Both traditional and Western medicine offer similar explanations. A significant drop in humidity, coupled with cold winds, causes the skin to lose moisture rapidly, weakening its natural protective barrier. This not only leads to dry, itchy skin but also increases the risk of respiratory infections.
Therefore, both medical traditions emphasize the importance of moisturizing and nourishing the body from within to maintain soft, smooth skin and enhance respiratory health during the dry autumn season. Women can address these issues with simple, home-cooked dishes that are highly effective in providing natural hydration.
1. Braised Pork Trotters
Don’t be quick to dismiss braised pork trotters as too greasy. When prepared correctly, this dish becomes a potent beauty elixir during dry weather.
Rich in gelatin and collagen, braised pork trotters release abundant nutrients as they cook, helping the skin retain its elasticity and natural glow. Just a few bites will leave you feeling softness not only on your palate but also on your skin.
Additionally, the broth from braised pork trotters has a mild laxative effect, aiding digestion and alleviating constipation—a common issue during dry seasons.
Beyond collagen, this dish provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, ensuring balanced nutrition without excess calories.
Braised pork trotters are rich in collagen, promoting firm, radiant skin and slowing down the aging process.
2. Pumpkin and Bone Broth Soup
Pumpkin and bone broth soup is not only a delicately sweet and palatable dish but also a beauty secret for smooth, radiant skin. The combination of collagen-rich bone broth and vitamin-packed pumpkin creates a nourishing meal that naturally enhances skin health.
According to nutrition expert Sonya Angelone from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (USA), as shared with Women’s Health, bone broth simmered with meat and bones over an extended period provides collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support cell regeneration, improve elasticity, and slow skin aging. This results in a more supple and luminous complexion.
Meanwhile, pumpkin helps enrich the blood and boost red blood cell production, giving the skin a healthy, rosy glow. On chilly days, a warm bowl of pumpkin soup not only warms the stomach but also supplies ample beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A, aiding cell regeneration and preventing the outer skin layer from becoming dry and rough.
When cooked with bone broth, pumpkin adds a natural sweetness to the soup while providing fiber and minerals that promote overall health and digestion.
A steaming bowl of pumpkin and bone broth soup on cool days not only warms the body but also acts as a natural nutrient boost for the skin. This dish is particularly beneficial for women over 25.
3. Taro and Fresh Shrimp Soup
Taro is not only a rustic dish with its signature smooth, nutty flavor but also an excellent source of nutrients for dry skin. According to Japan Health Journal, taro contains mucin—a compound that maintains moisture, protects skin cells from dehydration, and reduces roughness. Additionally, vitamins B1 and B6 in taro enhance blood circulation beneath the skin, resulting in a naturally rosy, vibrant complexion.
A popular and effective choice is taro and fresh shrimp soup. This dish is not only delicious and easy to eat but also hydrates the skin from within, making it ideal for dry weather.
Taro and fresh shrimp soup hydrates from within, improves elasticity, and imparts a naturally rosy, smooth complexion.
4. Braised Sardines
During autumn, when the skin is prone to dryness and flaking due to arid conditions, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines are ideal for nutritional supplementation. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen the skin’s cellular membrane, reduce moisture loss, and alleviate inflammation, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a diet high in omega-3 not only improves skin elasticity and hydration but also benefits cardiovascular health and reduces systemic inflammation. Thus, the skin not only looks better but also reflects overall internal health.
When preparing these fish, opt for healthy cooking methods like steaming, grilling, or light braising to preserve nutrients. Consuming fatty fish 2–3 times weekly will keep your skin moisturized and resilient, even in dry, cold weather. Braised sardines, with their savory flavor, are an excellent choice for both taste and health.
Braised sardines are a rich source of omega-3, helping to moisturize the skin, reduce dryness, and prevent aging effectively.
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