Fact: Nobody likes dry skin! And sometimes, no matter how many products we use, we just can’t seem to get that hydration that our skin so desperately needs. As you nod your head in agreement, remind yourself that hydration ultimately comes from within. For that long-lasting natural glow, check out these healthy miracle foods that will have your skin looking firm and radiant from the inside out!
Watermelon
With a content of more than 90% water, this popular summer fruit is the ideal snack for staying hydrated. Providing a source of vitamin A, B and C, as well as minerals such as manganese and potassium, watermelon not only improves your skin’s appearance but also stimulates health. Add your daily dose of watermelon to a blender and mix with other fruits to create a healthy and hydrating fruit juice.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Not only is it extremely beneficial for chronic skin conditions such as rosacea, acne and dermatitis, it also aids hair growth, weight loss and blood health. Incorporate this miracle liquid into your daily routine by adding into into your smoothies or juices, or use it in place of other types of oils when creating salad dressings or dips. Lastly, remember to store your bottles in a dark and cool place to avoid oxidation.
Avocado
The avocado trend is here to stay! Not only are they super tasty, they are also superstars for your skin. While the water content hydrates the skin, the healthy fats and chlorophyll help to reduce inflammation, and Vitamin E promotes softness, preventing wrinkles over time. To make a homemade mask made from avocados, take a 1/4 ripe avocado and mash it up into a bowl until it turns lump free. Mix into the pulp, 1 teaspoon of plain organic yoghurt and ½ teaspoon of honey. Stir them well until you get a paste of uniform consistency. Apply the mask onto your skin for 10-15 minutes or until it dries out and wash off to reveal smooth and silky skin!
Apples
The fruit bowl favourite proves that it is not only tasty but contains plentiful nutrients for healthy skin. Boasting a high content of vitamin C, apples help to build collagen and their levels of copper encourage skin to produce melanin, pigment responsible for colour in your skin. They also contain a number of antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols that help protect the body against harmful bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the beta carotene in it has anti-cancer and anti-cholesterol properties.
Cucumber
Cucumber is not only recommended for eating, but it is also good to apply on your skin. The flesh of the cucumber is mostly water, but also contains Vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help to soothe skin irritations and prevent water retention. This may explain why cucumbers are often helpful for puffy eyes and burns. Add slices into a jug of water and pop into the fridge for an easy go-to drink that will both quench your thirst and keep you hydrated throughout the summer days.
Now that you have your diet in order, all that’s left to do is to incorporate some of the latest skincare products into your daily routine and then sit back and watch your complexion glow, day after day.
Text: Hira Desai