the beneficial acids) and rub it onto clean skin. Wait someminutes before rinsing them off.
This is how you reap the benefits of cherries
In your skincare routine...
Now that you know that cherries can be used topically with great benefit, Aparovich suggested a DIY mask made from a blend of pureed cherries, raw honey and Greek yogurt to help hydrate, exfoliate and tone the skin rejuvenate. And if you’re more into toner, you can do it yourself. Freeze fresh cherry juice into ice cubes and gently rub one onto the skin to refresh, revitalize and invigorate the skin while promoting lymphatic flow and reducing puffiness. You can also add witch hazel or rose water to cherry juice and dab it onto cleansed skin to complement the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of cherries. If your skin becomes easily irritated, always consult your dermatologist first.
Not a DIY fan? From face creams to serums, cherries are as versatile as they are nutrient-dense, so you’ll find a wide range of skincare products containing the superfood. “Cherry extract and seed oil are common ingredients in facial creams and serums,” Aparovich said. “These are universal ingredients that are beneficial for all skin types: suitable for dry and mature skin, they moisturize generously in the composition of thicker creams, while in lighter serums they promote strong hydration of oily skin.” Sensitive and acne-prone Skin benefits from the anti-inflammatory and calming effects of cherries.”
In your diet…
Cherries are available frozen, canned, or jarred, but fresh is always best whenever possible (and even more delicious now that they’re in season). If fresh ingredients aren’t available or you need something that won’t go bad in a week, the next best thing is frozen cherries with no added sugar or canned cherries in water (avoid varieties in syrup) that you can add to a smoothie or heat up Option available for dessert. Luckily, cherries are easy to incorporate into your diet because they are so adaptable. Try cherries as a healthy afternoon snack, pair them with dark chocolate for an antioxidant-rich dessert, or garnish them over your salad for a fruity flavor. You can also dehydrate fresh cherries as a sweet or tart addition to homemade trail mix (just mix them with your favorite nuts and dark chocolate chips). Also, don’t sleep on jams, sauces, marinades and salsas with cherries as the main ingredient.
More of a bevvie girl? Tart cherry juice (choose 100% juice with no added sugar) offers many of the same benefits as whole cherries and may also help with sleep. According to Dr. Josh Ax cherry juice can even rival lemon water and green juice due to its nutritional content. Whether you drink the cherry juice straight, mix it with sparkling water into a mocktail, or freeze it into popsicles, you can’t go wrong.