Skincare doesn’t need to be costly.
By: Monica
As students, we often neglect taking care of our skin when we get busy with classes, assignments, and deadlines. And with expenses like paying tuition, textbooks, and school materials, buying skincare products can feel like a luxury, especially when you are on a budget. One of my goals for this year is to change my study snacks into healthier options because I noticed that what I consume affects how my skin feels and looks like. And while doing my research I found out that having healthy skin doesn’t have to be costly. Sometimes it all starts with what we eat! So here are 5 fruits to include in your diet that's known to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing – all within a student budget:
Orange
Daily Vitamin C is a must to get that radiant skin! Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which helps with collagen production (skin firmness and elasticity). Affordable and easy to find in your local grocery store, add oranges to your shopping list and slice them up for a snack or treat yourself with some fresh orange juice!
2. Avocado
Avocados are known to be full of healthy fats that keep skin feeling soft and nourished. They are also rich in Vitamin E, which helps protect against skin damage from those long hours and late nights. Make yourself some guacamole, spread it on a toast, or blend a smoothie to get those skin-boosting benefits it offers!
3. Banana
Did you know that bananas are moisturizing agents that help soothe dry skin? Their high potassium content helps with dryness, and their Vitamin B6 aids in an even skin tone. Bananas are also packed with other important vitamins and minerals, which support collagen production like Vitamin C and manganese. One of my personal favourite because it’s so easy to bring especially when you’re in a rush. Easy to peel and have it any time of the day!
4. Berries (Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Blackberry)
Berries may be tiny, but I learned that they are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps in reducing acne scars and improving skin texture. They fight off free radicals (stress, pollution, late-night study sessions) that cause skin damage, faster aging, and inflammation. So every time you snack on berries, you are giving your skin extra protection. Add it to yogurt or oatmeal, make it into a smoothie, or eat it fresh as snack.
5. Papaya
One of the fruits that is known for skin brightening. What makes Papaya special is its natural enzyme called “papain,” which helps in exfoliating dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves the skin healthy and glowing. Perfect to have as a snack or added to a fruit bowl.
Skincare isn’t just what you apply to your skin – it’s also what you eat. While there can be a lot of factors leading to dull and dehydrated skin, such as stress, lack of sleep, or just a busy life in general, adding these fruits into meals or as snacks is an affordable and easy step toward healthy and glowing skin. Search up recipes and get creative with these fruits! If you have dietary restrictions, preference, or allergies, it’s always best to check with a professional doctor first.
With school going on, it’s good to have a list in mind next time you’re grocery shopping. You might also want to check out these grocery shopping hacks that will help in budgeting your list.
Hungry for more?
The SSU is committed to providing students with exclusive discounts, coupons and promotions from great community partners around each campus, helping you keep your bank account healthy and your appetite satisfied! Check out the Student Savings and Perks available to all Sheridan Students or keep exploring food-related content from our community!
Your skin can take a serious hit during college when not taken care of. Late nights studying, build-up stress, and hectic school schedules can leave your skin looking dull and dehydrated. While skincare products can be pricey, especially for students, the secret to healthy, glowing skin might just be one fruit away!