Winter Making Skin Dry And Dull? Include These In Your Diet

As Winter approaches it brings along changes in our skin and hair. Skin becomes dry, dull, flaky, tight, crackly and chapped. It is because cold and dry winds have low humidity in the atmosphere and take away the natural moisture and oil from the skin. It also increases dandruff in the scalp. Therefore, it is more important to take care of our skin to make it glowing and hydrated during winters.

There are some vital nutrients that protect our skin from conditions like dryness and eczema. These nutrients are Vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin-C, monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as beta-carotene. Therefore, we should include foods rich in these nutrients in our diet. These foods include:

Carrots

Carrots have been an important part of vegetarian diets. They are a good source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and lycopene which protect the skin from UV rays of the sun. Carrots improve the appearance of the skin and protect from skin disorders such as rashes, psoriasis and inflammation. Carrot juice should be regularly included in the diet to fight against dull and dry skin.

Green Tea

It is scientifically proven that green tea provides maximum benefits for the skin. It is the best beverage to consume regularly. It is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants that protect the skin by fighting against UV damage to prevent skin cancer. Green tea contains catechins (a type of phenolic compounds) that reduce inflammation, redness, dryness, and swelling.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts & seeds are responsible for keeping the skin soft, smooth and supple. These are the powerhouse of important nutrients. Seeds like chia, flax and pumpkin seeds as well as nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, brazil nuts and raisins are packed with HDL, omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, vital minerals like calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium and powerful antioxidants such as selenium. They promote good cholesterol and also promotes immune function for healing and cell growth, decrease acne growth and keep the skin hydrated.

Olives

Olives are a good source of Vitamin C and E. They have anti-aging properties. Olives may be used with quinoa and kale in winters to promote glowing skin as well as olive oil can be used for sauteing vegetables or as a moisturiser for dry skin.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil acts as an excellent moisturising agent for the skin and is, therefore, a part of many beauty products. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties make it suitable to be used for cleansing the face, removing eye make-up and soothing dry hands and feet. Due to its ability to easily penetrate into the skin, it is also used as a massage oil.

Moringa

Moringa contains about 30 antioxidants and possesses anti-aging properties. It also helps in filtering out deep-rooted impurities from the skin and thus act as a natural cleanser. Daily usage of products containing moringa protects skin from the harmful effects of pollution and smog.

Triphala

Triphala is good for soothing dry skin as it contains many antioxidants which help in clearing pigmentation and also destroy acne-causing bacteria. Triphala powder helps in smoothening and moisturising the skin, thereby keeping it soft.

Amla

Vitamin C along with the antioxidants present in amla help in brightening the skin and keep it young-looking for a longer period of time. It also acts helps in delaying the effects of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Amla juice if used on a regular basis also helps in reducing pigmentation.