Winter is as much synonymous with dry, dull, flaky, and chapped skin as much as holidays, snow-capped trees, cool breezes, and all things cosy. The dry chilling winds and low humidity accompanied by dry air from blowers and heaters take away natural moisture from our skin. While externally, there are many products that you can apply on your face, you must take care of your skin internally, too, to ensure it glows and shines during the winter months.
Read on to know more about which 7 foods to include in your winter diet for healthy and glowing skin.
1. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes make more than great-tasting pie! Thanks to a hefty dose of vitamin A, sweet potatoes help your skin lock in moisture and maintain a healthy glow while protecting it from cold-weather damage. Sweet potatoes also contain a good amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that combats free radicals and supports the skin’s structural components.
2. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate, especially those that contain at least 70% cocoa, is beneficial to the skin. (It is rich in flavanols, which are known to improve skin elasticity, keeping your skin taut and thus averting skin sagging or wrinkle formation. Free radicals and UV damage destroy skin fibres, causing sagging and premature skin ageing, but the antioxidants in dark chocolate ward these free radicals off. Plus, dark chocolate has intense moisturizing effects on the skin, which is beneficial, especially during the harsh winters. It also stimulates blood circulation so that more oxygen and nutrients reach the skin, giving it a healthy glow.
3. Salmon
Salmon is replete with omega-3 fatty acids that lubricate and nourish the skin from within. They possess anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe dry, irritated skin. Salmon also contains selenium, a mineral that helps protect your skin from sun damage. It is rich in zinc which boosts the skin renewal process. The essential vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids work together to give you supple, healthy skin.
4. Almonds
Almonds are high in antioxidants, which benefit your skin by promoting a nourished, glowing skin appearance. One of these antioxidants is vitamin E, which not only moisturizes your skin but also shields it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Almonds are also known to have antiaging properties that aid in the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of premature skin ageing.
5. Kale
There’s no doubt about the many ways that leafy greens are good for you, and this sturdy wintergreen is no exception. Kale is rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost your immunity and aids in collagen production. Kale is also a good source of antioxidant nutrients. It also contains vitamin K, which is an anti-inflammatory agent that is also important for blood clotting and bone health.
6. Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that aids in the fight against the harmful free radicals that damage your skin cells and trigger premature ageing. Vitamin C also accelerates collagen production, resulting in enhanced skin texture and elasticity and thus providing you with supple, healthy skin. Oranges contain citric acid, which is highly effective in controlling acne and minimizing pimple appearance. Furthermore, the orange pulp is slightly acidic, which makes for a mild yet effective exfoliant. When used topically, it dissolves or loosens the dead skin cells settled on the surface so that they shed easily. You can also use powdered orange peel to gently scrub off the dry, dead flakes settled on the surface of your skin to make it bright and smooth.
7. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals from your body. Antioxidants may also help protect your skin from damage caused by harsh weather and UV rays. These properties make have blueberries one of the key winter skin care tips. Blueberries also have some compounds that help slow down skin ageing.
