foods Archives - Skin Disease Remedies

When we talk about our look, personality and beauty, skin becomes one of the most critical parts of the body. It doesn’t only provide much-needed protection from harmful elements; it also gives our body a unique and appealing look. Man’s entire beauty is depended on the skin.

Just like the skin is essential for the shape and structure of our body, skin itself is depended on collagen for its proper built and structure. Stay tuned to know the best collagen building foods to improve your skin.

As collagen is essential to maintain our skin’s structure, it becomes imperative to maintain collagen levels in our body. Lack of collagen can cause plenty of damage to the skin and skin may become unhealthy, dull and sometimes dead as well. Most of the skin related problems are directly linked to the lack of collagen in our body.

Vitamin-C plays a significant role in our body, and it also plays a vital role in the formation of collagen. Lack of vitamin-C is undoubtedly going to affect the collagen formation, and hence when we talk about treating skin related problems, our primary target is to consume food products which are full of vitamin-C.

In this article, we are going to talk about collagen foods for skin. We are going to discuss further collagen and some excellent collagen boosting foods, their benefits as well as better and beneficial ways to eat them.

What is Collagen and Its Functions?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body found in the muscles, skin, tendons, and bones. It is a very important substance in our body known for holding together the overall structure of our body.

There are two types of collagen- endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous is synthesized by the body itself whereas synthetic collagen is known as exogenous. Breakdown or depletion of collagen can cause plenty of different health related issues.

We have already discussed a little about collagen and its functions. Let’s have a brief discussion to understand more about collagen and why it is very important for our body. This hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein is responsible for making up one third of the protein. In addition to building new cells, it is also capable of restoring dead cells in the skin. Collagen is a network of macromolecules responsible for determining physical properties of our body tissue.

15 Best Collagen Building Foods for Skin:

As we have learnt, breakdown or depletion of collagen can cause a lot of different health related problems, building collagen is very important. Endogenous collagen is synthesized by the body itself. So we are going to talk about some exogenous collagen building foods for skin.

Plan your diet from below mentioned foods that build collagen for skin.

#1 Fish

Almost all the varieties of fish are very good to build collagen, fishes like tuna and salmon are excellent to do so thanks to the presence of omega-3 fatty acid. Fatty membrane present around the skin is known for providing protection. Omega-3 fatty acid is very good to make the skin cells stronger.

How to eat:

There are plethora of different fish recipes available. You can eat fish in different ways like preparing fish curry, or simply fry your favorite fish. You can use any method of eating fish, but using olive oil is going to be very healthy.

#2 Dark Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables like spinach are rich in vitamin-C which is essential for collagen boosting. Vitamin-C is also known for its antioxidant properties that is responsible for stabilizing messenger enzymes that break collagen down. Additionally, vitamin-C is very good to provide protection against free radicals to prevent weakness of collagen.

How to eat:

You can prepare different dishes with different dark green vegetables. But if you are suffering from chronic lack of collagen, eating boiled spinach leaves is going to be very effective.

#3 Berries

Berries are one among the top collagen foods for skin. Especially blackberries and raspberries are very good at fighting with free radicals and hence increasing the levels as well as production of collagen.

How to eat:

Simply wash the berries properly and enjoy.

#4 White Tea

White tea is believed to provide protection to the structural properties of the skin especially collagen. It is also very good at preventing enzyme activities which is responsible for breaking down of collagen.

How to Use White Tea:

Make sure you are purchasing right type of white tea.
Boil 1½ cup of water (adjust the amount of water according to your requirement)
Keep water aside for 5 minutes.
Add two tbsp. white tea per cup.
Add sugar or honey according to taste.
Steep well and enjoy.

#5 Egg White

Egg White is not only high in protein, it also contains large amount of lysine, proline as well as collagen. Adding egg white in your diet can help you to improve collagen production in your body.

How to use:

You can use egg white in different ways.
Simply remove the egg yolk and consume egg white with a pinch of salt, or fry it in little oil or boil a couple of eggs, remove egg yolk and enjoy.

#6 Oysters

Oysters are great sources of zinc- much needed for collagen building-process. Oysters also provide low-calorie option and is healthy in a handful of ways.

How to take oysters:

Although there are different methods of using oysters, you can take it after grilling.
Grill the oysters until the shell is open.
Remove the shell and enjoy with a piece of mushroom.
You can even add a little amount of peanut oil for a spicy taste.

#7 Garlic

Garlic is an excellent source of sulfur- which is very important for collagen production. In addition to sulfur, garlic is also good at providing lipoic acid and taurine. Both of them are helpful to rebuild the damaged collagen fibers.

How to eat:

Garlic is one of the most common ingredients in most of the foods. For having great effects of it, you can take 3-4 pieces of raw garlic with water.

#8 Citrus Fruits

Almost all the citrus fruits like limes, oranges, lemons, grapefruits etc. are very good sources of vitamin-C and are capable of helping amino acids, lysine and proline to convert into collagen. These fruits are also helpful to neutralize free radicals.

How to eat:

No need to use any particular way to eat these fruits. You can take them as you want.

#9 Soy

Soy is one of the best foods that build collagen and elastin. Soy contains genistein (hormones containing antioxidants), which is very effective to increase collagen production.

How to eat:

You can take soy through soybeans or use soy milk directly.

#10 Carrots

Carrot is another very healthy vegetable known for improving overall health including collagen production. Carrot is rich in vitamin A which is capable of restoring and regenerating damaged collagen.

How to eat:

Simply wash carrot properly and eat. You can use carrot as an ingredient in your delicious mix veg recipe.

#11 Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato is another excellent source of both vitamin A and vitamin C. It doesn’t only restores the damaged collagen, it is very good to get rid of free radicals as well.

How to eat:

Taking sweet potatoes with milk is one of the best options.
If you don’t want to use milk, you can make it a little spicy and tangy by mashing it and adding salt, black pepper and red chili powder.

#12 Tomatoes

Tomato contains lycopene antioxidant in large quantity. Lycopene is very good at providing protection from sun as well as at increasing collagen levels in the body.

How to eat:

Using tomatoes in different dishes or eating raw tomatoes, both options are equally effective.

#13 Avocados

Avocado is another excellent food that build collagen. Avocado is also known for its great antioxidant benefits. It is a great source of vitamin E which is good to reduce the breakdown of collagen.

How to use avocado:

Preparing food with avocado oil is a very good option to improve collagen production. You can eat avocado directly as well.

#14 Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that are responsible for contributing to antiaging by building healthy skin cells. Using chia seeds can also improve overall skin health by repairing damaged collagen.

How to take chia seeds:

Dried chia seeds can be added in different juices, smoothies as well as in milk.

#15 Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are great source of zinc which is very good at improving collagen production. Zinc is also very effective to slow down the collagen breakdown.

How to use:

Take a handful of pumpkin seeds and boil properly.
Soak well to get rid of water and keep aside.
Toss the drained seeds in a little water.
Enjoy crispy and healthy pumpkin seeds.

Tips to Improve Collagen Production in Skin

Apart from ingesting foods that build collagen in your skin, you must change your lifestyle to improve skin texture.

Do facial message on regular basis using gentle and smooth products.
Use collagen creams containing collagen amino acids.
Eat green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
Quit smoking as soon as possible.
Reduce sugar intake as much as you can.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking enough water and other fluids.

Home remedies

10 Foods that Reduce Puffy Eyes and Get Rid of Dark Circles

ByMoin Nex

It can be heart-wrenching to get ready for your first date, a wedding, or a job interview and look into the mirror, only to find puffy, tired eyes staring back.

Whether or not you had sleepless night or exhaustion rode over your eyes, you wouldn’t want your eyes to look haunted. So, what can you do to get rid of them? Are there any homemade remedies or foods that reduce puffy eyes?

Yes, there are, and you can effectively counter their presence by including them in your diet and applying few of the specific foods to the affected area. Changing your lifestyle and foods can alter water metabolism and reduce swelling.

What Causes Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles

Eye bags may appear like a skin trouble because that’s where they appear, but actually, the process of puffy eyes begins under the sin. The under eye area is an extremely sensitive area which gets affected when something happens internally.

Puffy eyes are a type of edema or water retention, which appears under eyes. Oedema can be caused due to various reasons, few of them have been mentioned below.

Lack of sleep is one of the most common reasons for eye bags.
Sinus problem can increase water retention around the eyes.
Some allergies and medications can also cause puffiness under eyes as they can alter the natural balance of water.
Fluctuations in blood sugar, body hormones, and haemoglobin can all contribute to eye bags and dark circles.
Dehydration can also be a cause of swollen eyes.

Our bodies function in a set of systems that work in sync and they are all fed in the same way, trough the blood circulation. Unbalanced diet and fluctuations in body chemistry can affect the water balance and cause puffy eyes.

So, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and increase intake of healthy foods to reduce eye bag.

Also read: 10 Best Foods for Skin Whitening?

10 Foods to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles

The skin around our eyes is thin, and the vessels under them become prominent to create dark circles and puffiness. Contributing factors include ageing, genetics, caffeine, and alcohol.

But fret not, because the circulation boosters, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich foods can make a noticeable difference. So, increase the intake of below-listed food to get rid of dark circles.

#1 Cucumber

This classic beauty food has a high-water content that can hydrate the skin, boost production of collagen and skin-tightening elements. It has many beauty-boosting vitamins, essential nutrients, and minerals.

How to eat: Eat ½ a cucumber as part of your diet every day.

#2 Blueberries

Blueberries are well-known for their beneficial effects to eye health. They are the main source of anthocyanins and lutein, powerful antioxidants that can protect delicate under eye skin.

How to eat: Snack on a handful of blueberries every day.

#3 Watermelon

Watermelon is an excellent moisturizer as it is made of approximately ninety per cent water. It has abundant of minerals and antioxidants that protect delicate under eye skin and improve the blood circulation to the eyes.

How to eat: Snack on a slice of watermelon every morning.

#4 Tomatoes

The dense, bright red colour of tomatoes hints at their powerful antioxidant that supports eye health and protects the blood vessels under the eyes. They are rich in vitamin C and lutein.

How to eat: Have 1 medium tomato daily.

Also read: How to Use Tomato to Whiten Skin?

#5 Mulberries

Mulberries contain age-defying antioxidant, resveratrol, hydrating sugars, and iron. Consumption of mulberries can improve blood circulation and protect under eye skin. It is rich in protein, vitamins, resveratrol, and minerals.

How to eat: Have a handful of mulberries daily

#6 Celery

Celery is a rich source of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes that act as powerful fluid regulators to reduce swelling in the under eye skin. The electrolytes promote uptake of nutrients and other elements.

How to eat: Add celery to salads or snack on a stick.

#7 Beetroot

The red pigment in beetroot detoxify skin from toxicities, thus they are used for eye health. Rich in vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and betalains, beetroots can effectively prevent the formation of bags under eyes.

How to eat: Up to 100 gram a day.

#8 Baobab

Being nutrient-rich, Baobab can prevent puffy eyes and balance the fluids. They contain a high amount of vitamins, calcium, bioflavonoids, and fiber to remove the puffiness from under eye skin.

How to eat: Add 2 tsp. of baobab a day to evening snacks.

#9 Bee Pollen

If you’ve heard of bee pollen, you must know that it is the most effective foods that reduce puffy eyes? Bee pollens are known for having abundant of proteins and antioxidants that aid circulation and renew elastin production.

It contains a total of 18 vitamins, plenty of amino acids, fatty acids and essential nutrients.

How to eat: Take up to 1 tsp. of bee pollen daily.

#10 Goji Berries

Rich in carotenoids and vitamins, goji berries can effectively boost the circulation in the skin around the eyes. Include this brilliant ingredient in your diet for getting rid of puffiness from your under eye skin.

How to eat: Have a small handful once a day.

Homemade Recipes to Reduce Puffy Eyes

Here are our top three recipes for reducing the appearance of eye bags and dark circles.

#1. Cucumber slices

This one really brings the magic to your skin. A combination of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals make cucumbers an ideal food to reduce eye bag.

Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin pieces.
Place the slices over your eyes.
Let it sit for 15 minutes.

This simple recipe has been proven time and again for tightening skin around the corners of eyes, reducing eye bags and smoothen the look of your skin.

#2. Egg Whites

Egg whites are rich in vitamins that can tighten the saggy skin and simultaneously reduce the puffiness of delicate skin. People with puffy eyes must try this recipe to get rid of eye bags. Topical application of egg white can lighten dark spots.

Beat two egg whites stiffly in a bowl.
To the bowl, add a few drops of witch hazel.
Now apply this mixture under your eyes using a brush.
Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

This simple recipe will make the under eye skin look firmer and much better.

#3. Rose water

Because rose water is rich in essential vitamins, the regular use can help you remove the bags under your eyes.

Soak a cotton ball in a bowl of chilled rose water.
Place it over your eyes.
Leave it overnight.

The alpha-hydroxy acids present in rose water can help smoothen the look of your skin, tighten the under eye skin and reduce the puffiness.

Additional tips for reducing the appearance of dark circles and eye bags

Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
Try to avoid artificial sweeteners like saccharin.
Reduce the intake of diet soda drinks and alcohol.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage.
Avoid salty snacks as they encourage water retention.

Do you know any foods that reduce puffy eyes? What’s your favorite remedy for fighting eye bags and dark circles? Share with us in the comments below.

Skin Whitening

25 Best Foods for Skin Whitening – Lighten Skin Quickly

ByMoin Nex

Do you have speckled patches, freckles, and blemishes on your face?

Skin lightening can be the best solution. But you don’t have to try chemical loaded products for lightening your skin. Read on to find best foods for skin whitening.

Maybe you are a teenager or an adult dealing with the dark spots that show up every time you step in sun. Or perhaps you have a lot of pimple marks. Regardless of your reasons, you may want to brighten your skin color to get it look clear and radiant.

You might be relieved to know that the ingredients that are listed for skin whitening are readily available. Most of them are fruits and vegetable, which you can easily purchase in the grocery store.

Lightening your complexion doesn’t always mean indulging in expensive skin whitening treatments of applying skin lightening creams.

You can lighten your skin tone by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consuming foods that work as natural bleaching products.

Wondering how? Read on to know by yourself.

What Causes Dark Complexion?

The dark complexion of skin is a common problem for both sexes. Except for hereditary reasons, there are several other reasons that turn your fair skin into the brownish and dark black. Some of the major factors of dark skin color are given below:

Excess melanin production is responsible for giving your skin a dark complexion.
Deficiency of Vitamins causes rough, dark, and dull skin coloration.
Skin disorders like Lichen Simplex Chronicus leave the skin dark and patchy.
Deficiency of essential nutrients results in dark skin color.
Hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy may result in skin darkening.
Overexposure to UV rays causes skin tanning by producing more melanin.

If you feel embarrassed by your patchy and dark skin, and none of your skin lightening creams has proven to be effective, start using natural foods. The natural food items listed below are not only rich in vitamins and nutrients but also safe for application on all skin types.

Benefits of Foods for Skin Lightening

The best advantage of rejuvenating your skin with foods items is that they are safe and secure option to bank on, devoid of any possible side effects. There are a variety of food and vegetables that have antioxidants and bleaching agent that clears the dark spots in a jiffy.

They are 100% natural and loaded with nutrients that work wonders with the skin.
Fruits rich in Vitamin C boost the production of collagen, giving your skin a natural radiance.
These are devoid of any side effects.
Fruits like mulberries & raspberries remove free radicals that cause skin aging.
Food rich in Vitamin E helps in removal of dark spots and blemishes.
Regular consumption of fruits juices detoxifies your digestive system.
Healthy foods restore the natural sebum levels in your body.

If you want to maintain a bright complexion you must include fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods for skin lightening.

We are listing top 25 food items that are rich in carotene, phytochemicals, and other important nutrients that aid in anti-oxidation and skin lightening.

25 Best Foods for Skin Whitening

Without a shadow of doubt ingest these below-listed foods that lighten skin quickly. Your diet must contain a serving of these food items, to get essential vitamins and nutrients for maintaining a healthy and glowing skin.

#1 Berry

Raspberries and Mulberries are the easiest and most effective skin whitening foods. They are loaded with Vitamin C and anti-oxidants that lighten the complexion.

In a bowl mix 100 grams of raw mulberries with 1 teaspoon of honey.
You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice
Eat this mixture every morning for skin lightening.

#2 Potatoes

Potatoes are known as the best source of anti-oxidants that help reduce dark spots, and tanning. The high amount of vitamin C is helpful in reducing blemishes from the skin.

Peel off a potato and slice it into four halves.
Place the sliced pieces on your skin for 10 minutes.
Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Wash off under running water.

#3 Yogurt

Yogurt is a natural skin whitening agent used as a part of superfoods and in the form of skin, lightening face masks. They are rich in quintessential nutrients that moisturize the skin and help reduce the skin tone.

In a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of yogurt.
Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix well.
Apply this mixture evenly on your face and tanned skin area
Rinse off under running water.

#4 Lemon Juice

Lemon is one of the best foods that lighten skin quickly and effectively remove the presence of blemishes and dark spots. It has anti-oxidants that help in removal of free radicals and give a clear complexion.

In a bowl mix 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
To this mixture, add half teaspoon of almond oil
Apply evenly over your face
Let it sit for 20 minutes
Wash off with lukewarm water.

#5 Tomatoes

The benefits of tomato juice are something that cannot be overlooked. Tomatoes are the richest source of antioxidants that remove dullness, and dark spots to give your skin a natural radiance.

Squeeze two tablespoons of tomato juice
To the extracted juice, add a teaspoon of sugar.
Scrub this mixture gently over your face
Massage in circular motion for 5 minutes
Rinse of under running water.

#6 Green Tea

Green tea is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants which makes it the best food for fighting against cell damage and reduce skin complexion.

If you are looking for natural remedies for skin lightening, just include 2 cups of green tea in your diet. It will help you in whitening your tanned skin naturally.

#7 Turmeric powder

Turmeric is a great skin lightening agent. Rich in essential nutrients and anti-oxidants, it will help add a glow to your skin and remove tan.

Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 teaspoons of lime juice
Make a thick paste and apply this paste over your face and neck
Wash off after allowing this mixture to set for half an hour.

#7 Almonds

Almond can effectively help you get rid of the tan. It is rich in vitamin C that boosts the production of collagen and retains skin’s elasticity, leaving it glowing and smooth with regular use.

Grind the soaked almonds with two tablespoons milk
Make a fine paste and ally it at night
Leave the mask to set till the morning
Wash off with cold water

Also Read: How to Use Almond Oil to Lighten Skin ?

#8 Papaya

There’s a reason why papaya is recommended by all beauty experts and dermatologists. It has the abundance of vitamins and a special enzyme called papain that helps get rid impurities.

Grate peeled papaya in a blender by adding two teaspoons of curd
Make a fine paste by adding a teaspoon of lime juice
Apply this mixture evenly on your face
Let it sit for twenty minutes
Rinse off under running water.

#9 Chocolates

No, we are not kidding here. Your favorite chocolates are actually good for your skin complexion, texture, and UV resistance. Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, chocolates are known as the best anti-oxidants for skin whitening.

Just have a square of dark chocolate every day and see the magic!

#10 Orange

Orange is one of the most effective skin lightening agents that has been used by our ancestors to maintain the natural radiance and glow. It is antioxidants that eliminate the free radicals from the skin surface and help get rid of dark spots.

In a bowl add 2 tablespoons of dried orange peel powder
Add three tablespoons of curd and mix well
Apply this paste all over your face and neck
Let it sit for half an hour and rinse off with cold water

#11 Gram Flour

Gram flour has the property to reduce the dark spot, help skin retain its original complexion and provide a glowing radiance with regular use.

Take 1 teaspoon of gram flour and 2 teaspoons to lime juice
To this mixture, add 2 teaspoons of raw milk and mix well
Apply this paste on your face and leave it to set for 10minutes
Wash off with lukewarm water

#12 Red Fruits

All red foods have an abundant amount of carotene and phytochemicals that increase’s the skin’s resistance to harmful UV rays, and thus retain skin’s original complexion and also help skin whitening with regular use.

Just include red fruits like pumpkins and carrot in your diet.

#13 Soybeans

This might not be your top favorite food choice, but soybeans are a rich source of isoflavone and essential nutrients that help the skin to retain its natural elasticity and complexion. The anti-oxidants present in it improve the luster and glow of your skin.

Include soybean products like soybean milk and tofu in your diet for brighter and whiter skin.

#14 Oatmeal

Oats are great exfoliators, so the regular use of oatmeal will help you get rid of the dead skin cells and improve your complexion.

Mix two teaspoon of tomato juice to 1 teaspoon of oatmeal
Scrub this mixture gently over your face
Wash off after 20 minutes

#15 Honey

Honey can help you get rid of the stubborn dark spots, blemishes, and tan. It is an excellent moisturizer that makes the skin smooth and glowing.

To one tablespoon of honey, add little milk, lime juice, and stir well
Apply this fine paste all over your face and neck
Let it sit for 30 minutes and wash off

#16 Mint leaves

Mint leaves are excellent anti-oxidants and they are rich in vitamin E, which helps increase the production of collagen.

Grind mint leaves by adding a teaspoon of lime juice and water
Apply the mixture to your face
Wash off after 20 minutes

#17 Milk

Remember when your mom used to run behind you with a glass of milk? Drinking a glass of milk has been a time proven trick for skin whitening.

Being rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, essential fats, and calcium, Milk always finds a place in the skin whitening recipes.

#18 Nuts

Nuts work like magic for skin whitening and improving the skin texture. They provide the essential oils, essential fats, and vitamins to your skin, thereby working as excellent foods for whitening skin naturally.

Have a handful of nuts every day to get rid of freckles, blemishes, and tan.

#19 Fish

Since ages fish oil has been used as a protein supplement. The Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil are highly beneficial for lightening dark skin tones and removing sun tan.

Fish contain nutrients like Zinc and minerals that moisturize your skin and prevent early sign of aging.

#20 Carrot

Carrot has been proven to be the best natural ingredients for helping the skin get rid of blemishes, tan, and dark patches.

Grate the carrot and extract the juice in a bowl
Apply the extracted juice directly over your face and neck
Allow it to sit for 20 minutes
Rinse off under running water

#21 Cucumber

Cucumber is a powerful skin whitening ingredient. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help in removal of pimple marks and dark spots.

Grate the cucumber
Extract juice and add a teaspoon of lime juice to it
Apply the mixture over your face
Allow it to sit for 20 minutes
Wash off

#22 Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an excellent skin whitening agent. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that help the skin lighten and get rid of pigmentation.

Dab the buttermilk to your face using a cotton ball.
Let it sit for 10 minutes
Wash off with cold water.

#23 Yellow Fruits

Add yellow fruits like mangoes, and pumpkin in your diet. They are rich in phytochemicals that support skin lightening and increase the production of collagen in the skin.

#24 Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi contains a high amount of vitamin C that helps maintain bright complexion. Almost every skin doctor will advise you to include this fruit in your diet. They are packed with water to keep you hydrated.

#24 Eggs

Egg yolks are rich in Vitamin A, a nutrient that helps clear skin irritations and makes the skin brighter. So, include egg in your diet for brighter and healthier looking skin. Egg whites also protect the skin from wrinkles formation and premature aging.

#25 Avocados

Avocados are rich in omega 9 fatty acid that encourage skin regeneration, reduce dark spots, and redness, and lightens the skin tone with regular consumption. If you want to look fairer, start eating avocados.

Skin care tips for light complexion

Give yourself a good dose of vitamins, natural antioxidants, and detoxifiers.
Moisturize your skin with natural moisturizers like milk cream and honey.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water to keep your body hydrated.
Wear a good sun-block cream every time you step out in the sun.
Smile and stay away from stress.
Quit smoking and consumption of substances that accelerate the aging

Getting tanned is a common phenomenon but we can certainly decelerate the process by maintaining a good lifestyle and consuming best foods for skin whitening.

Try the superfoods listed above to get a healthy, clear, and white skin, and let us know which one worked for you.

Home remedies

How to Reduce Melanin in Skin by Eating – 5 Vitamins Included

ByMoin Nex

How to Reduce Melanin in Skin by Eating

It’s everyone’s desire to have radiant skin. Apart from topical application, internal consumption can also help to get rid of discoloration. In this article, you’ll learn how to reduce melanin in skin by eating?

Melanin is a pigment which is responsible for your skin’s color. People with dark skin have more melanin than light-skinned people. Various factors influence its production.

What Stimulates Melanin Production?

Melanocytes are specialized cells that are responsible for melanin production. This pigment actually protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

Excess exposure to sunlight increases production of melanin, turning your skin dark.
According to experts, sun rays trigger inflammatory mediators in your skin. These inflammatory substances activate various hormones including melanocytes. As a result melanin production increases.
Apart from UV rays vitamin deficiency, malnutrition, skin disorders, hormonal changes, adrenal and liver disorders also impact melanin production.
Both topical and oral steroids can result in hyperpigmentation. Irritants like fabric dyes and drugs can trigger inflammation.

Your skin needs an adequate amount of melanin to protect itself from harmful UV rays. Anyway, over production can turn complexion dark.

Also read: Best Foods that Lighten Skin Quickly

How to Reduce Melanin in Skin by Eating?

There are several home available ingredients to reduce melanin internally. Instead of listing foods, I think it’s good to list vitamins that can reduce melanin production.

You can either topically apply them over the skin or ingest regularly to inhibit dark complexion.

#1 Vitamin A

Prominently known as retinol, cosmetic creams include Retin-A as a vital
Though it doesn’t effectively reduce melanin production, it stimulates the growth of epidermal cells to replace dark cells with new skin cells.
Antioxidant activity residing in vitamin A help to reduce skin discoloration and protect your skin from sun damage.

Vitamin A rich foods are sweet potatoes, liver, carrots, spinach, eggs, broccoli, apricots, butter, and kale. (1)

Apart from ingesting, beauty experts recommend topical application of vitamin A incorporated creams.

#2 Vitamin C

Tyrosinase is an enzyme present in your body which is responsible for controlling melanin production. Foods with vitamin C are known to inhibit this rate-limiting enzyme.
Vitamin C exhibits antioxidant property that helps to neutralize free radicals that influence melanin production.
Studies state that topical application of vitamin C repairs skin that damaged due to sun burn.
Exfoliating ability housed in vitamin C helps to get rid of dead skin cells and makes your skin supple. (2)

Foods that are rich in vitamin C are oranges, red peppers, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, guava, grape fruit, kiwi and green peppers.

#3 Vitamin E

Antioxidant property housed in vitamin E help to protect your skin from sun damage and aging signs.
Experts state that vitamin E is essential for processing vitamin A, which can effectively lighten the appearance of dark spots. (3)
Topical application of creams that include vitamin E can exfoliate your skin and lock moisture over it.

Foods with vitamin E are almonds, spinach, avocado, wheat germ, palm oil, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, butternut squash, olive oil and trout.

#4 Vitamin K

In some people excess leakage of blood capillaries result in skin discoloration. Vitamin K intake helps to normalize your skin tone and repair broken capillaries.
Vitamin K is the only vitamin that your body produces when it is exposed to sunlight. Apart from reducing melanin production, vitamin K can strengthen your bones.
Excess exposure to sunlight stimulates melanin production and then dark circles. Study show that topical use of vitamin K with retinol cream can reduce these dark circles under eyes. (4)

Vitamin K rich foods are kale, cabbage, dairy products, cucumbers, dried basil, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spring onions and prunes.

#5 Vitamin B12

Deficiency of vitamin B12 also causes pigmentation over the skin.
Vitamin B12 interacts with other B vitamins in your body to regulate production of melanin.
Cobalt is an element in B12, which helps your body to produce healthy red blood cells. RBC is responsible to supply oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Foods with vitamin B12 are shellfish, liver (beef), fish, crab, cereals, soy products, red meat, cheese, eggs and low fat dairy.

How to Reduce Melanin Internally?

Along with these vitamin rich foods, you must change your lifestyle and stay away from irritants.

Drink enough water to hydrate your skin internally.
Avoid harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen cream on face, neck and arms.
Also wear sunglasses and cover your face, neck and arms to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
Avoid spending excess time before TV screens.
Stay away from irritants that trigger allergic reaction.

Along with internal care, you must try home remedies for radiant skin. There are several home available ingredients that can help to lighten dark complexion.

How to Reduce Melanin in Skin (Home Remedies)

Mix sandalwood powder with rosewater and apply it over prewashed face. Regular application of this mask will reduce complexion, dark circles and other skin disorders.
Take oatmeal and mix it with curd and tomato juice. Wash your face and apply this mask. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey to 2 tablespoons of sour cream and mix thoroughly. Apply it over the face and let it dry for 15 minutes.
Grind almonds after soaking it overnight. Add 1 teaspoon of milk to the paste and apply it over the face.
Take fresh mint leaves and grind them by mixing with water. Apply it over prewashed face and rinse it off with water after 20 minutes.