Is Flaxseed Really A Skin Food?!

Published by Derm Rituals on April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

Flaxseed, also known as linseed is one of the ancient crops. It is known as Super Food because of the scientific research that points out its benefits for our health. It is considered the most powerful plant food. Flaxseed contains many healthy components like vitamin A, B and E but it is mostly known for its high proportion of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Benefits Of Flaxseed:

Today, flaxseed is available as seeds, oil, powder, tablets, capsules and flour. It is consumed as a dietary supplement to prevent constipation, diabetes, cholesterol, cancer, stabilize blood sugar levels and other conditions.

However, not all of these uses are supported by research.

Flaxseed Benefits For Skin:

You will be amazed by how these tiny seeds offer a lot of beauty benefits. Flaxseed is a complete skin food. Flaxseed gel is great for application on your skin. For the recipe of DIY flaxseed gel see below or click here.

Here are some of the skin benefits of flaxseed:

1- Anti-Wrinkle:

Due to its high content of nutrients, the application, and intake of flaxseed help in anti-aging. Flaxseed has a high content of antioxidants that prevent the skin from aging. Applying flaxseed mask or gel also aids in reducing wrinkles because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Add flaxseed to your smoothies and shakes. I also like to add it to my oatmeal.

2- Pore Minimizer:

Regular use of flaxseed gel or mask can amazingly reduce the size of your pores. Flaxseed has anti-inflammatory properties that help in healing acne marks, inflation or any irritation on your skin.

3- Provides Hydration:

By consuming flaxseed you are taking your daily dose of Omega-3 which will never let your skin dehydrate. Omega-3 enables your body to produce enough sebum to keep your skin hydrated. Flaxseed gel or masks also help reduce excess oil because they are a great source of moisture for your skin and keep the sebum levels balanced.

4- Skin Moisturizer:

Apply flaxseed gel right after you wash your face (without patting it dry) to seal the moisture in and make your skin feel plump instantly. I just love the feel of it. You have to try it to believe it..!

5- Anti-Acne:

Flaxseed is high in fibre. Fiber-rich foods help drain out the toxins from your body and that leads to a reduction in acne. If you have a sweet tooth, you must include flaxseed in your diet because it regulates insulin levels and that also prevents acne. Applying flaxeed gel provides a relaxing and cooling sensation to the skin and reduces exess sebum that will help reduce acne.

Flaxseed Benefits For Hair:

Our hair is made from protein. Flaxseed is also high in protein that helps in almost every hair problem (unless a severe medical condition, in which case please don’t find solutions online and consult a dermatologist). The consumption of flaxseed helps in so many ways for hair. Some of the main benefits are:

1- Prevents Hairloss:

Flaxseed is high in so many essential nutrients. That is why it helps prevent and reduce hair loss and even baldness.

2- Helps In Hair Growth:

Application of flaxseed hair mask or gel can grow hair even in bald spots. This is seriously a miracle seed for hair care.

3- Hair Hydrator:

Flaxseed consumption and application overall reduces dehydration on skin and hair. Flaxseed mask hydrates your hair and makes them smooth and manageable

4- Prevents Hair Breakage:

Consumption and application of flaxseed mask or gel will make your scalp and hair hydrated that prevent hair breakage.

Flaxseed provides moisture to dry dull hair and makes them shiny. It is used in many hair masks that are used for damaged hair to bring them back to life.

Flaxseed Hair Mask:

Flaxseed gel can be used on hair directly without adding anything else and still works wonders, but I also have a quick and easy recipe for a hair mask that will help in making your hair healthy and moisturized:

You will need:

• ½ cup of Flaxseed Gel
• 1 tablespoon of Almond oil
• 1 tablespoon of Olive oil or Coconut oil
• 2 drops of any Essential oil. I like Lavender or Tea tree oil

Just mix these all up and apply them to your hair. Leave it on for at least 2 hours before washing it off. Rinse it thoroughly and then wash it with a sulphate-free shampoo. Then use your regular conditioner. You will be amazed by the results <3 make sure to comment and let me know.

Apply this mask at least once a week and at most twice a week, depending on how fast you want the results.

Flaxseed Benefits For Nails:

Do you want long nails but your nails tend to break often? Flaxseed can be a solution to your problem. It also promotes healthy nail growth because our nails are also made up of protein and flaxseed is high in protein and fatty acids that help in strengthening your nails.

I am sharing a simple nail mask for reducing nail breakage and making your nails stronger and grow faster:

• Just take a tablespoon of flaxseed gel
• Add a few drops of almond or olive oil

Mix well and apply to your nails. Rub this mixture in your nails. You can leave it on or wash it after 15 minutes.

Do this once or twice a week depending on your nail health.

How to use Flaxseed:

Flaxseed can be used in many ways. You can take them directly or in the form of oil, or just use its gel.

1- Whole Flaxseed:

You can consume the whole flaxseed orally on a daily basis to gain the benefits discussed above. The recommended amount is 1 teaspoon full in the morning. I swallow it with water or milk. Sometimes I like to add it to my smoothies or oatmeal.

2- Flaxseed Oil:

Flaxseed oil can also be consumed orally. A teaspoon full in the morning is the recommended dosage. You can add it in your breakfast smoothies or oatmeal as well just like the whole flaxseed. You can also apply flaxseed oil directly to your hair and nails.

3- Flaxseed Gel:

This is what I talked about so much in this blog post. So here is the method of how you can make your own flaxseed gel at home. Without any chemicals or preservatives, so that you get the most out of it.

You will need:

• 2 cups of Water
• 3/4^th (quarter) cup of Whole Flaxseed
• A fine Strainer or a Muslin Cloth

Mix the two in a pot and keep mixing on a medium-low flame. Keep stirring the mixture to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. In a few minutes, the mixture will become gooey. Turn off the heat. If you are using a strainer, strain the mixture before it cools. If you are using a muslin cloth, then wait for the mixture to cool down a bit before straining it.

After it cools completely, store it in an air tight container. This can stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To Conclude:

• Flaxseeds are high in various essential nutrients that provide a lot of benefits for skin, hair, nails and even for your internal organs.
• You can take it orally or apply its products topically to gain its benefits
• Flaxseed gel is vegan and a great source to provide omega-3, protein and other nutrients for vegans.
• It helps in draining out the toxins in your body and helps stabilize many body functions.

So will you make flaxseed intake or application a derm ritual for healthy glowing skin and a healthy you ? 🙂

Here are some other health benefits of flaxseed