Your Ideal Diet and Skin Care This Winter

Whether you enjoy bundling up in jackets or coats, gloves and scarves or already counting days until spring, winter is here to stay for the next few months! Winter weather is no fun for the skin, and lips, noses and cheeks get chapped and crack. The cold air and the low humidity levels tend to deprive your skin of the moisture it requires. Your skin takes a further beating with indoor heat and hot showers and requires additional moisture to keep it supple and soft.

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No amount of expensive lotions or moisturizers or spa treatments may seem to help your skin retain its glow. A consistent skin care regimen is good, but the key to a flawless skin lies in what you eat!Here are a few foods which you must include in your diet to help your skin remain healthy and retain its natural moisture this winter:

1.Foods rich in essential fatty acids:

Omega-3 and Omega-6 rich fish, walnuts, flax seeds, soy products, wheat germs and whole grains are an excellent source of fatty acids which protect the skin and help retain its moisture.

2.Antioxidant rich foods:

Bright colorful fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals like vitamins A C and E. They protect the skin against free radicals that damage collagen content,and weaken flexibility of the skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and gives structure to your skin. It improves skin elasticity, brightens and reduces wrinkles.

Strawberries and blue berries:  These are rich in vitamin C and A, and also contain flavanoids like querticinand anthocyanidin, whichfight against cholesterol and age related diseases. Blueberries reduce sensitivity of the skin and strawberries promote collagen production to keep the skin smooth in texture.

Plums: These are richest in Vitamin C and prevent swelling, tissue inflammation and guard against DNA damage and cell deterioration.

Oranges: These are a rich source of vitamin C, the ultimate antioxidant for pepping up dull skin. They hydrate the skin and tighten the fine lines. They not only help in keeping the immune system intact and prevent damage to cells, but also boost collagen levels and keep the skin pliant.

Antioxidant rich vegetables:  Bell peppers, spinach,kale, broccoli and beets feed your skin the vital nutrients it needs to help it stay soft, supple and blemish free. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and strengthen the skin’s outermost layer. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and aid in replenishing collagen contentto keep the skin taut.

3.  Nuts :

These are good to snack upon and are responsible for making your skin smooth and soft and give it a natural glow. Walnuts prevent age related wrinkles and lines from appearing. Almonds are rich in vitamin E and hydrate the skin. Cashew reduces inflammation of the skin and heals damaged acne zones. The antioxidants in pista help curb acne growth.

Winter suncare tips for the skin:
  •    Use a sunscreen lotion to limit the damage to your skin by the sun s rays.
  •    Use a SPF lotion to keep the skin moisturized throughout the day.
  •    Try to avoid being in the sun between 10AM and 3PM as the rays are strongest then.
  •    Wear a hat to protect the scalp and face from sun burns.
  •    Wash your face with tepid water and use the right cleanser.
Do it yourself facemasks:

Stop buying expensive skin care solutions; insteadhave fun in making your own facemasks with ingredients from your kitchen!They nourish your skin and keep it well hydrated. You not only cut down on the costs of spa treatments but also guard your skin against harmful chemicals! 

Apply a paste on the face with a mix of honey, avocados, yoghurt, bananas and olive oil for 15 minutes and wash off to see visible results of a glowing skin!

These foods and winter care tips will ensure that your skin retains its healthy glow all along the winter months.Welcome winter with a smile! Consult an aesthetic specialist now.

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