‘You are what you eat,’ we all have heard this and if it’s something to be believed, then your skin needs to be fed well too. It’s no myth that your food and diet choices make a significant impact on your skin health; for instance, having more sugar and junk can cause acne or having a fiber-rich diet can positively impact metabolism, removing toxins from the body and resulting in clear skin. You must have also heard that with age, collagen production decreases. Collagen is what supports the skin with its structure, firmness and elasticity. While you might be on point with your skincare, there are also natural ways to supplement collagen production naturally. Here’s what you must include in your diet for better skin health without skin woes like acne, pigmentation, and dull skin. 

Sweet Potatoes 

We all run away from the name of it; it’s time to change that narrative. Potatoes are not all bad, especially sweet potatoes. They are filled with beta-carotene and can protect the skin from sun damage. Beta-carotene is a natural antioxidant that promotes cell production. You’re in for some luck here because winters in India are also the perfect time when you get sweet potatoes as a snack in most of the places.  

Unprocessed and Seasonal Fruits 

Time has progressed and we get everything in jars and packets for easy consumption. Cherry, dried kiwis, blueberries or oranges, you name it, and you get it. However, you get the maximum benefit out of it from fresh fruits. Pears, kiwi, banana, avocado and apples are the best fruits to consume for healthy skin. These are rich in natural antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important to keep the skin bright and protected from pigmentation. 

Avocados 

They are expensive and with not any taste–we have heard this trope and most of the Indians are still not comfortable with its consumption. We don’t usually get avocados at our local vendor and to go to a premium supermarket to buy avocados is too much of an effort. We agree, but can we not put that effort for better skin? Avocados are loaded with healthy fats, vitamins E and C which keep the skin moisturised and protected against oxidative damage. You can also apply it directly on the skin for quick healing. 

Greek Yogurt 

Greek yogurts have a high amount of probiotic content that helps in reducing inflammation and reducing the risk of acne. Probiotics in diet also help in strengthening the skin’s natural barriers and reducing skin breakdown. Again, you can also apply it directly on the skin for quick results while including it in the diet as well. 

Watermelon 

Whenever it’s the season of watermelon, make sure you have the supply handy at home. Whether as fruit or salad, make sure to consume watermelon in your diet as it has a high concentration of water in it, which aids in reducing the puffiness around the eyes. Watermelon also provides essential minerals to the skin. 

Chickpeas 

With high concentration of protein and fiber, chickpeas are low on glycemic index. This means it does not cause acne or aggravate the condition while giving the body the required amount of daily protein which helps in maintaining skin structure. 

Red Wine 

While you might have broken up with alcohol starting the new year, the fact is that wine consumed in a controlled quantity can be good for your skin. It is a rich source of antioxidants like flavonoid, resveratrol and tannin which help fight ageing and clears the pores.