Matcha may already be having a big moment in food, but celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of the West Hollywood-based SkinLab says that this ingredient will equally be popular for skin care purposes. "The main benefits of matcha (and green tea) are its anti-inflammatory properties," Ross says. "Anti-inflammatory products also help with inflammatory acne (such as hormonal acne) as well as rosacea, so we'll start to see it in products that address these needs."
To bring the anti-inflammatory benefits of matcha to your routine, try using Boscia Matcha Magic Super-Antioxidant Mask, $38, two to three times a week for clear skin that's free of redness.
"Alfalfa has an abundance of vitamins (such as B6, B12, D and K, to name a few) and minerals (such as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and potassium) that are helpful in keeping the skin healthy and glowing," says Jessica Morelli, founder and chief formulator of Palermo Body. Because of its high levels of vitamin A, Morelli says that alfalfa can also be used as a natural retinol which has been found to help to increase the production of both collagen and new blood vessels in the skin. In addition, she notes that alfalfa is also known for its high levels of chlorophyll and phytonutrients, which are rich in antioxidants that help reduce and slow cell damage while aiding in the detoxification and purification of skin.
Morelli says that spirulina (also known as blue-green algae) is another buzzy ingredient to watch, as she says it can help bring about cell regeneration, which is helpful in speeding up the skin's healing process. With its high content of calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins A, B-12 and E, she says that spirulina works overtime to fight free radicals and helps maintain skin's tone, firmness and can prevent premature aging.
Spirulina can be found in products like the Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum, $48, which hydrates tired eyes thanks to added chamomile, witch hazel and blackcurrant leaf.
