Glowing skin in winter

Winter has set in and you have already spent a considerable amount of time and money trying to figure out the best possible skin care routine that might be just right for a glowing skin. A healthy skin takes years off your face and makes you feel confident and present.

While the topical application of creams, toners, and moisturizers are a good way to combat the problem to some extent, a proper diet is what it takes to have great skin.

These foods will heal and nourish your skin from the inside and you will worry less about what you apply on the outside.

1. APPLES:

Apple contains an alpha hydroxyl acid called malic acid. Malic acid is gentler than acid used in beauty treatment such as glycolic and salicylic acid.

Sounds glamorous? Let’s break it down. Apples are the richest source of malic acid.

According to experts, malic acid promotes healthier, firmer and a more youthful looking skin by renewing skin cells. They also contain collagen that slows down the skin aging process.

Want to slim down too? Check here for more tips on why apples will also slim you down.

2. Chocolate:

Thе Cocoa іn chocolate contains a type оf flavonoid called epicatechin. In a study оf 24 women, published іn thе Journal оf Nutrition, drinking аn epicatechin-rich cocoa beverage daily fоr 12 weeks improved skin texture. Thе authors explained thаt epicatechin increased blood flow tо thе skin, boosting nutrient аnd oxygen supply—both essential factors fоr keeping skin healthy. Sее a no-cook, no-brainer healthy chocolate recipe hеrе.

3. Carrots:

Nature’s go-to ingredient for radiant skin, healthy shiny hair and pinkish hued strong nails.

They contain the carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene both of which may shield your skin against UV damage. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50 percent less skin reddening after they drank about 1 2/3 cups of carrot juice or ate 2 1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste daily, in addition to their regular diet, for 10 to 12 weeks. Munch on as many as you want.

4. Eggs:

Love уоur morning omelets? Yоu аrе doing уоur skin a great favor apart frоm supplying іt wіth energy. I like thеm fried аnd tossed wіth herbs, but thе boiled version іѕ definitely thе safest.

Thеу contain thе carotenoid lutein, whісh like lycopene protects thе skin frоm UV damage. Lutein аlѕо helps tо kеер eyes healthy. Mounting research links lutein wіth reduced risk fоr age-related macular degeneration, thе leading саuѕе оf blindness іn people оvеr 50.

5. Broccoli:

They help to ward off wrinkles and age-related dryness suggests research from 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition because it contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C gives the skin a lovely dewy glow. Toss them up in a chicken salad and you have included a star ingredient for the skin.

6. Grapefruit:

The lovely pink grapefruit gets its pink-red hue from lycopene, a carotenoid that helps to keep skin smooth. Some studies have found that those who had higher skin concentrations of lycopene had smoother skin. You can also get lycopene from tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, guava and red peppers. I try to pick the dark pink ones. Why? They are sweeter and laden with lycopene.

7. Green Tea:

It іѕ loaded wіth skin-nourishing antioxidants. It hаѕ anti-inflammatory properties thаt саn heal damaged skin аnd prevent blemishes. Drink аt lеаѕt 3 cups a day tо make thе magic work fоr уоu! Worried аbоut уоur waistline? Dunk a generous cup serving of 200 ml аftеr еvеrу meal.

8. Pumpkin Seeds:

One of the best anti-agers and skin moisturizers. Skin experts recommend eating pumpkin seeds to combat winter skin. They contain zinc.It helps vitamin A to combat free radicals that cause dullness. It’s also been proven to help smooth roughness.

9. Almonds:

The humble almond has powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties. Soak a handful of raw almonds in water for a few hours, then grind them with a mortar and pestle, add some milk or yogurt to form a paste and use it as a face scrub. If you are a die-hard grazer, graze on these.

10. Salmon fish:

“Salmon is amazing for your skin as it is full of omega-3 fats, which strengthen skin cells, and help reduce inflammation,” say experts. “Certain fish like halibut and yellowfin tuna also contain selenium, which preserves elastin in the skin, helping your skin stay supple, smooth and tight.” If you’re not a fish eater, look for other foods that are rich in omega-3 (like chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, egg yolks) to help preserve collagen, fight inflammation and keep skin firm.

wrapping up

One of the main reasons that skin dries out in the winter is low humidity. According to the Harvard Medical School, the skin’s outermost layer tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. So when moisture in the air is low (as it is during colder months), so is the moisture in your skin. Eating and cooking with foods high in essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and omega-6-rich fish, seeds, and nuts) can help your skin’s natural moisture barrier function.

Go get the glow.