Hawaiian Beauty Secrets

Tropical scents, coconut textures, luscious fruits, bright flowers and exotic fragrances embody the essence of Hawaii. Hawaiian plants, foods, flowers, oils and enzymes can help you to naturally maintain and enhance your inner and outer beauty. Whisk yourself away from ordinary with these 10 Hawaiian beauty ingredients:

1. Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is cold-pressed from tamanu tree kernels for both hair and skin products, or it can be used in its pure form. It has a rich, spicy scent and is known to help skin issues like acne, scarring, dry skin, scaly skin, wrinkles, age spots, stretch marks, eczema, and even body and foot odor. It absorbs into the skin quickly and rejuvenates with healing antioxidant properties.

2. Noni

The noni tree is in the coffee family, and its juice and pulp is touted for multiple health and medicinal benefits. It can stimulate the immune system with its antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent and analgesic properties. It also helps acne and combats dry, itchy scalps. Noni is beneficial for skin and hair — apply directly to these areas.

3. Kukui Nut Oil

Kukui is Hawaii’s state tree and is fortified with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamins A, C and E. The thick oil of the kukui nut is a rich, moisturizing emollient, an effective treatment for acne, dry skin, scars, psoriasis, eczema, dry hair and itchy scalp.

4. Kona Coffee

Kona Coffee is the only U.S. coffee grown in the rich volcanic soil of the Big Island and other sites around Hawaii. The caffeine in Kona coffee neutralizes free radicals and improves skin’s texture. It can also help to reduce puffiness and swelling while protecting the skin from harsh environmental conditions.

5. Tropical Fruit Enzymes

Pineapples, bananas, passionfruit, mangoes, papayas and guava are tropical fruits that are often used as face and body masks when made into a pulp. Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down dry, dead skin cells for smoother, softer skin. Bananas soften, heal and nourish skin, and mangoes are a great moisturizer. Papayas contain papain, an enzyme that rebuilds the skin’s elastin, brightens skin and helps to prevent wrinkles. Passionfruit enzymes can act as an astringent, reducing acne by gently exfoliating, removing oil and softening the skin. Guava contains lycopene, an antioxidant that prevents UV ray damage.

6. Sugarcane

Hawaiians use sugarcane in face and body scrubs for natural exfoliation. It has ideal scrub consistency along with the ability to rejuvenate skin, restoring a natural glow. Sugarcane products are also great for softening the lips.

7. Volcanic Ash

Volcanic ash in facial and body masks is known as sodium bentonite clay, a mineral-rich treatment that removes impurities, toxins and excess oils. Volcanic ash clay makes an excellent mud detoxifying treatment for skin as it exfoliates, refines texture and minimizes pores. Sulfur in volcanic ash also gives it anti-bacterial qualities.

8. Macadamia Nut Oil

Macadamia nuts produce an emollient oil with a very silky texture, making it an excellent addition to creams and lotions. It provides deep hydration, improves skin’s texture, promotes cell turnover and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. It’s also a wonderful additive for hair conditioner.

9. Awapuhi

Awapuhi, also known as Hawaiian ginger, is a fragrant flower used in shampoos and conditioners. It brings softness and shininess to hair and can be left on the hair or rinsed out. Awapuhi juice is also a great massage ointment. It softens skin and can even lighten dark spots.

10. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is used on the skin as well as internally as an herbal remedy. It soothes sunburns naturally and is included in many creams, lotions, cleansers, body washes and lip balms. The gel from the leaf can be used directly on cuts and stings to disinfect and heal. It can also help relieve acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Hawaii is like a paradise on earth, an ultimate destination for a relaxing, exotic spa-like experience. Indulge in a vacation from ordinary and do as the locals do by using these 10 rejuvenating Hawaiian beauty ingredients.

The Author:

Noelle Zaldivar