emirates7 - Have you ever looked in the mirror wishing your skin had a natural glow? The answer might not lie in expensive skincare products but in your pantry — specifically, chia seeds. These tiny black seeds, often sprinkled on yogurt, are nutrient powerhouses that can help enhance your skin’s radiance.
Adding chia seeds to your diet can help combat dullness and fine lines, leaving your skin hydrated, plump, and bouncy.
Chia seeds are more than just a trendy breakfast addition. They come from the plant Salvia hispanica and have gained global popularity due to their rich nutritional content. According to Ankita Tuknayat, a dermatologist based in Dubai, chia seeds contain a mix of fiber, polyphenols, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and peptides that support healthy, glowing skin. They are particularly high in B vitamins, such as niacin, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin E, all of which are essential for skin, hair, and nail health.
One of the remarkable properties of chia seeds is their ability to absorb water. Acting like tiny sponges, they can hold up to ten times their weight in water, which benefits the skin by releasing moisture slowly throughout the day and keeping it hydrated from within. Chia seeds can also be applied topically: when soaked, they form a gel that locks in moisture, prevents dehydration, and strengthens the skin barrier, offering protection against environmental stressors.
Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linoleic acid, which helps maintain a strong skin barrier, protecting against pollutants and external stress. Chia seed extracts, high in vitamin F, contribute to hydration and bolster the skin’s barrier function, according to a 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for calming irritated skin and reducing redness and swelling from breakouts. Omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, may influence sebum production. A 2023 study in the journal Food, Science and Nutrition suggested that omega-3s compete with omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation. Maintaining a balance between these fatty acids helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response and may reduce excess sebum, potentially decreasing breakouts.
Chia seeds are also a good source of protein, which supports collagen production, helping the skin maintain firmness and elasticity. Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2024 noted that chia seeds provide the building blocks for enzymes like collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase, which help prevent skin aging, though protein intake alone does not guarantee a direct increase in collagen.
In addition, chia seeds contain vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from sun damage by absorbing UV rays and reducing inflammation, such as redness and swelling. However, they should not replace sunscreen but can be considered an extra layer of protection.
Adding chia seeds to your diet can help combat dullness and fine lines, leaving your skin hydrated, plump, and bouncy.
Chia seeds are more than just a trendy breakfast addition. They come from the plant Salvia hispanica and have gained global popularity due to their rich nutritional content. According to Ankita Tuknayat, a dermatologist based in Dubai, chia seeds contain a mix of fiber, polyphenols, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and peptides that support healthy, glowing skin. They are particularly high in B vitamins, such as niacin, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin E, all of which are essential for skin, hair, and nail health.
One of the remarkable properties of chia seeds is their ability to absorb water. Acting like tiny sponges, they can hold up to ten times their weight in water, which benefits the skin by releasing moisture slowly throughout the day and keeping it hydrated from within. Chia seeds can also be applied topically: when soaked, they form a gel that locks in moisture, prevents dehydration, and strengthens the skin barrier, offering protection against environmental stressors.
Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linoleic acid, which helps maintain a strong skin barrier, protecting against pollutants and external stress. Chia seed extracts, high in vitamin F, contribute to hydration and bolster the skin’s barrier function, according to a 2020 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for calming irritated skin and reducing redness and swelling from breakouts. Omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, may influence sebum production. A 2023 study in the journal Food, Science and Nutrition suggested that omega-3s compete with omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation. Maintaining a balance between these fatty acids helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response and may reduce excess sebum, potentially decreasing breakouts.
Chia seeds are also a good source of protein, which supports collagen production, helping the skin maintain firmness and elasticity. Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2024 noted that chia seeds provide the building blocks for enzymes like collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase, which help prevent skin aging, though protein intake alone does not guarantee a direct increase in collagen.
In addition, chia seeds contain vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from sun damage by absorbing UV rays and reducing inflammation, such as redness and swelling. However, they should not replace sunscreen but can be considered an extra layer of protection.