Yes, it's that time of year when we flick on the central heating and low and behold uh-oh dry, parched skin.

Well, it doesn't have to be like that.

Obviously I serve skin with my moisturiser which on application looks like you've just drank a couple of glasses of water - it gives such serious hydration naturally - but what else can we do to stifle the effects of dry skin from the inside out?

Heres 3 ideas:

1. Sweet potatoes

Eat sweet potatoes they are loaded with vitamin A and beta carotene which is essential for skin repair. A lovely quick and skin loving soup is butter, garlic, sweet potato, french tarragon (I buy it then freeze it and use it sparingly to create the stock cube), and carrots. Fry off the garlic in butter or vegan alternative, add in the chopped sweet potato and carrots, add the tarragon, add water boil then simmer for 20 mins. Whizz with a stick blender and enjoy with some sourdough bread.
 
2. Nuts and seeds

Need we say more? These are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids that play a pivotal role in nourishing and hydrating the body from within. Regular nut consumption helps in staving off and repairing skin cell damage from free radicals and accelerates the process of skin cell repair and regeneration. Skin will get smoother and more supple after introducing these to daily, just a handful a day is enough. Almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds top the list of vitamin-e enriched nuts and seeds. Great for lifting the mood too.

3. Spinach

Spinach contains more nutrients than virtually any other vegetable. It has exceptionally high levels of vitamin K and A. The vitamin A in spinach can help your skin retain moisture and fight dryness. Packed with antioxidant vitamin C, Spinach is known to increase the production of collagen which helps to strengthen the capillaries to smooth and even out skin tone. It's great added to a juice or smoothie and gives  creamy texture.