The festive season can be tough on the skin, but a few simple diet tweaks can help to restore its natural glow – and they’re all easy to incorporate
Who doesn’t love a Christmas filled with endless chocolate tubs, overflowing cheeseboards and Buck’s Fizz for breakfast? However, this indulgent diet, coupled with the chilly weather, harsh winds and drying central heating, can wreak havoc on your skin during the festive season, leaving it feeling and looking dry, dehydrated and dull.
But there are two famous faces whose skin always seems to be flawless – the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex – and their secret might just lie in their diets.
The skincare gurus at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic have unveiled the top skin-enhancing superfoods you should incorporate into your diet now that Christmas is over, including some of the royals’ favourite snacks.
READ MORE: ‘I tried a TikTok-trending head spa and was blown away by the results’
READ MORE: ‘Gentle but effective’ face cream that works in days and has ‘skin looking the best it ever has’
Here’s what you should eat to restore your skin’s glow…
Oily fish
Oily fish like mackerel, salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and collagen-boosting benefits for the skin. Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly sushi fans, while Victoria Beckham is said to eat salmon daily on her dermatologist’s advice, reports OK!.
Nuts
Meghan Markle once shared that almonds were her go-to snack during her Suits filming days, which could explain her always radiant skin. Nuts are packed with vitamins and minerals such as selenium, vitamin E and zinc, which possess antioxidant properties and help fight skin inflammation.
Green juice
Green juice, a favourite among celebs and health fans, is a blend of green fruits and veggies like spinach, apple, celery, and cucumber. It’s often jazzed up with superfoods such as coconut water, almond milk or spirulina. This makes it an ultra-healthy choice for breakfast or any time of the day, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from the fruit and veg.
Ginger
Ginger, known for boosting the immune system and fending off winter colds, also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. You can add it to stir fries, curries and soups, or brew it into a tea by steeping it in hot water.
Carrots
Carrots, rich in vitamin A, promote skin cell turnover (retinol is also a topical form of vitamin A). Roast them, pop them in the air fryer or whip them into the TikTok-famous raw carrot salad.
Best anti-ageing foods to eat
While your diet won’t reverse ageing, it can slow down the skin ageing process. Consuming plenty of healthy fats, protein and antioxidant-rich foods is crucial for overall skin health, with leafy greens, turmeric and berries particularly high in antioxidants.
What foods to avoid if you suffer with acne
Spots and acne can be triggered by various factors, but certain foods can exacerbate breakouts, according to the experts at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic. If you’re frequently troubled by spots, consider cutting down on dairy, sugar, fast food and refined carbs to see if it makes a difference.
Best detoxifying skincare buys
Looking for a quick solution to reset and rebalance your skin Here are three of our top SOS skincare heroes….
Murad Rapid Relief Sulfur Mask, £44 from Sephora
This mask works similarly to charcoal masks but is gentler and less drying. It’s a beauty editor favourite that helps soothe blemishes, even out skin tone and improve texture without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
Hero Mighty Patch Invisible+ Spot Patches, £14.99 from Amazon
Spot patches are a must-have in any bathroom cabinet, even if you only get breakouts occasionally. They not only speed up the healing process but also prevent you from picking and squeezing. We’re fans of these ones as they’re super gentle, made simply from wound-healing hydrocolloid, and stay put all night long.
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm, £45 from Lookfantastic
If dry, irritated skin is your main concern, give this rich nighttime balm from REN a go. Designed to deeply nourish and boost the skin barrier, it’s like a comfort blanket for stressed skin.
