The chill dry wind, low temperature, low humidity and indoor heating that come with winter can play havoc on skin, lips and other parts of the body.
It can leave our skin dry and flaky as well as cause a dull complexion, cracked lips, itchiness and skin irritation.
Along with a proper skin care routine, we need to keep a close eye on what we are eating to maintain a healthy glow throughout the winter season.
Our diet can help protect our skin against dryness and ultraviolet (UV) sun damage, minimize wrinkles and other signs of aging, and promote smooth and glowing skin.
Certain foods can also be used topically to keep your skin healthy, beautiful and glowing even during the cold winter months.
Carrots
Carrots are loaded with vitamin A and other antioxidants that can keep our skin healthy, vibrant and glowing even during the harsh winter days. They can also prevent signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.
Plus, carrots contain the carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene that help protect our skin against UV damage. Being rich in potassium, they also help solve the problem of dry skin.
- Drinking a glass of carrot juice daily is a great way to keep skin hydrated from within.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another healthy vegetable for skin. It is packed with skin-boosting ingredients like vitamins A and C as well as natural estrogens that can do wonders for skin.
While vitamin C stimulates collagen production to keep the skin healthy, vitamin A protects the skin cell membranes and prevents skin damage due to sun exposure.
Plus, the B vitamins in broccoli help get rid of dry, flaky patches, one of the most common skin problems that people have during the cold winter days.
- Regularly eating broccoli gives complexion a beautiful natural glow. Opt for steamed, roasted or blanched broccoli to get the most benefits from it.
Almonds
Almonds contain powerful antioxidants that can do wonders for skin, especially during the dry and cold winter days. They are also a good source of vitamin E that helps nourish skin and protect it from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
These nuts also contain many anti-aging properties that help reduce wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging.
- Before taking a bath, massage body with either almond oil or almond milk. This will help enjoy a remarkably glowing and radiant complexion.
- You can also use almonds to make a homemade scrub. Soak a handful of almonds in water overnight. The next morning, remove the peels and grind them. Add some milk or yogurt to form a paste. Use it as a facial scrub 1 or 2 times a week.
Spinach
When it comes to healthy skin, one cannot ignore the benefits offered by spinach. This dark green vegetable has many nutrients needed for healthy skin cells and to fight the skin’s natural aging process.
Spinach has high vitamin A content, an antioxidant that keeps skin healthy and improves skin tone. Another antioxidant, vitamin C, helps repair skin cells and keeps skin looking beautiful.
Also, spinach is an excellent source of iron. Iron deficiency can leave you with pale-looking skin along with frail health. Spinach also has lutein that protects the skin from sun damage.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage to skin. This can prevent dryness and flaky skin as well as improve complexion. Plus, the polyphenols in green tea can prevent and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles, age spots and saggy skin.
- You can simply splash cool green tea on your face and then rinse your face with cool water.
- To make a gentle exfoliating mask at home, mix the contents of a used green tea bag with a little honey to make a paste. Apply it on your clean face, leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off. Do this once or twice a week.
- Lastly, do not forget to drink 1 -2 cups of green tea daily.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is good for skin, especially during the winter when the skin tends to become drier. Being rich in vitamins A and E as well as several other minerals and natural fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin to maintain its elasticity and softness.
It also prevents skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and protects the skin from free radical damage.
- Before taking a bath, rub warm olive oil over your face, the backs of your arms, your elbows and your knees. Massage gently for a few minutes, then take a warm bath. Afterward, pat your skin dry and wipe away the excess oil. Your skin will become amazingly soft and smooth.
- Also, use extra-virgin olive oil in salad dressings and cooking.
Beetroot
Beetroot juice being a rich source of iron, vitamins and minerals can give you healthy and glowing skin. If inner body is healthy, it is sure to reflect on the outside. Drinking a glass of beetroot juice regularly helps cleanse the body of toxins. It purifies blood, and lead to a healthy glowing skin.
It can be taken in form of juice , soup or raw in salad or in vegetable form with meal.
- Regular application of Beetroot juice on face for 5-10 mins not diminishes blemishes, dark circles but also give skin a healthy glowing look.
Amla (Gooseberry)
Gooseberry is very rich in Vitamin C, and contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent.
Amla prevents health-related hyperlipidemia by reducing the amount of free radicals in the body through its antioxidant qualities. Free radicals are associated with signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots.
- The fresh fruit of gooseberries contains more than 80% water, protein, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber. It is also used as a remedy for fever, liver disorder, indigestion, anaemia, urinary problems, respiratory problems, cerebral, gastric and cardiovascular illness. Gooseberry lowers cholesterol levels, increases red blood cell production, and strengthens teeth and nails.
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