Drinking water isn’t the only thing you can do to keep your skin hydrated. In fact, the best way to banish dry, scaly skin – whether caused by frequent washing, harsh soaps, or certain medical conditions – is from the inside out. The importance? While dry skin doesn’t necessarily signal a serious health issue, it can produce further complications such as chronic eczema, even bacterial infections.
To give you an edge up on maintaining a soft, supple dermis (from the inside out), chow down on these foods daily. Because who needs to drop a pretty penny on trendy skincare products when you have food, right?
Avocados are an excellent source of vitamins C and E as well as monounsaturated fats, which keep the skin moist, prevents aging and reduces inflammation.
Dark, leafy greens offer a long list of skin health benefits, thanks to their powerful punch of iron, omega-4 fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, and E, — all which protect the skin and improve your immune system, while phytochemicals and folates hydrate, leaving you as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Eggs are best known for being packed with protein. As you may already know, protein aids in cell regeneration. Also, containing sulfur and lutein, chowing down on this breakfast favorite will promote hydration and elasticity.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is chock full of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, best known to keep skin moisturized both from the inside (eaten) and out (topical application). This nutritional powerhouse also helps protect your skin from UV rays and skin conditions like eczema. HINT: Black olives has also shown to give some of the same results.
Fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and rainbow trout (when baked, grilled, roasted) work wonders for your skin. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these little swimmers are believed to help strengthen skin cells, prevent sun damage, skin cancer, and reduce inflammation. Some fish — boasting with selenium — can help preserve the skin’s elasticity, leaving you with a more youthful complexion.
Nuts and seeds (Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds) have long been touted as a super snack due to their abundance of vitamin E. Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative cell damage. Much like omega-3 fatty acids, it also protects the dermis from external damage such as UV rays, pollutants, and free radicals. Monounsaturated fats, minerals, and antioxidants, will also helo hydrate your skin, promote elasticity, and aid in cell regeneration.
Oysters aren’t your average appetizer. Containing the highest level of zinc (for foods), this popular aphrodisiac helps repair skin by creating collagen. Not here for their slimy, slippery texture, look to foods like beef, beans, and wheat germ — all high in zinc as well.
Yellow and orange fruits and veggies including sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, bell peppers, mangoes, pumpkin, and papaya contain beta-carotene, which is notoriously great for skin – due to its protective properties. But that’s not it. These foods are also packing a healthy punch of collagen producing, cell repairing vital nutrients like vitamins A and C.
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