Native to Afghanistan and now widely grown across the world, carrots are valued for being packed with nutrients. The root-vegetable is a rich source of beta carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A, which promotes healthy hair, skin, eyes, bones and mucous membranes. Carrots also contain other health-giving carotenoids and bioflavonoids. And as a deeper orange colour indicates a higher carotenoid level, it is best to bite into a carrot with a vivid hue.

You are what you eat

Wellness experts stress on the importance of eating right and drinking adequate water for healthy skin. And the case holds true for carrots. Slightly sweet to taste and crunchy, carrots make for an easy snack. Carrots are beneficial when consumed raw and also when cooked lightly or steamed. Light cooking helps in breaking down the tough cell walls around the beta carotene present in carrots. Also, a dash of fat would aid in better absorption of beta carotene as it is fat soluble.

“As carrots are a good source of nutrients, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals and fibre, their consumption helps to reduce acne, dark circles, sun damage, and to an extent helps eradicate eczema, dermatitis, wrinkles and even rashes. Consuming carrots boosts immunity improving overall health, which improves the health of the skin,” says Dr. Girish Baria, Manager Spa & Recreation, Heavenly Spa, The Westin, Pune.

“Carrot juice is an excellent alternative medicine for the skin. Drinking it regularly helps in keeping the skin smooth, soft and supple. It revitalises and tones the skin,” says Natasha Shah, Director, The Nature’s Co.

“Eating raw fruits and vegetables, including carrots, is a prerequisite for beauty. However, if there is any medical condition (like diabetes) a doctor should be consulted before making changes in the diet. Plant ingredients like carrots can also be used in topical skincare. Being rich in vitamin A, carrots have a nourishing effect on dry skin. Therefore, they are of particular benefit during the winter months. On topical application, a carrot can relieve dryness, soften the skin and improve skin texture,” says beauty expert Shahnaz Husain.

Succour from the kitchen

Grating or grinding raw or lightly boiled carrots and applying the paste as a face mask is recommended. “Mix together 20ml ground carrot, 10ml aloe vera and 2ml lemon juice thoroughly. Keep aside for 10 minutes for a better blend. Apply the mixture on your face and wash off after 15-20 minutes,” advises Dr. Baria.

“Carrots mixed with sugar granules work as an excellent exfoliation for the skin,” recommends Natasha, “grate one carrot and add a spoon of sugar granules to it. Apply this mix on your face and neck, and massage gently in circular movements. It is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to get rid of the dirt and dead skin cells.” Sangeeta Kamath, Director, LUSH, suggests mixing carrot juice, honey and oatmeal, and adding a dash of rose water and fresh cream to make an effective face mask at home.

A golden tan

Interestingly, carrot oil is being identified as an ingredient that provides a beautiful tan without the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

“The deep colour of carrot oil is used as a tanning agent in many beauty products. The oil tans the skin in a short span. The carotenoids in carrot oil minimise the damage caused to the bare skin by harmful ultraviolet rays. Tocopherol (vitamin E) in the oil helps in clearing the blemishes one gets from prolonged exposure to sunlight. As against other petroleum-based oils that interfere with the absorption of vitamins, carrot oil works to enhance it. For maximum benefit, this oil should be used along with other sunscreens,” says Charvi Gupta, Vice President, Lotus Herbals.