Boost Your Skincare

Beyond just being good for your body, these superfood ingredients will also nourish your complexion.

What you put into your mouth is just as important as what you apply on your face. “Eating well generally leads to better health, and this shows in your complexion,” says Dr Cheong Wai Kwong, a consultant dermatologist on Shape’s advisory board.

Get the best of both worlds by loading your plate – and dresser – with these skincare picks!

Pomegranate

As a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C, pomegranate extracts help support skin cell regeneration and collagen production. They’re the reason water-based exfoliating gel Auolive Bright & Fair, Perfect Care Radiance Revealer ($58, www.auolive.com) effectively brightens and softens your mien.

Quinoa

This grain has steadily gained popularity in recent years to be one of the most prized carbs around. Recently, Kiehl’s scientists also discovered that quinoa husk extracts help speed up skin cell turnover.

Find it in Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-peel Concentrate ($99). Apply this before bedtime to gently exfoliate skin overnight for a smoother, babysoft complexion by the next morning.

Acai Berry

They may be little, but these darkpurple berries are bursting with vitamins A, C and E, all known antioxidants. Together with acerola, acai berries form the key ingredients in Laneige Vitamin Brightening Cleansing Water ($32), a lightweight makeup remover that also helps to reduce pigmentation spots over time.

Gingko

This Chinese medicinal herb is a good source of antioxidant flavonoids, has antibacterial properties, and helps to curb inflammation. It’s one of the superstars in Guerlain Midnight Secret Late Night Recovery Treatment ($40, Tangs at Tang Plaza). If you’ve had a late night, use this before bed to look refreshed and luminous by morning.

Raspberry

Chock-full of antioxidants, raspberries help to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals. Maintain your pout with Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in 02 Raspberry ($36), which also has hazelnut and jojoba oil to deeply hydrate. 

Maitake Mushroom

Don’t write off the humble fungi. Research shows mushroom extracts help boost your body’s immunity. In particular, maitake mushrooms have been found to contain natural compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage.

Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin Youthful Vita-glow Activator ($118-$148) is formulated with it, and will keep you looking fresh-faced all day.

Kelp

This marine plant grows in nutrient-rich waters, and has been hailed as an anti-ageing powerhouse, thanks to its high iodine and antioxidant content. At the heart of La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water ($175, Tangs at Tang Plaza) is a miracle broth of fermented sea kelp that helps to restore and repair skin. Take away the day’s dirt, makeup and grime with just a swipe of this gentle no-rinse formula.

Ginger

Aveda Tulasara Calm Concentrate ($105) contains organic ginger, a traditional Ayurvedic herb that helps to stimulate blood circulation and make skin more resilient. This soothing elixir will also reduce the appearance of redness over time.

Peppermint

Awaken your senses with the antimicrobial peppermint oil in Garnier Invigorating Daily Scrub ($12.90, leading pharmacies). This exfoliator helps unclog pores for a clearer complexion.

Goji Berry

Also known as wolfberries, these pint- sized fruits are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives it its dark reddish-orange hue. Lancome Energie De Vie Nuit The Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask ($95) is made with it to revive fatigued skin.

Once applied, the formula breaks into tiny drops of water to cool skin by 1.8 deg C for a burst of freshness.

Ginseng

It has long been revered in traditional oriental medicine for its exceptional healing benefits. The secret lies in its ginsenosides – naturally occurring compounds that are believed to have antioxidant and immunity- boosting properties.

Revitalise tired skin with a spritz of Origins Ginzing Energy- Boosting Treatment Lotion Mist ($42), which has panax ginseng and caffeine to refresh and hydrate.

Green Tea

Protect cells against oxidative damage by incorporating green tea into your beauty routine. It contains polyphenols – potent antioxidants that help to curb skin inflammation. Experience its benefits in Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque ($83, Asterspring), an effective treatment that purifies and controls overactive sebum production.

Licorice

Due to its anti-inflammatory nature, licorice root extracts are great for calming sensitive, acne-prone skin. A potent blend can be found in Skin Inc Licorice Serum ($68) to reduce redness and irritation.