Chia seeds aren't just for eating; there are many chia seed benefits for skin and hair. Here are some of the benefits plus some easy DIY beauty recipes to try at home.
Do you remember the chia pets that were so popular back in the day? I'm talking about the exact same chia seeds.
Chia seeds have become more popular in the last few years because of their health benefits, but they are also a great ingredient for DIY beauty recipes because of their many benefits for your hair and skin.
Chia seeds can help your hair and skin both by eating them or by applying them topically to your hair or skin. You'll reap the chia seed beauty benefits for skin and hair either way!
This superfood can be hard to incorporate into your diet, so I'll give you some great recipes to use them in, too.
WHAT ARE CHIA SEEDS?
Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica plant, which is a desert plant in the mint family. The plant originated in Central America, and the seed was often used in the Aztec diet. The golden chia from the Salvia columbariae plant was a similar seed often used by the Native Americans in the southwestern regions of the United States.
Chia seeds have become popular in the last few years because they are so high in omega-3 fatty acids and also high in fiber. They also have proteins, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
These seeds are eaten raw or used in foods. I sprinkle them in breads, muffins, or yogurt. When you soak the seeds in water, they turn into a gel. I often use them in overnight oats or chia seed pudding. I even use them to make homemade dog treats to promote my dog's skin health.
CHIA SEED SKIN BENEFITS
Chia seeds are thought to be the highest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, and they have more than flax oil or fish oil.
When you use products with fatty acids, they work to moisturize and plump your skin. Keeping your skin moisture level high means fine lines and wrinkles look smaller, so they can help reduce the appearance of fine lines of wrinkles when used topically.
The linoleic acid in chia seeds can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin. It can also help promote collagen production for firmer skin with more elasticity and promote healing.
Chia seeds also help combat dryness, so they are good for dry skin or skin with eczema.
The vitamin E in Chia seeds is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals in the skin. These free radicals can cause premature aging.
Vitamin E can help prevent and repair fine lines and wrinkles by moisturizing the skin and promoting collagen production. It also helps moisturize skin, so it's great for dry skin.
This vitamin can also reduce inflammation and skin thickening, so it's an excellent ingredient for eczema or dry skin.
The zinc in chia seeds is also an antioxidant, and it can help repair the skin. Zinc is important in skin healing and boosting cellular turnover. Topically, it can help with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Chia seeds are also high in magnesium, which has been used for centuries to promote wellness. It can help boost moisture levels in the skin and reduce redness.
CHIA SEED HAIR BENEFITS
Your hair is made of protein. Have you used protein hair products in the past to strengthen your hair? Chia seeds are packed with protein. Coupled with the omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds are a wonderful natural product for your hair.
Protein helps your body produce keratin, which is used to build hair. When you don't produce enough keratin, your hair gets weak and is prone to breakage. Eventually, this can lead to thinner hair.
Chia seeds can help your hair when you eat them or apply them to your hair. It's best to get protein by eating it, but you can also supplement your hair by using products with protein in it, which can help promote hair health.
Your hair is made of keratin surrounded by a cuticle. When the cuticle gets damaged from pollution, heat styling, chemicals, or hair dye, your hair can get frizzy or dull. Applying protein topically can help smooth the cuticle for better looking hair.
The vitamin E in chia seeds can boost blood flow to the skin. This can help promote hair growth and may lead to stronger, thicker hair.
The omega fatty acids in chia seeds can also help with hair loss when eaten or applied topically to the skin. When you eat them, the fatty acids make their way to your skin, or you can apply them directly.
When applied topically, the zinc in chia seeds can help reduce dandruff and promote a healthier scalp, which can lead to better looking hair.
CHIA SEED OIL BENEFITS
Like most seeds, chia seeds can be pressed to obtain an oil. Chia seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids to moisturize your skin. It's also full of antioxidants and is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can also calm the skin.
Chia seed oil is a luxurious oil, meaning that it's fairly heavy and dense feeling on your skin. It's excellent for dry skin, eczema, and red skin. It can even help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because it's so moisturizing and full of antioxidants.
You can generally substitute chia seed oil for other carrier oils in most DIY beauty recipes. Use it when you need moisture and antioxidants or for dry skin or hair.
Try this Chia and Charcoal soap recipe from Soap Deli News.
DIY BEAUTY RECIPES WITH CHIA SEEDS
CHIA SEED EXFOLIATING MASK FOR DRY SKIN
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
Combine all three ingredients in a bowl. Apply to your face and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the chia seeds form a gel on your skin. Massage the mask into your skin to gently exfoliate. Rinse well.
ANTI-AGING CHIA SEED MASK
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 cups cooled green tea
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
Combine the ingredients and spread on your face. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse well.
GROUND CHIA SEED FACE MASK
INGREDIENTS
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds finely ground
- 6 teaspoons water
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
or helichrysum essential oil
DIRECTIONS
Use a coffee grinder
CHIA SEED BODY SCRUB
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
- 1 cup white or brown sugar
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Use white sugar for more exfoliating power or brown sugar for sensitive skin. Gently scrub your body, hands, or feet.
CHIA SEED FACE MASK FOR MOISTURIZING AND BRIGHTENING
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon argan oil
DIRECTIONS
Soak the chia seeds in the water for 20 minutes. Strain out the seeds and discard. Combine the gel that is leftover with honey and argan oil. Spread on your face and let sit for 20 minutes. Use your fingers to scrub your face with the mask and rinse off. Discard leftovers.
CHIA SEED HAIR GEL
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups chia seeds
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
DIRECTIONS
Combine the chia seeds and water. Let sit overnight. Heat the mixture over medium heat for 10 minutes. Strain out the chia seeds. Add aloe vera gel and whisk the mixture well. Apply to damp hair as a natural hair gel. Store in the fridge.
CHIA SEED RECIPES TO EAT
Eating chia seeds can also help your hair and skin. Try one of these recipes to eat more chia seeds:
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
Mixed Berry Chia Seed Pudding
Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
Raspberry Pineapple Chia Seed Jam
Lemon Chia Seed Muffins
Pina Colada Chia Seed Smoothie
Now that you know the chia seed beauty benefits for skin and hair, add chia seeds to your diet and beauty routine for better looking hair and skin!
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