Carrots Benefits for Skin: Unlock Natural Radiance

Nutritional Value Of Carrots

The beta-carotene in orange carrots is of the highest nutritional value with a range of benefits, including lowering cancer risk. [2] Our body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A, which promotes eye health, a healthy immune system, and healthy skin. Pectin, the primary soluble fibre in carrots, helps keep your gut health in check. The potassium in carrots helps in blood pressure management and also moisturises the skin. Further, the bright red antioxidant, lycopene, present in carrots can transform skin elasticity and its superficial structure.

Here is the nutritional value of carrots (per 100 grams):

Carrot Benefits For Skin

1.Prevents Wrinkles: Oxidative stress is known to be the major culprit that causes premature skin ageing and wrinkles. [3] It is brought about by a rise of free radicals in your body, which might be resulting from prolonged sun exposure, pollution, unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet or ongoing psychological stress. Carrots, rich in antioxidants such as alpha and beta-carotene, lycopene, and anthocyanin, can reduce the impact of oxidative stress. In addition, the boost of vitamins A, B, and C can help stimulate collagen production thus visibly reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.

2.Improves Skin Glow: Carrots are known to be a powerhouse of compounds called carotenoids. Several research studies indicate that increased levels of carotenoids can work wonders on your skin and naturally protect it against UV damage and sunlight. Carotenoids also work towards providing a supple, hydrated glow to the skin. Snack on carrots thrice a week and notice an enviable glow kick in.

3.Anti-ageing Properties: Well, a carrot is probably the most delicious answer to all your skin ageing woes. Carrots are abundantly rich in alpha and beta-carotene; these antioxidants help salvage the cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. One of the most significant benefits of eating carrots is that the carotenoids in carrots help protect the skin against UV damage, a major cause of wrinkles and skin ageing.

4.Carrot Seed Oil-The Skin Elixir: Carrot seed oil contains vitamin E and works as a skin elixir, nourishing the skin and protecting it against UV rays and other environmental stressors. [4] It also guards the skin against fine lines and wrinkles. Regularly applying carrot oil on the skin makes it supple. Carotenoids in carrot seed oil have anti-inflammatory properties and help heal the skin from any oxidative damage brought about by free radicals.

5.Rich In Antioxidants: Carrots are rich in antioxidants and thus can be called the skin’s best friend. Our body often produces free radicals through natural biological processes or exposure to tobacco smoke, UV rays, toxins, environment pollution, etc. These free radicals cause oxidative stress, which causes cell damage. Carrots protect the skin from the damage these free radicals cause, nurturing its texture and appearance.

6.Hydrates The Skin: Carrot’s water content is about 88%, and this wonder vegetable also contains potassium, a mineral that lends supple hydration to the skin and prevents flakiness, skin irritation, and dryness.

7.Reduces Inflammation: The beta-carotene and carotenoids in carrots act as soldiers against inflammation and help prevent cell damage. Beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A, significantly helps combat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Carrot seed oil can also help soothe symptoms of eczema, but check with a dermatologist before using it.

8.Brighten Up Your Complexion: Carrots are high in Vitamin C and is packed with anti-oxidants, which keeps the skin looking healthy and young. [5] You can use it to make a simple face mask and apply it to achieve glowing skin. (We recommend that you check with a dermatologist before you try this as it can cause side effects in some.)

9.Hair Growth And Strength: Carrots are a wonderful source of Vitamin A, which helps in hair growth and repair. [6] It protects hair fall, supports hair growth and prevents premature greying of the hair. Vitamin A also enhances hair follicle health by promoting sebum production and nourishing hair and scalp.

10.Prevents Acne: The presence of vitamins A and E, carrots promote skin turnover and help fight inflammation, which, in turn, controls acne. We already know that the antioxidants in carrots help reduce oxidative stress improving overall skin quality and reducing the severity of acne breakouts.

11.Skin Whitening: If you are wondering which vegetable is good for skin whitening, it is important to understand that no product can change the skin tone completely. These products can remove tan and pigmentation spots which gives a brighter and clearer look to your skin. Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene which help in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, thereby bringing about an even tone glowing complexion.

12.Protects From Sun Damage: Beta carotene and lycopene in carrots offer dual protection from sun damage. [7] These antioxidants improve your skin’s immunity and thus protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation caused by overexposure to the sun.

How To Incorporate Carrots Into Your Skincare Routine?

1.Carrot Oil: Carrot oil can be called elixir for the skin as it nurtures the skin in a wholesome way, and its unique benefits make it the perfect ingredient for your skincare routine. One of the significant benefits of carrot seed oil for the skin is its unparalleled hydration qualities, which works as an effective moisturiser for acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin. Being antioxidant-rich, carrot oil also prevents wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of skin ageing. You can use a few drops of carrot oil as a moisturiser during the day or nighttime. You can also make a hydrating face pack by blending one tablespoon of Fuller’s earth, one tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel and two drops of carrot seed oil.

2.Carrot Juice : Carrot juice is not just a sweet, refreshing and rejuvenating drink but also loaded with nutritional power that makes it one of the most delicious ways to enjoy the goodness of carrots. There are unparalleled benefits of carrot juice for the skin. There are numerous variations to a carrot juice recipe but the simplest one includes carrots, ginger and lemon. Peel, cut and grind 2 to 3 carrots with just an inch of ginger. Strain the juice and add some water to it for juice line consistency. Squeeze some lemon juice to lend a tangy twist to the wholesome juice. You can add cucumbers, apples, celery or oranges, etc., to this nourishing blend and make it your own recipe as well.

3.Carrot Masks: A natural carrot mask promises to outdo any expensive facial for your face and skin. A typical carrot mask includes 2 to 3 carrots pressure-cooked and mashed into a smooth paste. Add a teaspoon of honey to it, squeeze half a lemon on the blend, and mix really well. Use this nourishing face mask once a week and let the magic of vitamin C, Vitamin E, and antioxidants bless your skin.

4.Carrot-Infused Products: Various skincare products have carrots as an ingredient, which makes the product significantly effective. There are unique carrot benefits on skin; thus it is a winning ingredient in many face packs, face toners, face washes, face serums, face scrubs, sunscreens and anti-ageing creams. Before using a carrot-infused product, make sure you know what skin type the product is meant for and then choose the product accordingly.

5.Boiled Carrot For Skin: Boiled carrots can significantly work on your skin, and one of the most effective ways to extract the goodness of boiled carrots is to make a natural carrot toner using boiled carrots. Grate 2-3 carrots and boil the grated carrot. Once the temperature comes down to room temperature, strain the carrot water and add one tablespoon of aloe vera gel to it. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well, transfer this precious water into a spray bottle, and shake it before every use. With regular use, this toner can unravel a softer, brighter and firmer skin.

Side Effects Of Eating Too Much Carrot

Although carrots offer holistic benefits for your skin and health, excess carrot intake can have some side effects so monitor your intake properly.

• Carrots are rich in fibre but eating too much fibre at once can cause stomach problems, including gas, bloating and cramping.
• Since carrots are rich in beta-carotene, eating more than prescribed amounts can increase the level of beta-carotene in the blood and cause carotenemia. The discolouration of the skin characterises this condition into a yellowish-orange pigment. Carotenemia does not cause any harm, but it can lead to a false jaundice diagnosis.
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in our bodies. Excessive consumption of carrots might lead to Vitamin A toxicity, which can cause vomiting, skin rashes, abdominal pain and blurred vision.

Takeaway

Carrots can be your health’s best friend. Apart from the numerous benefits of eating carrot, the best thing is that carrots offer a wide range of flavours when included in diverse recipes, be it sweet or savoury. Include this outstanding vegetable in your regular diet and let the nutrients nourish your health, skin, hair and soul.