In today’s inflating economy, serums, facials and even face masks are out of reach for many of us. But don’t be upset about that because the secret to radiant skin lies in our own home. It may be hiding somewhere in your fridge or pantry.
Food not only provides the energy to work all day long, it also nourishes every cell in your body, including our precious skin. So put down those chemical quick fixes and pick up these five superstar foods which will make our skins reflect a natural glow from the inside:
- The Hydrating Hero: Cucumber.
Our skin is like a garden; as it needs constant nourishment, it also needs a lot of hydration. A lot of people mix up hydration with moisturization, but these are two totally different requirements for a skin.
While moisture deals with the oil levels of the skin, hydration keeps the water content of skin correct. Cucumber is made up 95% of water which when ingested, provides the required nourishment to the skin cells.
So simply munching on a cucumber can help with puffiness, hyperpigmentation and acnes.
- The Vitamin Source: Papaya.
Papaya is an all season available fruit in Bangladesh which is a treat to many. We love to snack on a papaya on a regular basis without realising that it’s vitamin C is the producer of Collagen. Collagen is that protein which is behind our skin’s structure and elasticity, is vital component to keep our skin tight and glowing.
The papain enzyme in Papaya potentially helps with hyperpigmentation, a very common skin issue faced by us. It removes the dead skin build up on a regular basis which on the long run, reveals a brighter and smoother face.
- The Omega-3 powerhouse: Any type of fish.
We, Bangladeshis, are fond of fishes but little did we know what major role it plays behind a radiant skin. Fatty fish like Pangas or Rui are filled with omega-3 and fatty acids, which are not only good for a great eyesight but also major pillar for healthy skin.
Omega-3, also termed as as “healthy fats” are often seen sold in capsules for its large scale health benefits for people of all age.
But just eating some fatty fish regularly can provide enough supplements without investing on these chemically produced pills. These healthy fats works against inflammation, creates an even completion, and keeps our skin moisturised.
- The Aging Foe: Pomegranate and berries.
Though it’s a little on the expensive side, Pomegranate and Berries produce collagen and the required nutrients which helps the skin cell to repair.
A routine production of collagen and skin restoration removes free radical damage which does not let the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. This leaves us with ever glowing skin. A glass of pomegranate juice a day keeps the ageing away!!
- The Green Goddesses: Dark Leafy Greens.
Various leafy greens such as Spinach, kale and lettuce – are jampacked with rare vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which work their magic on our skin. Vitamin K is very helpful for dark circles; but it is only available in these green vegetable.
Ingesting a specific amount of leafy greens every day produces folate, which regenerates the wears and tears of the skin. We already know the role antioxidants which reduces inflammation and other external side effects on the skin by flushing out the toxins.
Bonus Tip: We should not underestimate the power of water! Let’s try to drink a couple of litres of water a day to watch our skin glow from the inside out.
Finally and most importantly it should be remembered that these 5 foods will naturally make our skin glow from within itself. This is a sustainable way to maintain a healthy skin which oth good for the environment and our pockets.
Since all of these are purely natural, it will not work magically like the chemical skincare products. So don’t be impatient and keep up with these remedies. Gradually these foods will make the base of our skin stronger and keep it as it is for huge amounts of time.
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Writer
Rifah Zakiah
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE