Z’s which help in skincare

The final alphabet, the final post for this season and the last of ingredients from this series of mine.
This was the most difficult alphabet for me to find ingredients, try out the DIYs and then put them out here.

So here they are, the Z’s which help in skincare.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a type of summer squash. This dark green vegetable also is rich in nutrients which help in maintaining good skin.

Zucchini is rich is water content and thereby it helps in maintaining great skin health.

Zucchini is rich in riboflavin which helps in maturing of collagen.

Synthesis of collagen is very essential for good skin health, hence the vitamin C in the squash that is present in abundance helps in collagen synthesis.

Collagen and elastin is very essential for radiant healthy looking skin. The production of latter is boosted by vitamin C which also helps in reducing cellular damage.

Collagen also helps in keeping skin firm and wrinkle free. So the vitamin from zucchini is very much essential.

Zucchini helps deal with summer heat and helps in hydration which is the reason it is known as summer squash.

The lutein in zucchini helps in dealing with inflammation. Thereby when inflammations are reduced, skin tends to be healthy. The damage to the skin from sun is minimized thereby the moisture barrier is left untouched. Which is the main reason to mention that zucchini helps in hydration.

The water content in zucchini is 95%, which makes it great for consumption as well. So in way you are contributing to the hydration through food so it also helps the skin.

The antioxidants help in protecting against free radical damage.

DIYS:

Blend zucchini peels with overnight soaked masoor dal. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Blend two tablespoons of zucchini paste with a teaspoon of oatmeal. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for oily skin.

Blend two tablespoons of zucchini paste with one teaspoon of olive oil and oats powder and a egg yolk.Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for dry skin.

Slice zucchini and place them over the eyes and face. This is for reducing dark circles and also providing natural glow.

ZINC:

Zinc is a very essential mineral to be included for a healthy body and is also great for skincare, especially in fighting against acne.

When we term it essential it means the body cannot prepare or produce zinc and it needs to be included in daily diet.

It’s known as trace mineral because it is needed only in minute quantities on a day to day basis

Zinc helps fight against viruses and bacteria. Zinc also has anti inflammatory properties which help in healing the redness and sensitivity caused by acne.

It could also help in making the scars disappear.

Zinc protects skin from sun damage and is a common ingredient in the topically applied sunscreens.

Zinc works as an antioxidant but not technically. It helps fight against free radical formation and protecting the cells which helps in formation of collagen.

How can you include zinc in diet?

By including below in your daily food

Beans, nuts, whole grains, poultry and dairy products.

On another note, the body finds it easier to absorb zinc from animal based food than plant based because the latter has phytates which inhibits the absorption of zinc. So in that case you could consult a doctor to take a supplement.

As one of the DIY I’m sharing a smoothie that is rich in zinc.

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ZINC SMOOTHIE

Blend the below ingredients

Nut milk two cups

One tablespoon of hemp hearts, coconut oil and vanilla essence

Mixed nuts 1/3 cup

One frozen banana

2 dates deseeded

Protein powder two scoops

3 teaspoon cocoa

You could add in stevia in case you do not prefer bitterness.

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This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.