Retinol is known as a must-have for skincare and can be found on just about every beauty shelf. In addition to helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, retinol (aka Vitamin A) also boosts skin cell turnover, increases collagen and new blood vessels production, and thickens the deeper layer of the skin. It can even help even out your skin tone.
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But you don’t always have to fuss with a gazillion skincare products to get clearer skin. You could actually reap the benefits while filling up your belly with foods that are high in Vitamin A. Think leafy vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and fruits such as watermelon, mango, and apricots.
Below, find three easy dishes to help give your skin a natural boost!
Watermelon Grapefruit Juice
The watermelon-and-grapefruit combo may scream summertime, but its high-Vitamin A content (about 25% DV per one-cup serving) makes it a year-round must-have. It can help prevent breakouts, promote new skin cells, and boost the skin’s natural moisture level. Besides, sipping on this could serve up some serious beach time nostalgia.
Simply blend chopped watermelon chunks and peeled red grapefruit, then drink up!
Baked Sweet Potatoes
News flash: A whole sweet potato baked in its skin contains 156% of the U.S. recommended daily value of Vitamin A. And a perfectly baked sweet potato is arguably the most beginner-friendly recipe! All you need to do is wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then arrange them on a baking sheet. Baste them with olive oil and butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you want a sweet taste, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon instead. Then bake at 425 degrees for about 45 minutes or until tender.
As you finish the last bite of your fluffy sweet potato, rest assured that you have done your skin a huge favor.
Sautéed Spinach and Carrots
Here’s another side dish for major skin gains! Half a cup of raw carrots and half a cup of boiled spinach contain 51% and 64% of the daily value for Vitamin A, respectively. Spinach is also rich in other essential vitamins such as B, E, K, and C. It helps reduce dark circles and skin inflammation and protects the skin from sun damage.
To enjoy, sautee chopped carrots and crushed garlic in olive oil for three to five minutes. Add spinach and salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring for another minute or so until wilted. Remove from heat. There, you just gave your skin a one-way ticket to radiance!
