You've Never Seen Skin Care Like This Before: Here Are The Ingredients You Need

An increasing number of hair, skin care and even cosmetic products that harness the hydrating power of this sweet fruit are hitting shelves. But that’s not all. Piper says that watermelon is “high in lycopene, vitamin A and vitamin C, which are all antioxidants,” and when ingested, they help to rejuvenate skin cells and protect them from free-radical damage.

The next time you’re sipping on your matcha latte, consider including some of the finely ground Japanese green tea in your daily beauty regimen. Brands are employing matcha’s rich antioxidants and vitamin A, which revitalize skin, hair and even nails when ingested. When used on the skin, the tea helps stimulate elastin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage. “It makes the skin look more youthful,” Piper explains. And when it comes to hair care, matcha has the power to strengthen follicles while also adding plenty of shine.

Take a look inside a Black woman’s vanity cabinet and you’ll probably see a jar of coconut oil. Some believe coconuts are packed with transformative properties that beautifully benefit your body from head to toe. Because coconut is thought to be ­antimicrobial, “it’s perfect for internal and external skin fitness,” says Tracy Piper, the founder and owner of The Piper Center for Internal Wellness in New York City. Coconut milk, water and oil are used in products that combat ­hyperpigmentation and acne and enhance hair hydration.