Winter is here and so is the time to make the most of the season. From enjoying the warmth of the mittens and blankets to devouring decadent foods, we do it all, without any guilt. While these remain the brighter aspects of the season, it also comes with its own share of troubles. The season brings along cough, cold, fever et al. It also casts a dry spell on our skin and lips. Come winter and our face loses its sheen and radiance. The skin gets flaky and lips turn chapped. And no amount of moisturiser helps it get back the glow. What do you do then? Experts suggest keeping hydrated to maintain the body's water balance. Various studies have proved that drinking enough water (and fluid) helps flush out toxins and purifies blood, which further gives a natural glow to the skin. Alongside this, it is also important to keep up a balanced diet to load up on every essential nutrient.
How To Promote Healthy Skin During Winter Season: Tips And Tricks
Consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta suggests loading up on healthy seasonal fruits and vegetables for nourishment and overall health benefits. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and they protect the skin cells from getting damaged. Not just the season, but our lifestyle too affects our skin-health majorly. Today, the environment is polluted, and our lives are stressed - all these factors are equally responsible for deteriorating skin health, leading to early wrinkling, dull skin etc. This is where the seasonal produce comes into play. They are not only fresh and crunchy but also pack you with essential nutrients to prevent seasonal health issues.
(Also Read: Skincare Tips: 5 Delicious Vitamin C-Rich Drink Recipes For Happy And Healthy Skin)
There are plenty of superfoods that we can have in winters for better skin health.
Experts further explain that making your meals colourful (with a variety of winter fruits and vegetables) will help you nourish the body with the entire range of antioxidants that protect your skin.
Here, we have curated a list of such Indian superfoods that are seasonal and help promote overall skin health. Read on.
Skin Care: Here're 5 Desi Superfoods For Healthy, Glowing Skin | How To Include These Superfoods In Your Diet:
1. Gajar (Carrot):
Winter brings along crunchy red carrots that are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, beta carotene and more. These nutrients help flush out toxins, produce collagen and strengthen skin, increasing the glow from within. You can have it raw (in form of salad) or juice it to enjoy fresh vegetable juice. Besides, you can also make gajar matar, gajar rice etc to add to your diet.
(Also Read: 8 Expert Skin Care tips for People in Their 30's)
Carrots can prove to be excellent for skin health in winters. Photo: iStock
2. Palak (Spinach):
This leafy green is a storehouse of nutrients - vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory properties and more. According to health experts, spinach helps prevent skin from oxidative stress, inflammation, viral effects and more. It also protects skin from ageing, dryness and dark spots. Palak can be enjoyed in multiple forms - you can make palak ki sabzi, palak paratha and even a healthy spinach smoothie to add to your winter diet.
3. Anar (Pomegranate):
Pomegranate is known to have an anti-microbial effect on our skin. It helps treat acne, combat breakouts, soothes irritation and is known to manage the oil levels in the skin. All you need to do is, break the anar, store the red, juicy pearls in a bowl and munch on!
4. Santra (Orange):
A treasure trove of antioxidants, orange is the perfect winter fruit to add to your everyday diet. It is loaded with vitamin C and does wonders for your skin. Have it as is or squeeze the juice and drink it up. Orange just spells goodness! You can have it as is or squeeze fresh juice out of an orange or two and drink.
(Also Read: 7 Amazing Natural Cleansers for Gorgeous Skin)
Orange is an excellent way to boost skincare in winters. Photo Credit: iStock
5. Amrut (Guava):
This sweet and crunchy fruit is a good source of vitamins A, C, beta-carotene and lycopene - each of these ingredients helps produce collagen and tightens the skin naturally, slowing down the ageing process. The best way to include guava in your diet is by cutting into four halves, sprinkling some salt on the top and devour.
Now that you know the benefits of these delicious fruits and vegetables, we suggest loading up your fruit and vegetable baskets at home and making the best use of these seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Enjoy a happy and healthy winter, everyone!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.