Lengthy skin care rituals and expensive cosmetic procedures may not actually be the guarantee of the skin health and deceleration of the aging process. According to a new study, a natural pigment found in dark green, leafy vegetables, called lutein, may be linked to the promotion of healthy skin.

As reports Beauty-UK, lutein is deposited both in the inner and outer layers of skin, which allows its blue light absorption and antioxidant properties to be distributed through all layers of the skin. By helping protect skin from the effects of harmful blue light rays and preserving lipid content in it, molecules of lutein assist in providing a noticeable reduction in dry skin. Intake of foods like kale, turnip greens, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, green peas, eggs, and even papayas can offer healthy skin benefits for a lifetime.

An alternative to natural sources of lutein are oral lutein supplement products, available at pharmacies, nutrition stores and online retailers.