Chia seeds are known for their wonderful health benefits, that’s the reason why are they so popular in the kitchen. However, not many people know that applying chia topically is actually more effective and targeted way to give your body its essential nutrients.

It takes for the food to be digested and metabolized, while the skin is quite absorptive so the results will be almost immediate.

Here’s a list of 5 compounds contained in the chia seeds which will rejuvenate your skin, with their moisturizing, strengthening and restorative properties: 

  • Vitamin E

This powerful antioxidant neutralizes the free radicals that cause premature aging. It also prevents and even repairs fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin, while at the same time stimulates the collagen production. Another remarkable ability of vitamin E is its photo-protection, it absorbs a part of the UV light and prevents inflammation of the skin after being exposed to sun.

Having this in mind, you shouldn’t be surprised why vitamin E is so common in facial cosmetics products and sunblock creams. One ounce of chia seeds provides 1% vitamin E.

  • Omega Fatty Acids

The omega-3 fats keep your heart brain and bones in good health. But, omega-3, as well as omega-6, are also important for your skin health. The linoleic acid (LA) and α-linoleic acid (ALA) prevent the pro-inflammatory molecules which tend to age the skin.

Additionally, they rejuvenate the skin by increasing the skin’s collagen, elasticity, and firmness. Another health benefit of using omega fats is reduced hair loss and improvements in hair density and thickness. Since the digestive process can destroy up to 60% of the LA and ALA content, it’d be much more efficient to apply them directly to the skin or the scalp. 

  • Zinc

Zinc is actually a metal, but in our body this is a trace element that plays vital roles in normal growth and development, strengthening the immunity, and the stabilization of DNA. Being an antioxidant, it is also crucial for healing wounds and cell regeneration.

Skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia have shown improvements after being exposed to this micronutrient, according to some studies. Because of its anticancer and photoprotective properties, the zinc is a key ingredient in mineral sunscreens.

  • Magnesium

The magnesium therapy is one of the oldest remedies for ailments of the body – the ancient Egyptians are the first people noted to apply it. Combined with potassium, calcium, bromide, and chloride, in a something called “Dead Sea therapy”, you’ll get an effective solution to combat inflammation and improve your skin condition.

Having a bath in water with a high level of magnesium will improve the moisture of your skin while reducing the roughness and the redness.

  • Protein

The structure of our hair is made of the protein keratin, surrounded by a protective layer known as the cuticle. When being damaged by heat treatments, prolonged sun exposure, chemicals in dyes or pollution, the cuticle breaks, thus exposing the inner layer of keratin and allowing the moisture to escape.

Adding protein hairs masks will restore dry and damaged hair to its former glory. These masks will repair the scaly cells and make them less brittle and susceptible to breaks. Containing 4.7 grams per ounce, the chia is an excellent source of protein.

To achieve optimal effects, fill a 1/4 of a cup with chia seeds and soak them in water for 30 minutes to break them down and create some sort of chia goop. This can be applied to your face and body, or massaged into the scalp from root to tip. After 10 minutes, feel free to wash it up.

Another way to extract the healthy compounds is to purchase pure chia seed oil – you can apply a few drops directly on your skin or add a couple of drops your shampoo, bath water or moisturizer.