The Mediterranean Beauty Routine

The Mediterranean Beauty Routine!

Much has been made of the Mediterranean diet – that wonderful way of life espoused by the Greeks, Italians, and Spanish, among others. What is that makes them live so long, and look so good?

Mainly, people focus on what Mediterranean people put in their bodies, whether it’s olive oil, yogurt, honey, or the wide array of plants that populate that lush corner of the world. What people forget is that many of those same ingredients work wonders on the outside of the body as well. It stands to reason that ingredients chock full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, vitamins, minerals and beneficial acids would not only make your stomach happy but make your skin happy too.

Who doesn’t want that?

To understand how such beneficial ingredients came to be included in the Mediterranean way of life, it’s important to understand how pivotal the idea of “foraging” is to the culture. Mediterranean people are resourceful, using the wide array of wild flora available to them for different purposes.

This is a concept that beauty companies are starting to look towards, most notably the Greek company Korres, whose products you can find at b-glowing.com/korres. They employ an intimate knowledge of the local landscape in order to offer the unconventional ingredients that work wonders on the skin.

Works wonders?

Quince, aniseed, figs – these ingredients are a true expression of the Greek terra. They not only smell great but offer up vitamin C, zinc, anethol and other beneficial, natural compounds. Another wild flora to keep an eye out for in beauty products is wild rose, which has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, and St. John’s Wort, which is antibacterial and soothing to sensitive skin.

What would the Mediterranean be without healthy fats? Most likely the first lipid you think of when you consider Mediterranean health is olive oil. With good reason, as olive oil is a great source of vitamin E antioxidants. Vitamin E is great for your skin as it slows the effects of free radicals on your cells. That will keep your skin looking supple and youthful. Another healthy fat (well, it’s so much more than that, actually) is yogurt. It contains lactic acid to moisturize and exfoliate skin, as well as anti-inflammatory zinc and B vitamins.

Do Like They Do!

What goes great with yogurt for breakfast also goes great on your skin: honey and grapes! Honey is antibacterial, making it great for those prone to acne. It’s also a humectant, it redistributes moisture and hydrates your skin. All while cleansing your pores. Grapes have a slew of skincare benefits, from their powerful antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and linoleic acid. Plus, a glass of wine while you do your evening skin care routine can’t hurt!

It would’ve been nice to grow up surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the Greek Isles or the south of Italy. But, you can settle for the next best thing. You can harness the ingredients they’ve used for centuries to improve your quality of life.

There are companies out there dedicated to bottling the awesomeness of the Southern European landscape. Make sure you look out for them. In the meantime, practice the most important Mediterranean beauty tip of all: relax!

Have you ever tried the Mediterranean beauty routine?

Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!