All products in this article are independently selected by AMAKA or by the interviewee for AMAKA. However, when you purchase an item or product through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Disclaimer: Please note that the foods listed are for DIY purposes. Those allergic to certain foods need to consult a health professional to check if they can use them on your skin or hair.

Discover the benefits of foods that are good for skin and hair from your pantry or fridge. These vitamin-rich foods deliver high doses of natural nutrients, providing gentle and instant results. And although they can help revive skin and hair to a certain extent, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is key for good overall health.

Rooibos

Rooibos tea is a staple in many South African homes, with its popularity growing around the world. Although the traditional way to enjoy Rooibos is to drink it as a tea, the benefits of this indigenous herb that only grows in a small area in the Western Cape can be extended to Rooibos infused products as well.

“The benefits of Rooibos to your health, skin and even hair are numerous. When this herb is used in skincare, body care and supplements, the rewards are noticeable. Rooibos is rich in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory benefits, assist with diabetes control and heart health, and can aid in the promotion of healthy skin,” says Adele Du Toit, marketing manager for Rooibos infused products, Annique.

Benefits of Rooibos for your skin:

1) Rooibos’ anti-ageing properties come from its antioxidants, which assist in reducing wrinkles and promoting the production of healthy skin cells. A study conducted by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2010 followed 20 women for four weeks, who later reported that Rooibos helped reduce their wrinkles by 9.9%. Rooibos antioxidants neutralise free radicals, which are responsible for causing premature ageing.

2) Flavonoids, which are found in Rooibos, contain anti-inflammatory properties — and these aid the reduction of acne.

3) The anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic properties found in Rooibos help relieve bacterial infections and allergies.

4) Rooibos is gentle on the skin, and it aids in soothing sunburn, rashes, abrasions, and itchy skin.

Oranges

The vitamin C found in oranges helps skin maintain its natural glow and makes it a great natural toner.

Benefits of oranges for skin:

1) Oranges can be used as a toner by squeezing it onto a ball of cotton wool and gently massaging it over the face after cleansing. The citric acid found in oranges helps control acne and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, while the exfoliating properties boost the skin’s natural glow.

2) Oranges are rich in vitamin C, and this helps reduce signs of ageing by keeping it firm and radiant

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps repair damaged skin. They also have anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe irritation and calm skin. However, sensitive skin may react to the fruit's high acidity, which can cause redness, itchiness and sometimes a rash. Speak to a dermatologist to find out about your skin’s tolerance before applying tomato directly on the skin.

Benefits of tomatoes on the skin:

1) People with acne-prone skin normally suffer from excessive oil production. To remedy this, cut open a tomato, rub it on your face and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

2) To help manage acne, scoop out the tomato pulp and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it. Mix and apply it on the face, leaving it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off. For best results, do it at least three times a week.

3) Most people suffer from skin irritation which can be caused by a few different factors including the weather or allergies. To soothe irritated skin, scoop out the tomato pulp, add to it fresh cucumber juice and mix well before applying it to the face. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, and then rinse.

Cucumber

Ever wondered why people place slices of cucumber over their eyes? Well, it’s because a cucumber is made up of 96% of water, and this makes it have a cooling effect on the skin. Many people use it to get rid of puffy eyes, dark circles and treat redness on the skin.

Benefits of cucumber on the skin:

1) If you have sunburn, cut open a cucumber and gently massage it on the affected area. It will help reduce the inflammation caused by the sun.

2) Cucumber’s cooling effect helps bring life back to tired eyes. Cut two slices of cucumber and place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Then place the slices over the eyes and let them sit for at least 20 minutes.

3) Now that we’ve covered foods that are beneficial for skin, let's look at those that are good for hair. The best products, especially for natural hair, are often those that contain natural ingredients, and the key to healthy and happy hair is moisture and nourishment. Here are some foods that you can use on your hair.

Avocados

According to Healthline, avocados have more potassium than bananas, and besides their ability to lower cholesterol levels, they are beneficial for the hair.

Celebrities like Cardi B swear by homemade avocado hair masks. The potassium and magnesium found in this superfruit help reduce hair breakage by sealing cuticles. “So, I’ve been so consistent with my hair mask routine and drinking alkaline water and look how much my hair has grown! I was so scared of my hair falling out after my son’s birth because I’ve been growing it for years now, so I made sure to keep up with it, and I actually gained hair,” said the WAP hitmaker in a post where she was showing off her natural hair.

Benefits of avocados on the hair:

1) Avocado is rich in vitamins A, D, E and B6, and these can penetrate the cuticle and moisturise hair. So, if you’re suffering from dry hair, then avocado should be your best friend.

2) The abovementioned vitamins are also essential in promoting healthy hair growth. Mix an avocado with egg yolk to fortify the hair; the proteins found in the two strengthen hair follicles and roots.

3) To heal the scalp and reduce dandruff, use avocado mixed with argan and tea tree oil. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help soften hair and treat split ends, while tea tree oil is known as a natural antibiotic that helps treat any scalp related problems.

Avocado hair mask

Ingredients

1) 1 tablespoon of avocado oil

2) 1 teaspoon of olive oil

3) ½ tablespoon raw honey

4) 1 egg

Method

Mix and blend all the ingredients to form a smoothie. Apply the mixture to the hair and leave it in for 10 minutes. Rinse and then wash the hair with your usual shampoo and conditioner

Oatmeal

Rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, oatmeal is one of the best foods one can use to nourish hair. Its properties help strengthen weakened hair while promoting growth.

Benefits of oatmeal on the hair:

1) Oatmeal contains natural moisturising properties that can treat a dry and itchy scalp.

2) Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which penetrates the hair, allowing it to retain its natural moisture. It also contains Polysaccharides, which are carbohydrates that help soften the hair.

3) There’s a difference between greasy and glossy hair. Just like skin, hair needs to have a natural glow, and that’s what oatmeal can help it achieve.

DIY Oatmeal mask for hair

Ingredients

1) 3 tablespoons of plain oats

2) ½ cup of milk

3) 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

4) 1 tablespoon of honey

Method

First mix the oats with milk and stir until it becomes a paste. Then add honey and coconut oil and stir thoroughly. Apply the mixture on dry hair and gently massage the scalp to ensure it is spread evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and then wash the hair with your usual shampoo.

When making these DIY products, don't save them for another use as they may get spoiled. Always use fresh products.

No time to make your own? Try these food infused products instead: