The chilly dry wind, the decreasing temperature and low humidity that come with winter can play havoc on your skin, lips and other parts of the body. It can leave your skin dry, harsh and flaky as well as cause a dull complexion, cracked lips, itchiness and skin irritation. Along with a proper skin care routine, you need to keep a close eye on what you are eating to maintain a healthy glow throughout the winter season. Your diet can help protect your skin against dryness and ultraviolet (UV) sun damage, minimize wrinkles and other signs of aging, and promote smooth and glowing skin.

Here are some of the foods that do wonder for your skin in winter.

Olive Oil:
Olive oil is extremely good for your skin, especially during winters when the skin tends to become drier. Being highly rich in vitamins A and E as well as several other minerals and natural fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin to maintain its elasticity and softness. It also prevents skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and protects the skin from free radical damage.

Carrot:
Carrots are loaded with vitamin A and other antioxidants that can keep your skin healthy, vivacious and shining even during the harsh winter days. Carrots also prevent the signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone. Plus, carrots contain the carotenoids beta-carotene and lycopene that help protect your skin against UV damage. Being rich in potassium, they also help solve the problem of dry skin.

Broccoli
Though you may not find it exciting to eat, but broccoli is another highly healthy vegetable for your skin. It is packed with skin-boosting ingredients like vitamins A and C as well as natural estrogens that can do wonders for your skin. While vitamin C fuels collagen production to keep the skin healthy, vitamin A guards the skin cell membranes and averts skin damage due to sun exposure. Additionally, the vitamins B in broccoli helps you get rid of dry, flaky patches, one of the most common skin problems that you may experience during winters.

Almond
Almonds contain powerful antioxidants that can do wonders for your skin, especially during the dry and cold winter days. They are also a good source of vitamin E that helps nourish your skin and protect it from the sun’s damaging UV rays. They are additionally packed with many anti-aging properties that help reduce wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging.

Green Tea
Not only is green tea loaded with skin-nourishing antioxidants, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal damaged skin and prevent blemishes.

Cold, harsh winter weather can take a toll on your skin. Fight back with this arsenal of skin-nourishing foods that will keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long.