The natural hair and beauty movements have come with a force–and it’s looking like it is here to stay.
There is a plethora of ingredients in nature that aid our inner and outer health. Many of nature’s finest beauty ingredients hail from Central America. With the abundance of information regarding ingredients, we decided to encapsulate the hair and skincare beauty ingredients from Central America that offer the most benefits.
1. Acai
This is a grape-like fruit from the acai palm, originally found in Brazil. It can also be found in select countries in Central America. The beauty of this plant is its high antioxidant quantity, thereby making it a popular ingredient for anti-aging cosmetic products. Although, you can receive the same results by just adding the fruit to your diet, and not just as a topical product. Acai berry oil is 100% pure, natural, and cold-pressed, so you can receive the sum total of benefits from the fruit in this form.
2. Jackfruit
This small powerhouse contains endless nutritious benefits for your health due to it being rich in vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, fibers, fat, protein, and carbs. This Central American native is a triple-threat because not only does it aid in healthy living, but the seeds benefit the hair and skin, too. Its antioxidant properties fight wrinkles, prevents acne, lowers oil production, soothes sunburned skin, depletes blemishes and hyper-pigmentation to give a bright and glowing complexion. Hair growth and frizz prevention are also boosted with the consumption of jackfruit seeds.
3. Cashew fruit
This isn’t only one of the best beauty ingredients from Central America; it is also one of the healthiest to add to your diet. A Brazil native also found in Costa Rica, this fruit is known to be high in fiber and lowers high cholesterol. It also has skin benefits because it contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals which aid in preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
4. Red Mangrove Extract
This little powerhouse is said to have stronger potency than vitamin C in terms of dealing with the effects of aging. Dr. Hevia, founder of Hevia Cosmetic Dermatology states, “The skin can be safeguarded and cellular health can be promoted the same way the mangrove plant protects itself from harsh elements.” Red mangrove is an antioxidant that soothes and heals the skin while protecting it from aging, as well.
5. Cocoa butter
This is probably the most famous on the list. This multipurpose beauty powerhouse is derived from cocoa beans, which are native to Latin America, specifically Central and South America.
It is mainly known for skin moisturizing and avoiding stretch marks. It contains two top antioxidant ingredients that your skin can never get enough of—polyphenol and flavonoid. Flavonoids are in charge of gathering cell-damaging free radicals, and polyphenol is in charge of fighting against ultraviolet radiation, so with these two compounds, you will definitely have a great defense team. P.S. Cocoa butter can also be used on your hair and scalp as a pre-poo treatment or simply to tame fly-aways.
6. Chikoo
Mainly found in Mexico or Belize, just like all of the above ingredients, it contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with some nifty hacks. One, for example, uses the chikoo plant to produce a milky sap that can be used to remove fungal growths on the skin, such as warts. It also has advantages for the hair, such as promoting growth, removing dandruff, and moisturizing curly hair.
There are a ton of great beauty ingredients from Central America that are known to provide beautiful skin, healthy hair, and overall health benefits. With these powerhouses available, there is no reason not to look your best!
