5 Foods That Energize Your Skin

We all feel sluggish from time to time and the first place we can notice our lack of energy? Our face. While creams, serums, and moisturizers can help out, for a more natural approach your kitchen is a great resource to turn to. Look refreshed, rejuvenated and radiant with these all-natural uplifting remedies that are guaranteed to put the pep back in your skin in no time.

Fade age spots with lemon

Thanks to its vitamin C and citric acid, lemon acts like a mild bleach to lighten spots, while it encourages cell turnover to reveal newer, brighter skin, says Holly Cutler, medical aesthetician and founder of The Skin Saint skin-care line. And inhaling its scent has been shown to increase energy levels by 21% within two minutes.

TRY IT: Mix 2 tsp. of lemon juice and 1 Tbs. of plain yogurt (it exfoliates). Apply to spots; rinse after 10 minutes.

Plump lips with cinnamon

The pantry staple increases blood flow to the area so lips look slightly swollen, while its compounds promote collagen production for long-term volumizing benefits. Plus, the spice’s aroma stimulates circulation, increasing alertness.

TRY IT: Combine 2 tsp. of ground cinnamon and 1⁄2 Tbs. of almond oil (it hydrates). Apply to lips and let sit for 2 minutes, then rinse. Store leftovers in a resealable container.

Calm rashy skin with eucalyptus

Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties in eucalyptus oil help soothe and heal red, itchy patches of skin. What’s more, the plant’s revitalizing smell perks up the brain to boost productivity.

TRY IT: Mix 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 1 Tbs. of coconut oil (it helps repair skin). Apply to irritated skin and let sit 15 minutes; rinse.

Boost hair growth with ginger

Minerals in ginger absorb into the scalp to strengthen follicles and prevent shedding, while its vitamins thicken the diameter of hair fibers for fuller-looking locks. An added perk? You can reduce fatigue by simply sniffing ginger’s stimulating scent.

TRY IT: Mix 1⁄4 tsp. of grated or powdered ginger with 2 Tbs. of olive oil (it adds shine). Massage a quarter-size amount onto the scalp for 1 minute (the motion boosts blood circulation to encourage new growth), then saturate hair from roots to ends with the rest of the mixture. Let sit 20 minutes; rinse.

De-puff eyes with coffee

The brew’s diuretic caffeine flushes pooled fluids to nix swelling, says Cutler. Bonus: One study found that just smelling coffee can trigger a chemical response that increases energy and alertness.

TRY IT: Saturate two cotton pads in cooled coffee. Place on closed eyes for 5 minutes; rinse.