Foods That Can Hydrate And Moisturize Dry, Flaky Skin

Due to the changing weather and lifestyle changes, we find ourselves with dry, flaky skin. Though there are creams and lotions that are available to address the problem, most of them are expensive and are not able to provide the moisture that is needed by our skin. Fortunately, there are cheaper and natural route we can try to moisturize our skin. By simply eating the foods listed below we can achieve certain nutrients that can help heal and repair our skin and keep it in optimal condition.

Try eating these foods the next time your skin feels a little less than ideal.

Fatty Fish

High amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are present in fatty fish like sardines and wild salmon. These healthy fats were found to increase skin hydration and reduce pruritus or severe itching.

The skin of fatty fish also contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids that can all help hydrate and improve skin tone. At least three servings of wild-caught fatty fish each week is recommended to achieve smooth, supple skin.

Cucumber

Having a hard time remembering to drink? Cucumber might help. It is more than 95% water and has antioxidants as well as vitamin C that can help treat inflamed skin, and nourish, hydrate, and firm the skin.

Tangerines

Tangerines, just like any other citrus fruits, are loaded with significant amounts of vitamin A and C, as well as beta carotene which help maintain the skin’s moisture.

Various vitamins, especially vitamin C, in tangerines work by reducing damages caused by the sun and pollution and improving the skin’s collagen to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, firm the skin, and speeds-up its re-building process.

Avocados

Avocados are great for dry skin sufferers. It has abundant amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C and monounsaturated fats that hydrates the skin and prevents it from aging.

Sweet Potatoes

These tasty tubers are great for dry skin and are super healthy. Including its skin, sweet potatoes are double loaded with vitamin A and beta carotene which are both skin-protecting nutrients.

Vitamin A aids in skin repair and beta carotene strengthens the skin’s protective barrier against environmental damage, thereby helping moisturize and plump up skin cells.

Have mashed or roasted sweet potatoes in your dinner to help increase the firmness of your skin.

Oysters

Present in oysters is essential minerals that help moisturize the skin. Copper, one of these minerals, aids in the production of collagen that makes the skin resistant to microscopic tears and wrinkles. Have oysters at least once a week.

Nuts And Seeds

Found in nuts, like Brazil nuts, are high amounts of selenium which is a powerful antioxidant that helps increase glutathione levels and improve symptoms of psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by dry, flaky skin. Also, walnuts and flaxseeds can help keep the skin hydrated due to its ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Add some nuts and seeds to a smoothie or have them as snacks.

Bone Broth

Bone broth has adequate amounts of collagen that increases skin elasticity, thus improving skin hydration and strengthening the skin’s protective.

Celery

This lightweight vegetable is high in water, fiber, and has few calories (6 calories per stalk). It can help fill you up and curb your appetite. Aside from this, it also aids in neutralizing stomach acids, thus making it a good remedy for heartburn and acid reflux.

Watermelon

Aside from being rich in water, this juicy melon also contains significant amounts of lycopene which is a cancer-fighting antioxidant.