Seasonal changes bring on with them a host of skin related issues. Summers with its hot climate and rainy season along with its humid and wet weather have their own effect and problems on our skin. The advent of winter brings along with it, a cozy weather, hot piping food and soups and the most common and dreaded dry skin problems. In the winters, cold air causes reduced blood circulation in the skin pores and the oil in the skin known as “Sebum” reduces, resulting in dryness and itchiness of the skin.
Diet and its effect on the skin in winters
Consuming the right food helps in healing skin problems like chapped lips, dry and flaky face and itchy skin from within. Consuming natural food items works better and is much more effective than the millions of cosmetic products available in the markets, in hydrating and nourishing the body and keeping our skin supple and soft.
Listed below are 15 food items which help in keeping our skin healthy and moisturized:-
- Water
It is the most underrated food item. Water hydrates the skin from within and prevents the skin from becoming flaky and dry. In winter, water intake reduces and can affect the skin hydration from within.
- Nuts
Nuts help in maintaining the skin’s moisture due to presence of Omega 3 fatty acids. It promotes elasticity of the skin and hydrates and strengthens the skin. Almonds and Walnuts can help you to boost your skin texture from within.
- Flax seed
Flax seed is another source of high Omega 3 fatty acids content. The nutrients in them help to fight dry skin problems. Flax seeds can be consumed raw by itself or in salads or by adding in smoothies or yoghurt.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil contains fats which are beneficial and good for our health and Vitamin E, which is a very good skin moisturizer.
- Coconut
Coconut can be eaten raw or used in its oil form as well. The oils and fats contained in coconut makes us look years younger and hydrates and moisturizes our skin from within. It is also beneficial for our nails as well.
- Carrots
They are not only recommended for good eyesight, but carrots due to the presence of loads of Vitamin A & C content, are a great dry skin fighter as well. It prevents wrinkles in skin and helps in stimulating fibroblasts, which keeps our skin healthy and firm.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be eaten raw or as a salad. They can also be cooked along with other vegetables for a pizza /pasta or consumed as a soup. Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which has anti aging properties which keeps the skin fresh and supple.
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables contain Vitamin E, which guards the skin against skin damage from the sun and harsh dry winters. Consumption of them prevents wrinkles and also helps in improving the skin texture.
- Cucumber
It contains antioxidants and trace element silica, which treats inflamed skin and nourishes and hydrates it from within. The high water content makes it an ideal snack to munch on.
- Green tea
It is not only helpful in weight loss, but the anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties of green tea helps in repairing the skin damage and removes marks/blemishes. It helps in increasing our blood flow, thereby keeping us fresh and radiant.
- Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, sweet limes, berries, grapes etc contain high water content and Vitamin C, which nourishes and hydrates the skin and body from within.
- Bananas
Bananas and its peels are used in reducing acne and pimples, as they reduce skin inflammation and help in destroying bacteria. It moisturizes the skin and can also be applied externally as a face mask or used in a face pack along with honey or milk.
- Papayas
Papaya has skin lightening properties, which keeps the skin glowing and fresh. It is rich in potassium, which hydrates dull and dry skin.
- Eggs
A rich source of protein, eggs provides elasticity and hydrates the skin. Consuming eggs or applying it externally in the form of masks reduces the chance of wrinkles and saggy skin, making the skin tight.
- Fish
The presence of Omega 3 fatty acids in seafood namely fish like Salmon, Tuna etc, makes the skin elastic and tight. It strengthens skin cells and also reduces skin inflammations.
A healthy diet and nutritious food intake not only helps us in winters to look and feel good from within, but keeps us fit and healthy throughout the year.