Being comfortable in one’s own skin, as is aptly said, begins with keeping your skin healthy both externally and internally. While there are plenty of products available in the market that claims to beautify your skin, here are some natural, affordable, and highly effective ingredients that can help your skin glow from within.

1. Omega-3 fats

Omega-3 fats are essential fatty acids that help moisturize the skin and prevent it from redness, dryness and itching. The fatty acids also prevent skin disorders like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Omega-3 fats are not produced in the body but are essential for several body functions, including skin health. Omega-3 is one of the vital fatty acids for the skin and can be acquired from fatty fish, avocados, eggs, and yoghurt.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera works wonders on healthy skin to maintain naturally glowing skin and on unhealthy skin as a powerful antimicrobial and skin repair agent. If one experiences dry skin, sores, acne, skin spots, sunburn, and eczema, aloe vera plant, gel, or lotion is a must-have in the house.

3. Tomatoes

Beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants that help fight microbial invasion and damage to the skin. How does one get all these together? - tomatoes. Yes, a tomato is a wholesome ingredient one can include in his/her diet or use in skin masks and peels. Combine olive oil and tomatoes to improve the absorption of carotenoids in the body.

4. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E required for optimal skin functioning. Examples include sunflower seeds, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews, and Brazilian nuts. One can incorporate them in salads, as snacks, and other dishes as well. Roasted nuts and seeds make for a healthy snack to avoid junk food.

5. Oils

Oils are good moisturizers and also provide a fragrant aroma. Coconut oil is an excellent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and natural healing agent for the skin. Use it to cleanse the skin after makeup removal, as a moisturizer, and in skin masks. Lavender oil, on the other hand, is a known fragrant oil used in aromatic products to soothe the skin. But, it can be consumed orally and can also be used to apply as a skincare ingredient.

Invest in skin health!

In conclusion, it can be said that skin health is as essential as physical and mental health. It makes you feel confident in public, and the skin is an important barrier to diseases. Keeping your skin glowing and healthy should be a part of your daily routine. This can be accomplished with simple everyday ingredients that you can stock up in your house. Best foods for skin repair include Omega-3 rich foods like fish, walnuts and eggs, tomatoes, nuts and seeds, coconut and lavender oil, and our very own aloe vera. It is also advisable to consult a doctor or hospital for further guidance.

Consult An Apollo Skin Specialist

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.