The chilly dry wind, low temperature, low humidity and indoor heating that come with winter can play havoc on your skin, lips and other parts of the body.
It can leave your skin dry and flaky as well as cause a dull complexion, cracked lips, itchiness and skin irritation. Along with a proper skin care routine, you need to keep a close eye on what you are eating to maintain a healthy glow throughout the winter season.
Your diet can help protect your skin against dryness and ultraviolet (UV) sun damage, minimize wrinkles and other signs of aging, and promote smooth and glowing skin.
Here are the top 6 superfoods to make your skin glow this winter.
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is good for your 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.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage. It also has lycopene that helps you to keep your skin smooth.
The potassium present in it can prevent wrinkles and age spots as well as protect the skin against harmful UV sunrays. The amino acids in grapefruit make your skin more firm and soft.
Plus, the unique phytochemical known as naringin in grapefruit reduces toxins in the liver, which results in healthier skin.
• Drink fresh grapefruit juice on a regular basis during the winter.
• You can also prepare a face mask with grapefruit and use it once a week. Mix the juice of ½ grapefruit, 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ cup of oatmeal powder. Apply it to your face, allow it to dry and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This face mask will provide smooth texture and natural radiance to your skin.
3. Avocado
You can also soothe dry winter skin with avocados. Being a good source of vitamins A, C and E along with monounsaturated fats, avocados help your skin lock in moisture. Also, this fruit contains folic acid, magnesium and potassium, which are all essential for healthy skin.
Plus, they help give your skin a more youthful look by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• In addition to eating avocados, you can make a hydrating face mask with the fruit. Scoop the flesh out of a ripe avocado and mash it properly. Mix in 1 teaspoon each of honey and olive oil. Apply this smooth paste on your face. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this face mask a few times a week.
• Avocado oil is highly moisturizing for dull, dehydrated and itchy winter skin. You can use this oil to massage your body before taking a bath.
4. Carrots
Carrots are loaded with vitamin A and other antioxidants that can keep your 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 your 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 your skin hydrated from within.
• You can also make a moisturizing face mask with carrots. Mix 2 teaspoons of pureed carrots, 1 teaspoon each of honey and milk cream, and a few drops of olive oil. Apply it on your clean face. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off will cold water. Use this face mask a few times a week to enjoy soft, glowing and moisturized skin.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is another healthy vegetable for your skin. It is packed with skin-boosting ingredients like vitamins A and C as well as natural estrogens that can do wonders for your 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 eat broccoli to give your complexion a beautiful natural glow. Opt for steamed, roasted or blanched broccoli to get the most benefits from it.
6. Almonds
Almonds contain powerful antioxidants that can do wonders for your skin, especially during the dry and cold winter days. They are also a good source of vitamin E that helps nourish your 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 your body with either almond oil or almond milk. This will help you 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.