Your mom always told you to eat your greens - well, she was right. Green fruits and vegetables contain concentrated amounts of nutrients and vitamins that offer a myriad of disease-fighting health perks and skin benefits. Despite the fact that greens are good for us, less than 10 percent of Americans eat their recommended amount of fruits and veggies, according to a 2009 study (everydayhealth.com). Instead of indulging in green beer this St. Patrick's Day, why not challenge yourself to add more green plants to your diet and your skin care routine? To get you off to the right start, here are 3 leafy Eminence ingredients and how they can benefit your overall health and beauty.

1. Kale

This powerhouse cruciferous is loaded with cancer-fighting and immune-boosting vitamins (A, B, C, K) and even anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. When applied to the skin in products like our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum and Mask, this leafy green helps fight signs of aging, irritation and sun damage.

In The Press Product Pick: Recently named Best Vitamin C Serum in Dermascope Aestheticians' Choice Awards, our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum has also been hailed a top serum (and magic beauty elixir) by Men’s Health Magazine:

“Stabilized vitamin C and extracts from leafy greens deliver strong antioxidants to reduce redness and soothe irritation.”

2. Hops

Still thinking about that green beer? Although we can't recommend alcohol mixed with green food coloring, we are giving two thumbs up to the beauty benefits received from a certain “hoppy” ingredient. Yes, you heard it right - when used in skin care, hops can have positive effects on your complexion and play a very important role as a feature ingredient in our Eight Greens products. When applied to the skin, hops reduce the look of inflammation, assist in forming collagen and help with the repair and restructuring of soft tissue.

3. Stone Crop

From healing burns and eczema to a common remedy for coughs and mouth ulcers, stone crop has been used for centuries because of its endless number of medicinal, health and beauty benefits (WebMd). Although you may not be snacking on this succulent plant anytime soon, you can still take advantage of the healing, anti-aging, and skin brightening benefits of this hearty succulent in a variety of Eminence products (including our Stone Crop Masque, Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer and a variety of our Bright Skin products).

Watch this green-themed product mixology that features the stone crop benefits of our Bright Skin Masque combined with our Stone Crop Masque:

What’s your favorite green Eminence ingredient? Tell us in the comments below.

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