7 superfoods to prep your skin for the big day

Excited?! With wedding prep on in full swing—you’re busy picking outfits with your friends and going jewellery shopping with your family—your skin needs care and some food that’s going to keep you healthy and glowing on the day itself.

Superfoods are here to your rescue!

A superfood is defined as a ‘nutrient-rich food considered to be especially healthy for the body.’ The list is long, and though you should be having most of them regularly, the ones below need to be included in your meals, NOW! 

Chia seeds
Chia seeds are high in several nutrients and are thus, versatile. They contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce breakdown of collagen, reduce acne, and regulate your skin's hydration and oil levels. Zinc, allows your hair to self protect from UV rays, keeping it shiny and thick. If you’re organising a beach wedding, bachelorette, or just think you’ll be out a lot under the Indian sun, chia seeds and a lot of sunscreen are your ultimate protectors! 

Lime

Lime, along with its entire family of citrus fruits, is very good for your skin. You can drink it as lime water or lime juice, queeze a few drops on your food, or, if you’re like me, enjoy it raw! The vitamin C in lime has great antimicrobial properties that soothe acne, fight inflammation and reduce blemishes. It also helps to reduce dark spots. So if you’re going to stay up all night at your bachelorette, try lime to reduce the puffiness under your eyes. Lime also helps with removing dead skin. 

Ginger
Ginger is good at flushing out toxins and evening out skin tone. It’s a powerful rejuvenator that reduces signs of ageing while preserving your skin's collagen, which strengthens your skin and increases elasticity. Those with acne-prone skin can use ginger to strengthen and clear your skin quickly. In an Indian household, ginger can be found easily. Your task is to consciously include this as a garnish in your meals and see your skin become better day by day. 

Strawberries

Personally, I love strawberries. If you’re planning an April-May or October-November wedding, then including fresh strawberries in your diet is a perfect option. Strawberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins. Being rich in vitamin C, it helps in acne reduction as well as oil control. Salicylic acid in strawberries fights hyperpigmentation and blemishes. Strawberries reverse damage from UV rays, thus acting as an anti-ageing agent for the skin. Whether you have oily skin and are battling acne, or have dry skin and are looking for even skin tone, strawberries work perfectly. Blend into a shake, eat with ice-cream, or eat fresh, strawberries are the easiest to include in your diet. 

Avocado
Avocado is rich in vitamin C, which fights inflammation. Regularly eating avocado can protect you from breakouts and reduce puffiness in your face. It is also good in preventing collagen and elastin from breaking down, which keeps your skin firm. Hydration is the key to healthy skin. Lutein, an antioxidant found in avocado prevents the breakdown of skin lipids, which in turn keeps the face hydrated and glowing. Avocado is also rich in biotin, a form of vitamin B, which contributes to thick, shiny hair, and strong nails. Plus, it's rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, along with copper, fibre, folate, and potassium—a perfect option to keep you healthy and looking good for the big day.  

Spinach

Spinach is rich in folate, potassium, iron, as well as vitamins A, C, and K. Eating greens works wonders for your health. The vitamins and antioxidants brighten your skin. Vitamin A speeds up healing of the skin and prevents breakouts, and vitamin K boosts collagen production. Overall, this will leave your skin supple and bright. The vitamin B in spinach helps make your hair thicker and lustier. Along with the many facials you’ve probably set up (although nothing beats a regular skin regime), just incorporate spinach regularly and you’ll look your best, naturally, on your big day. 

Potato
Turns out, everyone’s favourite potato also helps in reducing puffiness and darkness in the eye area. If you plan to shed tears with your girlfriends or siblings, you might want to start working on your potato intake. Potato also naturally moisturises your skin because it contains hyaluronic acid, a substance that’s used in the formulations of many serums and creams. It also reduces scarring and decreases swelling on the face. And adding potatoes to your diet isn’t hard at all! Have it as aloo-tamatar with family or munch on French fries as you go about your wedding preps.  

Lead image: Athiya Shetty/Instagram