5 Desi Winter Foods That Dermatologists Swear By for Glowing Skin: Here’s How to Add Them to Your Diet
Winter is often romanticised—cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and the holiday mood—but for our skin, it can be a completely different story. The sudden dip in humidity and the constant switch between cold winds and indoor heating can leave the skin feeling dry, flaky, dull, and lifeless. Even the most trusted moisturiser sometimes feels powerless, and serums don’t always deliver that glow we crave.
But what if the real solution doesn’t come from your vanity kit—but from your kitchen?
Recently, dermatologist Dr Gurveen Waraich (MBBS, MD) shared a post highlighting five desi winter foods that can transform your skin from within. Her list was simple, affordable, and rooted in Indian eating habits: beetroot, sweet potato, carrots, oranges, and spinach. According to her, the best part is that “you can literally blend all of them together into a juice early in the morning.”
Winter skincare, she suggests, begins with what you put on your plate—not just what you apply on your face.
Trend Insight: Why Winter Skin Needs Desi Foods More Than Ever
In recent years, Indian health trends have shifted toward “food-based skincare,” a movement supported by nutritionists and dermatologists alike. According to a 2024 Mint wellness survey, 68% of Indians prefer natural food-based remedies over supplements and expensive topical treatments, especially during winter months. People increasingly trust what they grew up eating—local, seasonal, nutrient-rich produce.
Moreover, global skin-nutrition conversations (often dominated by avocados, kale, and blueberries) are now highlighting indigenous foods that are equally powerful—if not more.
Desi winter vegetables are naturally rich in:
- Beta-carotene for glowing skin
- Vitamin C for collagen
- Iron and folate for improved blood circulation
- Antioxidants that repair skin damage
- Hydrating fibres that fight dryness
This shift toward “eating for skin health” resonates with both scientific research and cultural wisdom—after all, our grandparents were always right about seasonal eating.
Expert View: Why Dermatologists Recommend These 5 Foods
Dr Gurveen Waraich’s winter glow essentials each carry skin-boosting benefits backed by dermatology.
1. Beetroot – The Skin Brightening Powerhouse
Beetroot increases blood circulation, giving your face a natural flush of colour.
Dermatologist insight:
Beets are rich in nitrates, which improve oxygen flow to skin cells, leaving your complexion radiant. They also contain betalains, powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and pigmentation.
How to use:
- Grate into salads
- Add to curd or raita
- Mix beetroot purée into atta for pink rotis
- Blend into a morning juice with carrot and orange
- Make beetroot soup with ginger and pepper
2. Sweet Potato – The Beta-Carotene Boost
Sweet potato is one of winter’s most underrated beauty foods.
Dermatologist insight:
It’s packed with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A—essential for healthy cell turnover, smoother skin texture, and reduced dryness.
How to use:
- Eat boiled with salt and chilli
- Bake or air-fry into wedges
- Add to winter salads
- Make creamy sweet-potato soup (without cream!)
3. Carrots – Nature’s Anti-Dullness Remedy
Carrots are a classic winter staple with powerful skin benefits.
Dermatologist insight:
Carrots contain antioxidants and Vitamin A, which help fight oxidative stress and protect the skin barrier during harsh weather.
How to use:
- Eat raw with hummus
- Add to pulao, soups, and upma
- Cook quick carrot sabzi
- Blend into smoothies
- Treat yourself to gajar ka halwa (in moderation)
4. Oranges – The Collagen Superfruit
Oranges are the easiest—and most effective—source of Vitamin C.
Dermatologist insight:
Vitamin C boosts collagen production, repairs damaged skin, enhances brightness, and even reduces hyperpigmentation.
How to use:
- Eat whole for maximum fibre
- Add segments to salads
- Mix fresh orange juice into homemade salad dressings
- Add zest to desserts, porridges, or marinades
5. Spinach – The Iron-Rich Winter Hero
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense winter greens.
Dermatologist insight:
Iron deficiency often shows up as dullness and dark circles. Spinach helps improve haemoglobin levels, supports healthy blood flow, and nourishes the skin from within.
How to use:
- Add to dal, omelettes, pasta, or khichdi
- Make palak soup
- Knead into atta for palak parathas
- Add to smoothies (it blends easily without a strong taste)
Lifestyle Impact: How These Foods Improve Not Just Skin, but Overall Well-Being
A balanced winter diet does more than enhance your glow. It strengthens immunity, supports mental health, helps digestion, and improves energy levels during colder months.
1. Better Immunity
Oranges and spinach are natural immune boosters.
Vitamin C improves white blood cell function, helping you avoid winter infections.
2. Hormonal Balance
Carrots help regulate estrogen levels, especially helpful for women experiencing winter sluggishness or irregular energy patterns.
3. Enhanced Digestion
Sweet potatoes and beetroot are rich in dietary fibre, aiding digestion and detoxification—both crucial for clearer skin.
4. Better Circulation
Iron-rich foods like spinach improve oxygen flow, reducing dullness and fatigue.
5. Psychological Comfort Through Food
Seasonal eating is also tied to emotional well-being.
Warm soups, earthy vegetables, and naturally sweet produce align with winter comfort eating—without compromising on health.
According to a 2025 Lifestyle Nutrition report, 82% of Indians feel more emotionally satisfied when consuming local, seasonal winter foods because they remind them of culturally rooted meals and childhood memories.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be synonymous with dull skin. With the right ingredients, your kitchen can become the most effective beauty lab. Beetroot, sweet potato, carrots, oranges, and spinach—five humble, accessible foods—are capable of reversing dryness, improving texture, and giving your skin the winter glow you’ve been craving.
Pair these foods with a good moisturiser, sunscreen, and consistent hydration, and your skin will stay nourished through the coldest months.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Winter glow is not about expensive serums—it’s about smart eating. These five desi foods offer the perfect blend of nutrients, antioxidants, and seasonal wisdom. By integrating them into your daily meals, you can build stronger skin from within and enjoy a natural radiance all winter long. Remember, skincare is not just topical; it’s a lifestyle.
