Winter’s Coming! Hey, we are not talking about “Game of Thrones” but the chilly weathers of the winter season. Although it is fun to play around in the snow, the very thought of experiencing a dry, itchy skin forces us to back to our cocoons. The harsh, dreary winds of this season can make us want to sit in a tub of moisturizing creams. Don’t they?
Well, don’t worry! Along with stocking up on your favourite moisturizers and skin lotions, we recommend you to start including some of these foods for dry skin in your diet! Foods nourish your skin from inside and help it deal with extreme weather changes. The best part? They are easily available in your pantry and you can even whip up a few hydrating masks with them.
Sounds interesting? Read along to find out the best foods to eat for preventing dry skin!
List of 15 Best Foods for Dry Skin
Let us look into the benefits of each of these foods which help your skin combat dryness:
1. Avocados:
Avocados are considered to be superfoods for dry skin. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that replenish the lost oils in your skin and make it supple again (1). Also, Avocados reduce inflammation on the skin and prevent the formation of dry flakes. Vitamin E present in this fruit has antioxidant properties which prevent the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin caused due to dryness.
NOTE: Apart from consuming Avocado as a food, you can also use Avocado oil and puree as a topical skin moisturizer.
2. Salmon:
Fatty fish like Salmon is very rich in omega 3 Fatty acids which act as a protective barrier on your skin. Studies also show that these fatty acids lower the risk of skin dryness and the formation of wrinkles (2). Also, Salmon is high in a mineral called Selenium which can protect your skin from free radical damage and delay signs of aging. Apart from eating Salmon in your diet, you can also consume fish oil capsules for better absorption of nutrients.
3. Orange And Yellow Veggies:
Bright colored vegetables like Pumpik, Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, Oranges, Papaya etc. are rich in Beta-Carotene, a reddish-orange pigment. This is a powerful antioxidant which can prevent oxidative stress on the skin cells and encourage new cell growth. Also, it is known that Beta-Carotene protects your skin from photodamage due to UV radiation, which is particularly high in winters (3).
4. Chamomile:
Herbal infusions like Chamomile tea are known to offer numerous benefits for dry and cracked skin. It offers quick relief from the itchy symptoms of this condition by calming down your nerves and making you feel relaxed. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin. Apart from drinking Chamomile tea for instant hydration and refreshment, you can also try applying the solution on the affected areas to feel better again.
5. Coconut Oil:
We all know the benefits of applying coconut oil on the skin. But, did you know that Coconut oil also acts as an excellent food to combat dry skin? It is a good source of healthy fats which can nourish your skin from within and makes it soft and supple. Consuming coconut oil regularly as part of a healthy diet can improve the elasticity of your skin and makes it healthy and glowing.
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6. Olives:
Olives not only enhance the taste of your Italian food but also offer numerous benefits to our skin. These are rich in Oleic acid which is a type of fatty acid that can protect your skin from excessive dryness and wrinkles. These fruits also contain Vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient for healthy, radiant skin. No wonder why it is hailed as the best food to cure dry skin! Apart from adding olives in your salads and Pastas, drizzle some olive oil in your foods or use it as a massage oil for instant hydration.
7. Green Leafy Vegetables:
Green leafy vegetables like Spinach, Kale etc. are the best foods to eat for dry skin in winters. These veggies are packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and minerals like copper, iron which are essential for healthy skin. They are rich in essential fatty acids which seal moisture to prevent skin from drying out. The antioxidants present in these foods fight free radicals that damage your skin cells. Also, Green veggies are rich in dietary fiber which helps in flushing out toxins from the body to maintain a clean, flawless skin.
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8. Walnuts:
When it comes to dealing with dry skin, you cannot skip out on eating nuts. Walnuts, in particular, are proven to be extremely good for protecting your skin from harsh weathers. They are rich in essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6 PUFA’s which lower the risk of skin dryness and thinning due to loss of moisture (4). They are also high in Zinc, which plays a key role in preventing inflammatory conditions like dermatitis. You can consume a few walnuts as an in-between meal snack and even apply walnut oil as a topical skin moisturizer.
9. Banana:
Banana is an excellent food for treating dry skin. It is rich in many essential nutrients like Zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, copper and dietary fiber which play a key role in imparting food skin health. Bananas contain fruit sugars like glucose, which is a natural humectant that has water-binding properties. So, consume bananas in moderation to enjoy a beautiful, radiant skin that glows from within.
10. Flaxseeds:
Flaxseeds offer numerous benefits to our body and skin. These tiny, brown seeds are high in omega fatty acids which can reduce inflammation on the epidermis layer of skin. Flaxseeds are also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which reverse the signs of premature aging caused due to dehydrated skin. A study also shows that regular intake of flaxseed oil (in moderation) can improve the condition of rough, dry skin by making it look smooth and supple (5).
11. Eggs:
Eggs not only make for a healthy breakfast but also act as superfoods for dry skin. They are rich in amino acids which can neutralize substances that damage the skin and also strengthen the cell membranes. Eggs are also high in collagen which can improve the elasticity of the skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Along with consuming egg in various forms like an omelette, scrambled or boiled, you can also apply egg yolk mixture on the skin to treat dryness.
12. Sweet Potato:
Sweet Potatoes are laden with goodness to heal and repair dry skin. They are excellent sources of Beta Carotene, which offers significant protection from UV damage (6). Also, Beta Carotene is converted to Vitamin A by the body, which can strengthen the barrier of your skin to protect it from external damage. You can enjoy these delicious vegetables for dry skin by roasting or boiling or adding them to your salads for extra sweetness.
13. Milk:
Milk is your skin’s best friend. It acts as a wonderful cleanser and moisturizer when applied topically. Along with that, Milk also hydrates and nourishes your body when consumed as a drink. The fats, protein, Vitamin D and calcium present in milk can repair dry and patchy skin by lending ample nutrition. Lactic acid present in milk can lighten your complexion and make you glow from within.
14. Soy:
Soya beans and it’s by-products like Soy milk, Tofu etc. are considered to be some of the best foods for dry skin. It is known that Soy is abundant in isoflavones which can improve the aging skin of middle-aged women by boosting collagen levels and treating dryness (7). Also, soy milk can offer ample proteins required by the body. If your tastebuds reject the taste of Soymilk or Tofu, you can mask it by adding fruits or nuts to your milkshake.
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15. Berries:
Berries top the list of fruits to eat for dry skin. These tangy and tasty foods are high in antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, resveratrol, which lower cellular stress to combat wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigmentation (8). Berries like blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are packed with plenty of nutrients to boost collagen production in the skin and protect it from dryness. You can add berries in your morning cereal or use them in your protein shake to enjoy a tasty meal and a healthy skin.
Additional Tips To Prevent Dry Skin:
Beat dry skin woes by following these expert tips:
- Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. This is an important step to preventing dryness.
- Avoid taking a bath in very hot water. Doing so can dry out your skin and make it look parched.
- Use a gentle soap or cleaner that doesn’t strip away the natural oils from your skin.
- Apply a creamy moisturizer immediately after bathing to replenish lost moisture levels.
- Say no to foods that are high in salt, alcohol, sugar and caffeine content. They tend to dehydrate your body and make it look dry.
- Keep a humidifier in your room which can prevent the air inside from getting dry in winters.
So folks! Are you prepared to beat the weather with these amazing foods for dry skin? If you believe in the saying that “beauty starts from within”, then there is no way you can miss out on these natural products in your diet. Also, make sure you follow a proper skin care regime to maintain a glowing skin irrespective of the changing weather!
