Benefits of Lingonberries for Skin

If you’re searching for a super berry, the lingonberry takes the stage since it’s fully loaded with antioxidants and body-enhancing phytonutrients. This small but powerful berry contains several medicinal and nutritional benefits.

Usually consumed whole or as lingonberry juice, the quercetin and proanthocyanidin, also found in the cranberry, give it such a positive boost for the body. Similar to the bearberry, lingonberries contain certain phytochemicals that can do wonders for health, skin and hair.

Lingonberries are very popular in numerous forms and products, like wines, liqueurs, syrups, lingonberry jams and jellies, cheesecakes, cocktails, soufflés and sherbet, ice cream, pickles and candies. They have a taste that’s sour, tart and a bit sweet — probably very much like the taste of raw cranberries.

Containing powerful rich antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium, you may find it in cough syrups or as a treatment for blood disorders and urinary tract infections. Additionally, lingonberries are often used in gardens as they also make a great ground cover.

Locks-in Hydration And Nourishment

The lingonberries’ seed oil is a rich source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which helps to retain hydration and moisture in your skin. The phytonutrients in these berries also help in maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

A healthy skin barrier protects your skin from the harmful external environment and also prevents the loss of water and essential nutrients from the surface of the skin. Thus adding lingonberries to skincare makes your skin look soft and supple.

An Anti-ageing Ingredient

Lingonberries can prevent and reverse several signs of ageing like loss of skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, etc. Studies have shown that lingonberries enhance the elasticity of your skin significantly. Lingonberry extract also regulates the production of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins integrin and collagen in your skin which helps to keep your skin firm and prevents it from sagging.

Some of the most potent antioxidants are present in lingonberries which protect your skin from damage caused by the sun, toxins and pollutants. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has shown that lingonberry extract can guard your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays which can lead to photodamage to your skin.

Gives You An Even Skin Tone

Melanin is the natural pigment present in your skin, the overproduction of which can cause hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. Arbutin present in lingonberries inhibits the effect of tyrosinase, an enzyme that is needed for the synthesis of melanin.

These berries also have a high amount of Vitamin E, which further boosts the skin lightening effects. Thus lingonberries prevent hyperpigmentation and also help to lighten dark spots and scars on your skin, providing you with an even-toned complexion.

Anti-hyperpigmentation

Leaves of the lingonberry plant contain a good quantity of arbutin which is known to treat hyperpigmentation and age spots. Arbutin is a phytochemical that inactivates tyrosinase, the enzyme that causes pigmentation in the skin.

Improves Skin Health

A high content of natural antioxidants found in Lingonberry, such as zeaxanthin, helps to guard your skin from harmful UV rays. Apart from this vitamin C present in Lingonberry is also a strong antioxidant, which helps to prevent free radicals from doing oxidative damage to your skin cells and prevent different kinds of skin diseases such as wrinkles, dark spots, acne, etc.

Hair Health

Rich in Vitamin C, Lingonberry feeds the hair follicles with rich antioxidants and enhances blood circulation.

Lingonberries also contain vitamin B, which provides enough oxygen to the cells and thus minimises hair loss, prevents the greying process, and provides lustre and softness to the overall appearance of your hair.

How To Use Lingonberry For Healthy Skin?

You can use fresh lingonberries in the season they become available. Or, you can use the lyophilised or freeze-dried powder of lingonberries all throughout the year. Lingonberry extract made from fresh fruit retains all the skin-friendly nutrients and benefits and can be used in various skin care products.

The oil derived from the seeds of lingonberry has all the benefits of the berries and is also high in omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. This oil is very light, non-greasy and is easily soaked by the skin. Lingon seed oil can even be used by people with sensitive skin types to get smooth and soft skin without any irritation.

You can also incorporate the whole berries or the lyophilised powder of berries in your diet to get healthy glowing skin from the inside out. Sauces or jams made from these berries can be consumed with bread, pancakes, etc. The powder of berry can be added to smoothies or breakfast bowls for taste as well as health.

Take Away

Lingonberries are small, red-coloured berries called superfruits due to their amazing nutritional profile and antioxidant content.

Though more research is required, studies suggest that they may boost healthy gut bacteria, weight management, heart health, and blood sugar control — among several other benefits.

Berries of any kind have long been known to be good for you, so if you can find lingonberries in unsweetened forms — such as a fresh, frozen, or powdered form — enjoy them as often as you like to reap all the benefits it can offer.