Come winter and a range of skin and hair related issues begin to surface. Undeniably, one of the most common beauty woes associated with the colder months is dry skin. Most of us tend to develop dry, flaky and lifeless skin texture with the onset of winters. While moisturising creams and herbal remedies may help in hydrating your skin and giving it a protective shield to withstand the adverse effects of the season, experts suggest the solution to the problem lies in your diet and the kinds of nutrients you supply to your body.
Are you winter ready?
It is important to understand that our diets need to change every now and then. Following a set routine or a dietary pattern will not challenge your system and will keep it from rebooting and springing back into the action. Our country experiences a variety of seasons unlike no other nation, the seasonal produce is also abundant, which brims the markets and signals you to take them home for a more varied and season-friendly eating. While dry skin can be a result of the drying up of the sebaceous glands of the skin, it can be worked upon externally only up to an extent. No amount of external moisturisation will render a glow that comes from within and is achievable only when you practice healthy eating habits. Winter in India can get quite brutal, this is exactly why we need to load up on more nutrient dense items that would give extra nourishment to the body.
Natural ways to manage dry skin
Dry skin management
Your pantry can go a long way in helping you get rid of that dry and flaky skin this winter. We've listed down ways through which you can try regular kitchen ingredients to pamper your skin externally and foods that can be included in your diet to give you that radiant winter glow.
What to apply
External oil application works wonder; in case you battle acute dryness try applying a thin film of oils like sesame, coconut, corn or sunflower oil on your face before turning in.
"You may also find relief from dry skin by applying a pulp of fresh cherries at night. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off," noted Ayurveda expert Dr. Vasant Lad in The Complete Book of Ayurveda Home Remedies.
What to eat
1. Sweet potatoes
The humble tuber is a winter favourite and comes loaded with vitamin A, essential for skin repair, and beta-carotene which helps shield the skin against winter woes.
Sweet potatoes
2. Nuts and seeds
Need we say more? These are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids that play a pivotal role in nourishing the body from within. Regular nut consumption helps in staving off and repairing skin cell damage from free radicals and accelerates the process of skin cell repair and regeneration. You will feel your skin getting smoother and more supple after introducing these to your daily diet, just a handful a day is enough. Almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds top the list of vitamin-e enriched items.
Nuts and seeds
3. Spinach
This seasonal delight needs no introduction. It comes packed with a bevy of nutrients, vitamins and minerals like iron and the skin-friendly vitamin E. Vitamin A and C present in this leafy vegetable initiates and maintains skin repair process. Spinach is also loaded with antioxidants and H20, for that extra dose of hydration.
Spinach
Photo Credit: Istock
4. Avocados
Avocados come with a buttery texture and a nutty aroma that makes it quite a hit with people. It also comes packed with staggering skin-benefiting properties. A rich source of antioxidants, betacarotene, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and E, avocados can go a long way in giving your skin that extra dose of nourishment this winter and keep dryness at bay. Avocados are nutrient dense are popularly known as 'nature's butter'.
Avocados
5. Fish
Let us reiterate that essential fatty acids work wonders for your skin and hair health. Fish is one of the richest sources of omega 3. If you plan to include fish in your diet ensure cooking it the healthy way - steaming, grilling, poaching, baking - over deep frying it. Fish consumption has also been tied to fighting inflammation. Some of your best bets for the season would include Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines among others.
Grilled fish
What you eat certainly reflects on your face and the way you look. Regular consumption of a healthy diet will definitely lend a healthy glow to your skin. Get in touch with a certified diet expert to know more about including skin friendly foods in your diet and how to battle dryness this season.