Foods to Eat to Combat Dry Skin
Dry skin is the worst. It itches, it's flaky, it's red, it's no good. And whether that lack of moisture is due to the harsh winter months or annoying genes are to blame, let's face it: dry skin is a pain to deal with. However, like all other beauty concerns, there are ways to stay on top of the problem. Instead of spending loads of money on lotions and potions that may or may not work, you might want to start with your diet. That's right, what you eat can have a significant impact on your skin health. So if you want to achieve hydrated skin, it starts from within.
-
Fish
The fattier, the better. So, best bets are salmon (the skin, in particular, is packed with nutrients), sardines, mackerel, tuna and trout, just to name a few. They are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen skin cells and the skin's barrier, thus helping to retain moisture, as well as to preserve elastin in the skin, helping it stay resilient, smooth and tight.
And for clear skin, try eating these foods. -
Sweet potatoes
The root veg is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, thus locking in moisture and preventing dry, flaky skin. Beta-carotene also repairs tissue damage and prevents premature aging. Your skin will have a healthy glow in no time.
These are the health foods celebrities swear by. -
Nuts
Nuts are rich in vitamin E, which protect the skin from oxidative cell damage. Like omega-3 fats, it protects the skin barrier from external pollutants and damage such as UV rays. Vitamin E also hydrates the skin, helps regenerate cells and promotes elasticity. Go nuts!
Find out the truth about face serums and how to use them. -
Seeds
Ideal for those who aren't big fish eaters, flaxseeds and chia seeds help preserve collagen, fight inflammation and keep skin firm. If you haven't figured it out yet, omega-3 fatty acids are kind of a big deal when it comes to skin care. Now, if you're getting your omega-3s elsewhere, pumpkin seeds not only help with anti-aging and retaining moisture, but the zinc and vitamin A properties help smooth roughness. And sunflower seeds are an excellent source of nutrients like vitamin E. -
-
Dark chocolate
The effects of cocoa on your skin are pretty amazing. Not only does cocoa contain antioxidants that can protect the skin against sun damage, but they can also improve wrinkles, skin thickness, hydration, blood flow and skin texture. Any excuse to eat chocolate, right?
Want better health this year? Then throw out these things. -
Coconut
You already know how great it is when you apply coconut oil topically, but eating the fruit is good for the skin as well. Coconut's healthy fats and antibacterial nutritional properties lower the potential for breakouts and flare-ups.
Speaking of, these are the acne skincare mistakes you might be making. -
Broccoli
Broccoli is crammed with all kinds of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C, all of which are important for skin health. The veg contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta-carotene and protects the skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled. Broccoli florets also sport sulforaphane, a special compound which may help prevent skin cancer and protecting against sun damage. -
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene (also found in pink grapefruits), an antioxidant which keeps skin fresh and has anti-aging properties. You may be surprised to find out that the nutrient's levels are higher in canned and cooked tomatoes because they get absorbed more easily.
Speaking of anti-aging, let's ditch that term, shall we? -
Eggs
Yes, eggs are high in protein, but you'll also find they have lots of vitamin B, D, B6 and B12, not to mention minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. They're also low in fat, so combined with promoting cell regeneration and providing the body with sulfur and lutein, which hydrates skin and elasticity, eggs does a body good. -
Soy
Soy is rich in isoflavones, which can protect against sun exposure and preserve collagen, thus reducing wrinkles. If soy isn't your thing, start with baby steps, like switching up the creamer in your latte for soy milk before going big by making a tofu scramble.
You might also want to check out these beauty myths that are ruining your skin. -
Berries
It only makes sense that, like cucumbers, fruits packed with water, will help retain moisture. Eating berries may even more effective than drinking water. But opt for low-sugar options like raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and kiwis versus high-sugar varieties such as grapes, cherries, mangos and figs, for the sake of your body and blood sugar level.
If you want flawless skin like the stars, these are their secrets. Shh. -
Grapefruit
Citrus fruits provide lots of vitamin C, which boosts collagen formation and slows the effects of free radicals. So if you want to maintain firm, youthful skin, grapefruits are key: especially pink ones which happen to contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps skin stay smooth and supple. -
Olive oil
Olive oil contains vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to not only protect skin from harmful UV rays, but also dry skin and eczema — so it's kind of surprising all of us don't have it slathered all over our bodies at all times. Unless you do, to which we say, well done, you. But, hey, if you just want to cook with it, that works too.
For more dry skin cures, look no further.
What's New in Beauty
-
10 Inclusive Beauty Lines to Know and Love Beyond Fenty
-
The Most Drastic Celebrity Haircuts
-
How Your Face Will Age Based on Race, According to Science
-
Winter Skin: 10 Tricks for Dry and Itchy Skin in the Winter
-
Beauty Gift Sets Your Loved Ones Will Actually Want
-
28 Shocking Celebrity Beauty Treatments
-
These Sneaky Symptoms Prove That You’re Not as Healthy as You Think
-
10 Common Skincare Mistakes That Are Aging You
-
17 Celeb Beauty Tips to Try Right Now
-
15 Small Minimalist Tattoos You Won’t Regret Getting
-
Did Brow and Eye Lift Surgeries Transform These Stars?
-
The Best Moisturizing Lipsticks to Fight Dry, Chapped Lips
-
Drag Queen Makeup: 7 Tips and Tricks I Learned
-
Nailing it: Inspiration for Your Next Manicure
-
The Most Popular Nail Polish Colours of All Time