In today’s highly-digitalized world, we oftentimes find ourselves under a lot of pressure to present a better version of us in front of everyone. Selfies run rampant across social media platforms and with it comes the need to look flawless in any way we can. It might seem superficial, but at least it gives us that push to take good care of our skin.
Having a healthy skin is more than just about making a good impression. Skin is our body’s largest organ, protecting our internal organs from external threats such as environmental pollutants and UV rays. Healthy skin makes for a better ability to fight signs of aging and stave off potential disease better than unhealthy skin. The stronger the structure of our skin, the fewer microorganisms will penetrate it, resulting to fewer breakouts and irritations, and less sensitivity.
Establishing a skin care routine is all the rage these days — almost everyone is willing, if not curious, to try the ever-popular 10-step Korean skin care regimen. Skin care products are flying off the shelves left and right, and communities are popping out to help one another recommend the best and most effective ones worth your buck.
But to those who aren’t as keen to spend a lot on skin care products (which is completely understandable since they are getting more and more expensive), there are other ways to achieve healthy skin — and all you have to do is raid your fridge.
01 Apples
According to Caloriebee, apples are the richest source of malic acid — also known in the health world as alpha hydroxyl acid. This acid is gentler than glycolic and salicylic acid used in beauty treatments; it promotes healthier, firmer, and youthful-looking skin by renewing skin cells without damaging the skin layer.
Apples are also rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Eat it as a daily snack or apply it on your skin as a mask by grating it with one teaspoon of honey — don’t forget to wash it off with warm water after 10 minutes!
02 Mangoes
Based on a research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), mangoes protect the skin from DNA damage and inflammation. This is because this fruit contains vitamins A, E, C, and K, flavonoids, polyphenolics, beta-carotene, and xanthophylls. It is rich in sugar and dietary fiber, as well, which helps treat constipation better,
Apart from adding it on your list of daily snacks, you can use it as a mask. Charushila Biswas, ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition and StyleCraze writer, recommended mixing mango, rose water, and lime juice if you have oily skin. For dry skin, apply a mask of mashed mango, 1 teaspoon of yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of honey.
03 Lemons
Lemons, known as ‘nature’s bleach,’ safely lighten the skin. This citrus fruit is bursting with vitamin C, which helps flush out toxins and protect the skin from photodamage and hyperpigmentation. It also deep cleanses the skin by breaking down any grime clogging the pores.
For a healthy and beautiful skin, drink a warm glass of honey and lemon water first thing in the morning to flush out toxins. You can also use lemons to get rid of dark circles. StyleCraze says to mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of milk and apply it to the under-eye area. Rinse it off gently after 10 minutes.
04 Bananas
Bananas contain dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, K, E, folate, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium — which is why this fruit has exceptional skin healing properties. Bananas help to maintain the elasticity of the skin, prevent premature aging and wrinkles, as well as soften and rejuvenate the skin to make it look supple and youthful.
Add this fruit to your breakfast or your smoothie. You can also apply it mashed all over the skin to make it instantly soft and supple.
05 Strawberries
According to StyleCraze, strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acid, which is also known as salicylic acid. This acid is a popular ingredient in acne treatments as it penetrates deep into the pores and cleans them. Strawberries also contain a powerful antioxidant called ellagic acid, which protects the skin from UV radiation and prevents collagen destruction and wrinkle formation.
Combine two to three mashed strawberries and a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it on your skin if you have oily skin to control your oil production.
06 Avocados
The millennials’ favorite fruit, avocados contain biotin, also known as vitamin B7, which promotes cell regeneration and growth, resulting in faster growing hair and nails. This fruit also have fatty acids that help retain the skin’s elasticity and reduce inflammation for a youthful-looking skin.
There are many ways to add avocados in your diet — include it in your salad or your sandwich, turn it into a dip, or add it to your smoothie. If you have oily skin, you can mash a small piece of avocado with rose water and a pinch of camphor, and lather it over your body.
07 Pineapples
Bromelain, an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound healing properties can be found in pineapples. Aside from helping remove the dead skin cells and speed up the healing process, this fruit also hydrates and softens skin from the inside out and lightens blemishes for a fairer and clearer skin.
Use pineapple pulp topically to help clear off dead skin, as recommended by Caloriebee. You can also mix pineapple juice with one teaspoon of milk and apply it on your skin.
08 Oranges
Just like lemons, oranges have vitamin C which makes it effective at preventing oxidative damage, photodamage, DNA damage, reducing inflammation, and aiding collagen synthesis, based on a research by NCBI.
StyleCraze says you can consume one to two oranges every alternate day. You can also drink freshly pressed orange juice or apply it topically wherever you have pigmentation. Don’t forget to rinse it all off after 10 minutes!
