Writer and expert5 years ago

Black Superfoods and Yensa

When Jennifer Yen founded the superfood cosmetic newcomer brand Yensa, she wanted to create a reign of beauty that utilized superfood science with traditional cosmetics. For the skinny on what those Black Superfoods are, we at GLOSSYBOX did a run-through on the ingredients each Yensa product features. Here’s how each black superfood benefits your skin, with some fun facts of our own!

BLACK SESAME OIL

Sesame oil in general is filled with ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. But what’s so special about black sesame seeds? Other than being featured in your favorite sushi roll, black sesame seeds carry oleic acid that is a natural skin softener and boosts regenerative abilities. Sesame seeds are also rich in vitamin E, D and B complex which makes them effective in reducing skin discoloration.

BLACK SEAWEED

Are ingredients better down where it’s wetter? The answer is yes for black seaweed. The algae can heal acne, rosacea and sensitive skin problems including psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. The secret? It’s all in its organic makeup! The natural minerals contained in seaweed (omega, zinc and magnesium) create a barrier to protect skin from harsh weather (or overly dry environments) while helping to heal the skin.

A Bit of Gloss: Seaweed may be healthy for your hair, but saltwater isn’t! If you’re not a mermaid, always rinse your hair after a swim and condition it well, that saltwater is harsh on hair follicles.

BLACK TEA

Tea isn’t just for sipping (or spilling), those leaves are packed with antioxidants. It’s due to the antioxidant content that black tea helps prevents formation of fine lines and wrinkles on skin. A Bit of Gloss: Which teas are considered ‘black’? Darjeeling, Ceylon, Assam, Earl Grey, Bai Lin Gong, and Dianhong cha (Yunnan) are to name a few!

SHIITAKE MUSHROOM

Pop quiz, how much selenium is packed in a shiitake mushroom? What’s selenium? It’s a chemical that works against UV-induced cell damage, skin inflammation and pigmentation. And when combined with other vitamins, selenium can help reduce the severity of acne and acne scars. Quiz time’s over! In a hundred grams of shiitake mushrooms, selenium takes up 5.7 milligrams of selenium, which is 8 percent of your daily value. Isn’t science fun?

BLACK RICE

Jasmine rice, brown rice, and...black rice? Also known as ‘forbidden rice’, black rice is becoming the latest trend in food due to its concentration in flavonoid phytonutrients. It’s also a good source of important fiber, substantial mineral content and even a good source of plant-based protein. Oh, it’s also good for your complexion and sensitive skin areas, like your eyes. It also provides anti-aging capabilities and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. And did we mention it’s great to eat? Yes? Okay, we’ll stop. A Bit of Gloss: History fact! Forbidden rice earned its name because it was once reserved for the Chinese emperor and royalty to ensure his health and longevity and forbidden to anyone else.

KOREAN BLACK RASPBERRY

Also known as Bokbunjaju, Koren Black Raspberry is packed with vitamins C & E and is known for reducing skin inflammation. But that should be no surprise from an ingredient like raspberry oil.

Black raspberry oil is a rich source of antioxidants. And when applied topically, it also reduces acne scarring over time with continues use.

NETTLE

Nettle, especially stinging nettle, is rich in Vitamin A, B, C, D and K. It’s also a good source of iron, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium, and sulfur. AKA it has a LOT of ingredients! Another perk is that it can remove excess oils as it’s a natural astringent, making it great for oily skin and pH balancing.

CHIA SEEDS

Once a garden gimmick and then a superfood craze, chia seeds are also great for your skin as well! Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, chia seeds also have restorative abilities.

For the girl who loves the outdoors, chia seeds can help the skin repair from everyday damage of sun exposure and environmental irritants (pollution, dirt, and other air impurities).

A Bit of Gloss:"Chia" is the ancient Mayan word for "strength." Fitting, isn’t it?

Outer Beauty and Inner Health

With superfood powered ingredients, Jennifer Yen believes YENSA’s skin perfecting products will enable you to love the skin you’re in and to face the world with confidence. And with this lineup of health benefits, we honestly believe so as well. Do you have a superfood secret? Have you tried our March Box Yensa feature, the Tone Up Primer? Let us know in the comments below!

Schane Flowers

Writer and expert