Healthy Foods for Skin and Hair: A Complete Guide

June 30, 2023 by Dr. Taruna Yadav

Table of Contents

While this might have just been another phrase you became accustomed to hearing (and ignoring) as a child, adulthood may have made you realize how true those words were. After all, we all want flawless skin that glows with or without a highlighter. Well, mostly without one. And who doesn’t want hair that looks lustrous and glossy, with or without heating irons and styling tools?

But what do most of us do to achieve ‘great’ skin and hair? While over-the-counter products can help you elevate your skin and hair care regimen, what you eat ultimately makes all the difference.

So, here is the ultimate food guide to achieving the skin and hair you have always wished for.

foods for skin

Healthy Foods for Skin & Hair

From the Ayurvedic perspective, healthy skin and hair are a reflection of a healthy body, which is why it is recommended to indulge in a Sattvic diet that includes foods that are light and healthy. Following a Sattvic diet can help the mind remain centered, boost energy levels, while striking an equilibrium between the mind, body, and soul. Ayurveda suggests including the following as part of your regular meals:

Fresh Vegetables
Seasonal Fruits
Whole Grains
Ghee
Nuts and Seeds
Herbal Teas

Aloe Vera

Yes, the good old Aloe Vera is a staple when it comes to ensuring the health of your skin and hair. Did you know that in the times of yore, Egyptians would consider Aloe Vera as the plant of immortality? Not only does it alleviate acne, but it also delays premature signs of aging and protects your skin from free radicals and environmental stressors. It also helps boost hair growth and reduce dandruff.

For your skin, you can apply Aloe Vera Gel to soothe, hydrate, and moisturize. If you have an Aloe plant at home, you can also extract fresh Aloe Vera Pulp or Juice and dab it onto your skin as a toner or a pre-moisturizer.

Licorice

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Called Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda, Licorice or Mulethi has gained popularity in recent times owing to its ability to minimize blemishes and reduce inflammation. This natural rejuvenator is slowly becoming one of the best foods for skin and hair since it helps flush out toxins from the skin, protects it from UVA/UVB rays, and reduces irritation and redness.

It can also stimulate hair growth by acting as a nourisher for the scalp. The Forest Essentials Amla, Honey, and Mulethi cleanser and conditioner duo heroes ‘Licorice’ or ‘Mulethi’ and makes for the ultimate remedy for dry and damaged hair by promoting intense nourishment and repair.

Saffron

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An excellent natural ingredient to reduce pigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes, Saffron is a rare and exquisite spice sourced from the valley of Kashmir. It is considered good food for skin and hair. To brighten your complexion, you can soak a few strands of Saffron in Milk for about 30 minutes and take it daily.

Our Sandalwood & Saffron Night Treatment Cream also works effectively to provide extra nourishment to the skin and enhance complexion.

Saffron is extremely beneficial for hair as well since it helps purify the scalp, and its antioxidant properties help repair dry and damaged hair while preventing hair loss.

Sandalwood

Since Sandalwood possesses astringent properties, it controls sebum production while also retaining moisture, reducing dryness, and increasing skin elasticity. It also aids in preventing pigmentation, sunburn, and acne. You can infuse Sandalwood or Chandan in sherbet and consume it regularly. You can also prepare Sandalwood paste at home or opt for the Chandan Varnya Lepa to calm and soothe the skin.

While Sandalwood works for all skin types, if you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to do a patch test as it may cause irritation. For dry skin, Sandalwood can be mixed with honey, and for oily and acne-prone skin, a concoction of Sandalwood with Rosewater and Honey works well.

Ashwagandha

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Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha is considered a superfood for the skin and hair. When it comes to the skin, Ashwagandha possesses the ability to reduce acne since it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Whether it is oily and acne-prone skin or dull and dry skin, Ashwagandha gives the skin a natural lift and helps target signs of aging. The iconic Soundarya Radiance Cream is infused with Ashwagandha and makes an excellent choice for flawless, glowing skin.

To rejuvenate your skin from the inside out, take one teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder with water or warm water once or twice a day. This can also help promote hair growth and prevent hair fall.

The Soundarya Advanced Age-Defying Serum and the Advanced Eternal Youth Formula also contain Ashwagandha and are ideal products for your nighttime regimen.

From skin to hair, your diet influences your overall well-being!

FAQs

What are the best foods to eat for healthy, glowing skin?

Some of the best foods for healthy and glowing skin are:

Aloe Vera
Sandalwood
Saffron
Licorice
Turmeric

What foods should be avoided in order to get healthy skin & hair?

You now have an idea of what the ideal healthy diet for glowing skin and hair includes. According to Ayurveda, certain foods should be avoided, such as tea, coffee, fish, eggs, meat, etc.

What are the best foods for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss?

Foods that are rich in Calcium, Vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids are good for maintaining hair health and preventing hair loss. Some of the foods for hair growth that you can include in your diet are milk, cheese, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts, and salmon.

Can a healthy diet improve the appearance of skin and hair?

Yes, what you eat greatly impacts the health of your skin and hair. Ayurveda recommends following a Sattvic diet, which includes seasonal fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbal teas, and more.

What are some specific vitamins and minerals that are important for skin and hair health?

Some of the important nutrients for your skin and hair include Vitamin A, C, and E, Omega-3s, Zinc, Selenium, and Protein.

Are there any foods that can cause skin or hair problems?

Yes, consumption of greasy food, aerated drinks, and alcohol can affect the health of your skin and hair.

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50434258_Aloe_vera_Plant_of_Immortality

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/benefits-of-saffron-for-skin

https://www.forestessentialsindia.com/blog/10-benefits-of-ashwagandha-for-skin-and-hair.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/nutrients-for-healthy-skin

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284801881_Withania_somnifera_Ashwagandha_A_Review

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Arjun Singh Senior Ayurveda Expert

Arjun is a marketing professional turned Ayurveda Expert. After the completion of his post-graduation in 2008, he started his journey in the beauty industry. He has since worked with several global luxury beauty brands including DIOR & Estee Lauder. With now more than 12 years of experience, he is driven by the idea of making Skin Care, ‘simple’ and ‘accessible’ for all and help clients transform their lifestyle and skin with solutions rooted in his extensive understanding of Ayurveda. A Senior Ayurveda Expert at Forest Essentials, he carefully curates Ayurvedic remedies and is continuously working towards bridging the gap between time-honoured skin care solutions and the modern consumer of the fast-paced world.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.