Mumbai: If your skincare routine is feeling like an endless cycle of expensive products with little visible progress, it might be time to look beyond the bottle and into your plate! A glowing complexion isn’t just about what you apply externally—it’s also about what you nourish your body with.

The phrase “beauty comes from within” rings especially true when it comes to skin health. Your diet plays a crucial role in determining how your skin looks and feels, influencing everything from breakouts and inflammation to long-term concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.

One powerhouse ingredient that has long been celebrated for its skin-rejuvenating properties is retinol (Vitamin A). Many skincare enthusiasts rely on topical retinol to combat ageing, acne, and dullness, but the journey isn’t always smooth. Adjusting to retinol can be challenging, often leading to an initial purge phase or irritation as your skin adapts to increasing concentrations. While there’s no true replacement for topical retinol, incorporating Vitamin A-rich foods into your diet can complement your skincare routine and accelerate your journey to healthier skin.

Enter the ‘Retinol Salad’, a simple yet powerful dish that’s as good for your skin as it is for your taste buds. This salad is packed with carrots, a natural source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A.

When consumed through food, Vitamin A supports skin cell renewal, fights acne, minimises sun damage, and reduces signs of ageing like fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

The best part? This salad is refreshing, tangy, and packed with umami goodness, making it a pleasure to eat while giving your skin the nutrients it craves. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and stores well, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Retinol Salad Recipe

Here is the recipe for the glowing skin booster, Retinol Salad:

Ingredients:

• Carrots (5 large) – The star ingredient, rich in beta-carotene for skin repair and rejuvenation
• Serrano pepper (1, optional) – Adds a spicy kick and antioxidants
• Garlic (lots!) – Contains antibacterial properties to combat breakouts
• Rice vinegar (2 tbsp) – Lends a mild tang and helps balance flavours
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds umami depth and a dose of minerals
• Regular vinegar (½ tbsp) – Enhances acidity for a sharper taste
• Sesame oil (2 tbsp) – Provides healthy fats for skin hydration and elasticity
• Lime juice (1 whole lime) – A burst of vitamin C to boost collagen production
• Sesame seeds (a palmful) – Rich in zinc and antioxidants for skin healing

Method

• Prep the carrots – Peel them and use a vegetable peeler to create thin, ribbon-like strips.
• Add heat (optional) – Finely chop the serrano pepper and mix it in for an extra spicy kick.
• Mix the dressing – In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, regular vinegar, sesame oil, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir well.
• Add crunch – Lightly grind the sesame seeds into a coarse powder and toss them into the salad.
• Toss and let it sit – Mix everything thoroughly and let the salad marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Enjoy! Serve fresh, or store in the fridge for later—the flavors only get better with time!

This vibrant, nutrient-packed salad is a great way to supplement your skincare routine from within. While it won’t replace your retinol serum, it will certainly work in harmony with it, supporting your skin’s health naturally. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—so why not give your skin a boost with every bite?