Thinking about skincare? Surely, many of us may outright think of expensive creams and lotions that we put on the skin. Some people don’t know that nutrition is more important to keep our skin healthy. There are certain foods that we need to eat to help increase moisture in our skin and prevent it from drying out.

Best Foods For Dry Skin

Coconut Oil

Impressive amounts of saturated fats and fatty acids are present in coconut oil. These can help moisturize and re-condition dry skin.

Seafood And Seeds

Wild salmon and mackerel, as well as chia seeds and flax seeds, contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that can help heal dry skin and prevent dehydration on a cellular level. Moreover, fishy foods are also good sources of zinc and vitamin E which both help in the production of new skin cells.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens contain skin-friendly essential nutrients that can help our body self-regulate. Include more arugula, kale, and Swiss chard in everyday diet. Kale has significant amounts of copper that help our body produce melanin, an essential agent produced in the basal skin layer that can protect us from weather effects.

Tomatoes

Regular consumption of tomatoes can provide our body with vitamin C and all major carotenoids, including lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent wrinkling and protect skin against damage from the sun.

Olives

Aside from applying olive oil to dry skin, we can also eat olives to maximize its effects. It has vitamin E and antioxidants that can help fight free radicals that damage the skin.

Avocados

Many of us love avocado. In addition to its tons of vitamin C and E that promote skin health, this fruit is also a good source of healthy fats that can keep our skin moisturized and flexible.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a perfect source of beta-carotene, a nutrient the body uses to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. Carrots and dark leafy vegetables like spinach also contain beta-carotene.

Board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert Dr. Anna Guanche says:

“Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants such as beta carotene, which can turn into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A helps build collagen and gives skin a supple appearance, just like Retin-A. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry, sallow-appearing skin, so eating a lot of sweet potatoes can help.”

Cucumbers

This refreshing superfood contains high percentages of water content as well as vitamin A and vitamin C, which help soothe skin and fight damage such as dryness, sunburn, and irritation. Cucumber is also known to be a key ingredient within moisturizing masks and creams.

Aside from these foods, we should also be aware of the foods we need to avoid in order to prevent our skin from drying.

Dr. Marie Geyman, a naturopathic physician based in NYC, says that:

“Foods that are high in salt should be avoided, as they are generally dehydrating and can make your skin look and feel even drier. If you must eat or drink high-sodium products, it’s important to increase your water intake along with them.”