During summers, lack of proper water intake can lead to dehydration, which, in turn, can lead to dry skin. Especially when it comes to countries like India, which see temperatures soar during summer, it is recommended that you drink copious amounts of water to maintain bodily functions and skin health.
Apart from this, consuming certain fruits and vegetables during this season also helps achieve flawless skin. Let us look at the best of these.
Apricots: All orange-coloured fruits work wonders for your skin. They're packed with pro-vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which boost the tan-producing melanin, which protects the skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals.
Berries: Blueberries, bilberries, blackberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, strawberries, and raspberries are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants combat the oxidative stress and free radicals that are responsible for premature skin ageing. In simple words, this means that berries slow down the process of skin ageing and leave you with a youthful-looking skin!
Bananas: Bananas naturally hydrate your skin, thanks to their vitamin A content. They restore lost moisture, banish dull complexion, and repair dry, damaged skin. Bananas also contain nutritional compounds that slow down the appearance of wrinkles.
Cherries: These fruits have anti-ageing properties that regenerate and soothe the skin. Cherries are also chock-full of vitamin C, which helps treat sun-related damage.
Melons: The refreshing goodness of melons means they're as great on a plate as they are on your face. For starters, they soften, nourish, and soothe dry skin. For a simple sunburn remedy, just place some melon slices on the affected area(s).
Grapes: Grapes contain vitamins, fruit acids, and antioxidants. They're astringent and re-mineralise the skin and even tone-up and brighten all skin types, particularly mature skin. They also purify the body and get rid of toxins by way of draining and detoxifying.
Kiwis: The kiwi breaks all records when it comes to vitamin C content! Known to support collagen levels, vitamin C helps keep your skin firm and wrinkle-free.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes clean us both from the inside and the outside while their lycopene content is known to purify, disinfect, and brighten damaged skin. They are also an effective blackhead zapper, whereas their antioxidant content protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and free radicals. Be warned, however, that tomatoes are acidic, hence, not the best bet for those with sensitive skin.
Cucumber: Perfect for dry, dehydrated skin, cucumbers are 95% water – the highest water content of all vegetables and that is enough said!
Peppers: Whether raw, grilled, baked, or in your spag bol, red, green, and yellow peppers contain high levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, K, alongside hyaluronic acid. Bursting with antioxidants, they help the skin protect itself from free radicals and the consequent signs of ageing.
This summer, pledge to protect your skin and make the aforementioned fruits and veggies a part of your diet. Stay Hydrated!