Margot Robbie Drank A Special Tea To Get Her Glowing ‘Barbie’ Skin & Here’s How It Works
According to a specialist who worked with actress Robbie, her radiant skin in addition to skincare treatments like facials and micro-needling was attributed to specific dietary choices. In an interview with British Vogue, skin expert Jasmina Vico advised Robbie to incorporate milk thistle tea, goat milk, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut into her diet. Vico emphasized the importance of working on liver health, calming the nervous system, and achieving a natural glow from within, acknowledging that lighting plays a significant role in the movies. However, registered dietitian Miranda Galati from Ontario cautions that while certain foods can impact one’s appearance, achieving great skin involves more than simply consuming specific teas or fermented foods.
Milk Thistle Tea
Milk thistle tea is a popular beverage in certain European regions, such as Croatia, where Vico hails from. In her interview with Vogue, the skincare expert explained that this tea is known for its liver-cleansing properties, which can subsequently influence the appearance of one’s skin. Vico elaborated that when the liver is cleansed, it naturally produces more glutathione, leading to a more radiant complexion. She highlighted silymarin as a key component found in the tea, which is now frequently incorporated into skincare products. Vico recommended brewing the tea for 20 minutes to achieve a bitter taste, as this is preferred by the liver for its detoxifying effects.
The Cleveland Clinic pointed out that there is limited research on milk thistle tea, which is derived from a spiky purple flowering plant related to daisies and ragweed. Nevertheless, the available research suggests promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, particularly in the context of treating acne. One study indicated that individuals taking 210 milligrams of milk thistle daily for eight weeks experienced more than a 50% reduction in acne lesions.
When questioned about the effects of milk thistle tea on the skin, dietitian Galati emphasized the scarcity of research but didn’t dismiss its potential benefits. She acknowledged that there is some evidence suggesting its usefulness for acne, but its efficacy as a tea for a shorter duration and an unclear optimal dose remains uncertain. Galati noted that it is unlikely to be harmful, but its impact on skin may not be particularly significant.
It’s important to be aware that milk thistle can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects like nausea and stomach upset, as mentioned by Mount Sinai. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet as a tea or supplement is advisable.
What does fermented food do for your skin?
n addition to milk thistle tea, Vico recommended other fermented items for stars like Margot Robbie in the Barbie film to help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Vico shared with Vogue, “I gave Margot kefir and advised her to consume plenty of fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, for instance, and she enjoyed these choices.”
Fermented foods, as explained by the Heart Foundation, are food and beverages that undergo a controlled process of microbial growth and fermentation, involving microorganisms like yeast and bacteria that transform substances like sugar in the food into organic acids and alcohol.
Apart from sauerkraut and kefir, fermented foods encompass options like kimchi, tempeh, miso, and kombucha. Galati pointed out that consuming these types of foods has the potential to influence our gut microbiome, which can, in turn, have an impact on our skin’s health. However, she cautioned that it’s not as straightforward as assuming that eating these foods will lead to an immediate improvement in skin quality.
“Fermented foods and probiotic supplements might be beneficial in reducing inflammation, indirectly contributing to improved skin appearance, but again, they’re probably not the most powerful measures we can take.
Which foods can impact how our skin looks?
While the information on milk thistle tea and fermented foods may not offer clear-cut solutions, Galati suggests that making dietary changes as a whole can significantly impact the appearance of our skin. She underscores the importance of considering your overall lifestyle.
Galati promotes a diet that is friendly to blood sugar levels. She explains, “Reducing the consumption of added sugars and refined carbohydrates can potentially benefit those dealing with acne by promoting clear skin.”
The Canadian dietitian also emphasizes the positive effects of sufficient protein intake on skin health. She clarifies, “Having an ample protein intake ensures that your body has all the necessary amino acids when breaking down proteins, supporting various functions, including the production of collagen.”
Galati further states, “Focusing on adequate protein consumption is advantageous for numerous reasons, and it can certainly enhance the health and appearance of our skin.”
In addition to protein, various vitamins such as A, C, D, and E, along with minerals like zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids, can also play a supportive role in maintaining healthy skin.
What other modifications to our daily routines can influence the appearance of our skin?
When it comes to improving your appearance and well-being, Galati emphasizes the importance of considering your overall lifestyle rather than fixating solely on dietary choices.
She explains, “We tend to hyper-focus on food at times because it’s something we can easily control, but factors like sleep, personal hygiene habits, and even alcohol consumption can also significantly impact how you look.”
Regarding milk thistle tea and fermented foods, Galati suggests that these items indeed offer potential health benefits if you want to incorporate them into your routine. She adds, “[They are] not a negative addition to your daily habits, but if your sole expectation is a transformation in your skin’s appearance, you might be somewhat disappointed.”
