Winter is here and that means dealing with dry, flaky skin. While you probably have your body lotions already lined up to tackle the dryness, you also need to keep the skin hydrated from within. While moisturising creams, toners, serums help keep the flakes and itchiness at bay, it is just a topical solution. As you are well aware, what you consume can also have a direct effect on your skin. So, if you want radiant, soft, glowing skin this winter, along with your winter skincare products, you also need to tweak your diet a bit.
Scroll down to find out what to consume for enviable skin during sweater weather.
Foods To Include In Your Winter Diet For Better Skin
During winter, the skin loses moisture, which in turn weakens the protective barrier, making the epidermis more prone to infections and while there are topical products that help maintain its integrity, foods that are rich in good fats, protein and vitamins help restore the barrier and hydrate the skin from within.
Vitamin D
Pexels
If you have dry skin, chances are your vitamin D levels are low. Vitamin D is responsible for maintaining the skin barrier and promoting cell growth, so lack of it can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Foods like salmon, Herring, Sardines, Cod liver oil are all rich in vitamin D. You can also consult your doctor for vitamin D supplements for the same.
Collagen-Rich Foods
Pexels
Collagen is naturally produced within the body and it is responsible for preserving the skin’s elasticity and keeping it taut and supple. However, after the age of 25, the collagen production within the body decreases and while there are plenty of creams and serums that help boost collagen, you can also add collagen-rich foods into your diet, so that your skin doesn’t dry up during winter. Try including foods like chicken, egg whites, garlic, leafy greens and citrus fruits into your diet. These foods contain the required ingredients which are necessary for collagen synthesis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Pexels
Omega 3 fatty acids help regulate oil production within the body which in turn keeps the skin hydrated, especially during the winters. Salmon or fish oil supplements are great for not only your skin, but they are also recommended for the heart, brain, kidney, eye and digestive system.
If you’re not a fan of fish or are a pure vegetarian, flaxseeds are a great alternative and work just as well to improve the skin’s barrier.
Good Fats and Protein
Pexels
Lipids are the skin’s natural fats which help sustain the skin’s protective barrier and protect it from damage. Low temperatures, however, can deplete the lipid layer, leading to dry and damaged skin. To maintain the lipid layer on the skin, consume foods that are rich in good fats and proteins. So, what falls under good fats? Well, mainly nuts and seeds such as chia seed, walnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds. These are all rich in natural healthy fats that will help protect your skin from within.
Vitamin A-Rich Foods
Pexels
Vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cantaloupe can help restore your skin’s elasticity and keep it soft and smooth even during winters. They also help fight free radicals that are responsible for wrinkles and fine lines while stimulating fibroblast production within the body.
Winter is already here and if you want to maintain your soft & supple skin, we suggest adding these foods to your diet ASAP.
Featured Image: Instagram
