Restorative Kauai clay, exfoliating Hawaiian salt and sugar, and moisturizing kukui nut, macadamia nut, and coconut oils all work wonders on skin and hair…and that’s just the beginning. Read on to see how Hawaii’s homegrown products and practices can benefit your beauty regimen.

KAUAI
Why not start with a visit to where the magic happens? Stunning Kauai. The Spa at Ko`a Kea offers a variety of treatments dedicated to easing stress and restoring a state of pure bliss. Drawing inspiration from the natural landscape of Hawaii to create a peaceful and calming sanctuary, expertly trained therapists deliver relaxing massages, wraps, and facials using Kauai clay, moisturizing nut oils, locally grown coffee and sugar, and native blooms.

KUKUI NUT OIL
Back home all it takes is a few products and a bit of time to recreate your visit to paradise. The jack-of-all trades kukui nut oil is renowned for its ability to do everything from soothe parched skin to help heal wounds! Derived from the state tree of Hawaii, kukui nut oil is expeller pressed from the large nuts of the tree. Products containing this wonder nut are used to combat premature signs of aging, banish blemishes, and soften stretch marks. Mixed in with your conditioner, it creates a hydrating hair mask due to its nourishing fatty acids. Coconut oil is similarly effective, with the added bonus of its unmistakable tropical scent.

KONA COFFEE
There’s more to delicious Hawaiian coffee than its perk-me-up effect and tantalizing scent. Look for it in the next eye cream or gel you purchase to revive tired eyes; caffeine reduces inflammation and constricts blood vessels, helping to deflate puffy eyes and improve the appearance of those pesky dark circles. Blended with essential oils coffee creates a rich, soothing body scrub for that island girl glow. Speaking of glow…if you had a little too much fun in the sun, products containing coffee can help soften skin and neutralize free-radical damage.

HAWAIIAN FLOWERS
There’s a reason Hawaiian botanicals have been used for centuries – they work. Here are a few to look for on your next beauty-buying binge:

• Hibiscus: Its alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) help control breakouts and exfoliate skin.
• Plumeria: Its skin softening properties are magical. Plumeria essential oil also helps you sleep and calms your mind, and we all know how much a good night’s sleep affects both our looks and our moods.
• Ginger: Hawaiian ginger contains antioxidants that can help protect against aging, even skin tone, and improve elasticity for radiant skin. It also has antiseptic properties that can help fight dandruff.

PINEAPPLE AND PAPAYA
Two of Hawaii’s most popular fruits, pineapple and papaya, are also known for their contribution to the beauty biz. Bromelain, pineapple’s powerful enzyme, combined with its healthy quantities of vitamin C and manganese is the perfect skin brightening, complexion clearing cocktail. Papaya’s skin lightening properties are a lifesaver for those suffering from uneven pigmentation or acne scars, it can also boost the health of your hair.