We wait every year for this one-of-a-kind feast and the time is almost here! That’s right – Thanksgiving is around the corner and we cannot wait to indulge in all our favorite dishes. Aside from the fact that turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other classic favorites make our mouths water, many don’t realize several of the ingredients that make up these foods have skin boosting benefits. Here are a few Thanksgiving ingredients you can be thankful for this holiday season:
Pumpkin
Pumpkin rolls. Pumpkin pies. Pumpkin bread. This favorite fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) is full of nutrients your skin craves. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps protect your skin from free radicals (molecules from light, pollution, cigarette smoke, etc.) while stimulating collagen production. Pumpkin also improves skin texture and fights against UV damage thanks to Carotenoids (antioxidants), which gives this food its orange hue. And if you like pumpkin seeds, good news – they’re high in zinc, fight acne, and renew skin cells!
Apples
Apple pie is probably one of many desserts on your Thanksgiving menu. Not only do apples carry plenty of Vitamin C, they’re also a great source of copper. Copper helps produce melanin, which is the brown pigment that colors your skin. And since melanin acts as a shield to protect skin from the sun’s UV rays, it’s safe to say that an apple a day can keep the wrinkles away.
Cranberry
Don’t feel guilty having a second helping of that cranberry sauce! Cranberries contain resveratrol, a compound that fights acne head-on. And cranberry juice has antiseptic properties which, when applied directly to your skin, can be cleansing. Just like pumpkin and apples, cranberries are full of Vitamin C and are another great example of collagen-producing foods that boost skin glow.
Cinnamon
Fall season means the smells of cinnamon everywhere, including in your Thanksgiving meal! Not only is it a tasty flavor that takes your favorite dishes to the next level, but it’s an effective antibacterial. Antimicrobial properties found in cinnamon help banish blemishes for good, and when you mix it in with your exfoliant, this spice aids in removing dead skin cells and restoring shine. Cinnamon also gives your skin a fuller, plumper appearance because it brings oxygen and blood to the outer surface. Who knew a spice could provide so many amazing benefits!
Carrots
Are roasted or glazed carrots served at your Thanksgiving table? If not, they should be! Carrots are known to be rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help repair skin tissues and keep you looking healthy and vibrant. A not-so-known fact is that they’re also a great source of potassium, which is a great way to boost hydration during this cool, dry season!
When it’s time to sit down and fix your plate, pay attention to what’s on the table and go for those skin-friendly dishes! You’ll be deliciously happy, and so will your skin. From all of us at Coastal Dermatology & Surgery Center, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!