Winter has set in and you have already spent a considerable amount of time and money trying to figure out the best possible skin care routine that might be just right for a glowing skin. A healthy skin takes years off your face and makes you feel confident and present.

While the topical application of creams, toners, and moisturizers are a good way to combat the problem to some extent, a proper diet is what it takes to have great skin.

These foods will heal and nourish your skin from the inside and you will worry less about what you apply on the outside.

1. APPLES:

Apple contains an alpha hydroxyl acid called malic acid. Malic acid is gentler than acid used in beauty treatment such as glycolic and salicylic acid.

Sounds glamorous? Let’s break it down. Apples are the richest source of malic acid.

According to experts, malic acid promotes healthier, firmer and a more youthful looking skin by renewing skin cells. They also contain collagen that slows down the skin aging process.

Want to slim down too? Check here for more tips on why apples will also slim you down.

2. Chocolate:

The Cocoa in chocolate contains a type of flavonoid called epicatechin. In a study of 24 women, published in the Journal of Nutrition, drinking an epicatechin-rich cocoa beverage daily for 12 weeks improved skin texture. The authors explained that epicatechin increased blood flow to the skin, boosting nutrient and oxygen supply—both essential factors for keeping skin healthy. See a no-cook, no-brainer healthy chocolate recipe here.

3. Carrots:

Nature’s go-to ingredient for radiant skin, healthy shiny hair and pinkish hued strong nails.

They contain the carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene both of which may shield your skin against UV damage. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50 percent less skin reddening after they drank about 1 2/3 cups of carrot juice or ate 2 1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste daily, in addition to their regular diet, for 10 to 12 weeks. Munch on as many as you want.

4. Eggs:

Love your morning omelets? You are doing your skin a great favor apart from supplying it with energy. I like them fried and tossed with herbs, but the boiled version is definitely the safest.

They contain the carotenoid lutein, which like lycopene protects the skin from UV damage. Lutein also helps to keep eyes healthy. Mounting research links lutein with reduced risk for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.

5. Broccoli:

They help to ward off wrinkles and age-related dryness suggests research from 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition because it contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C gives the skin a lovely dewy glow. Toss them up in a chicken salad and you have included a star ingredient for the skin.

6. Grapefruit:

The lovely pink grapefruit gets its pink-red hue from lycopene, a carotenoid that helps to keep skin smooth. Some studies have found that those who had higher skin concentrations of lycopene had smoother skin. You can also get lycopene from tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, guava and red peppers. I try to pick the dark pink ones. Why? They are sweeter and laden with lycopene.

7. Green Tea:

It is loaded with skin-nourishing antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal damaged skin and prevent blemishes. Drink at least 3 cups a day to make the magic work for you! Worried about your waistline? Dunk a generous cup serving of 200 ml after every meal.

8. Pumpkin Seeds:

One of the best anti-agers and skin moisturizers. Skin experts recommend eating pumpkin seeds to combat winter skin. They contain zinc.It helps vitamin A to combat free radicals that cause dullness. It’s also been proven to help smooth roughness.

9. Almonds:

The humble almond has powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties. Soak a handful of raw almonds in water for a few hours, then grind them with a mortar and pestle, add some milk or yogurt to form a paste and use it as a face scrub. If you are a die-hard grazer, graze on these.

10. Salmon fish:

“Salmon is amazing for your skin as it is full of omega-3 fats, which strengthen skin cells, and help reduce inflammation,” say experts. “Certain fish like halibut and yellowfin tuna also contain selenium, which preserves elastin in the skin, helping your skin stay supple, smooth and tight.” If you’re not a fish eater, look for other foods that are rich in omega-3 (like chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, egg yolks) to help preserve collagen, fight inflammation and keep skin firm.

wrapping up

One of the main reasons that skin dries out in the winter is low humidity. According to the Harvard Medical School, the skin’s outermost layer tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. So when moisture in the air is low (as it is during colder months), so is the moisture in your skin. Eating and cooking with foods high in essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and omega-6-rich fish, seeds, and nuts) can help your skin’s natural moisture barrier function.

Go get the glow.