Broccoli: antioxidant, digestive aid, source of vitamins, anti-inflammatory, and…skincare ingredient? Yes, you read that right! Not only is broccoli beneficial for your skin and body when consumed, it can also be used directly on the skin in many different ways.

Exfoliation

I talk about exfoliation almost every week, but did you know you can exfoliate with one simple vegetable? The rough flowers of raw broccoli are perfect for exfoliating. Because it is a simple antioxidant, using it as a scrub (in lieu of scrubs that contain harmful chemicals or other unnecessary ingredients) can help reduce acne. To use broccoli as a facial scrub, chop the stems off, and then mince the flowers so there aren’t any big chunks. Mix the flowers with a small amount of olive oil, massage into your skin, and rise!

Mask

Broccoli can be used as a wonderful facial mask. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, using a broccoli mask on the skin can help reduce puffiness and draw out impurities from the skin, leaving you with a lovely natural glow. Broccoli masks firm skin, absorb excess oil, gently exfoliate, and are rich in trace elements to replenish skin cells, especially beneficial for aging or damaged skin. To make a broccoli face mask: combine 5-7 small broccoli florets and a tablespoon of coconut oil together in a blender, gently massage into your skin, leave on for 10-20 minutes and let the broccoli do its work!

Moisturizer

Broccoli contains high levels of Vitamins C and E, both of which are extremely beneficial for healthy skin. The vitamin C in broccoli aids in collagen production, keeping your skin looking young, hydrated, and full. Vitamin E protects your skin membranes and guards it against harmful free radicals like UV rays and the air pollution you encounter day to day. That being said, using broccoli as a moisturizer in the morning time can help protect your skin from the sun like a gentle, natural, homemade sunblock. To make a moisturizer, first steam 10 small to medium florets to soften them. Combine the steamed broccoli, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of water in a food processor until the mixture is completely smooth. You may need to alter the amount of olive oil depending on the size of your broccoli florets. Cleanse the skin, apply your homemade moisturizer, and enjoy your healthy skin!

Next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to buy extra broccoli to try out these fun, simple skincare tricks at home! Broccoli is an amazing vegetable that is essential for a healthy diet. It helps keep your digestive system in order, promotes cardiovascular health, and has even been found to prevent cancer! Personally, broccoli is my favorite vegetable. In fact, I cannot think of a single person who doesn’t like it, which is how I knew it would be a very convincing pretend skincare ingredient! April Fool’s!