By Niveditha Kalyanaraman
December 27th, 2023
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The holidays are here, but so is the cold weather. You notice that -- seemingly overnight -- all of your moisture has been zapped out of your skin. Suddenly your hands are dry, your lips are dry and your nose is dry. Maybe you're slathering moisturizer all over your skin but are still itching. You can actually hydrate your body from the inside out, and you should do exactly that this winter. Here are 8 foods to hydrate your skin this winter.
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Sweet potatoes are more than just a favorite holiday side dish. These orange potatoes are also rich in vitamins A and C, which is great for your skin. While vitamin A can protect your skin from sun damage, it can also keep it from getting too dry.
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In the colder months of the year (or really all year round), start your day with an orange or a glass of real orange juice. This will give you a boost of vitamin C first thing in the morning. Oranges also have potassium for hydration.
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Reach for leafy green spinach to make a salad, to eat as a side dish, or to cook into a warm soup, because among other benefits, it can help your skin. Spinach is packed with vitamins C and K, as well as potassium. Vitamin C will help with collagen production.
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Red peppers pack a lot of nutritional value, so throw them into your salads, soups and pastas this winter to give your skin a moisturizing boost. Red peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C, both of which help with collagen production, skin hydration and overall skin health.
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What salmon is known for is its amount of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are oils that help keep your skin's oil production in check, as well as keep it hydrated. Omega-3s can also help with any breakouts you might be experiencing. Salmon is a source of these oils that you might typically find in a fish oil pill, so if you're already taking those, a piece of salmon can help supplement that intake.
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Almonds are another source of vitamin E, helping your skin barrier trap moisture inside so your skin stays hydrated. Aside from helping keep your skin moisturized, almonds are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy snack that'll help you overall.
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Lentils are an excellent source of protein as well as fibre and various vitamins that are beneficial to maintaining healthy skin. They also contain zinc, which has the dual benefit of preventing dryness and regulating oil production.
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Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is an essential ingredient in traditional Indian cooking. It is also an excellent source of the beneficial fats that nourish and hydrate the skin from the inside out.
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