15 Best Foods To Hydrate Dry Skin
1. Water
When it comes to treating dry skin, the first and the most important factor is water. Water rehydrates your cells, maintains homeostasis, prevents aging, and keeps all your cells active and functioning. Not drinking enough water can result in cutaneous water loss, leading to many skin problems, including dry and flaky skin. Drink at least 3 liters of water (or more if you work out regularly) per day to help your cells maintain their volume and shape (1). How To Treat Dry Skin With Water
If you constantly forget to drink water, set reminders on your phone or paste post-it notes in every corner of your house or at your work station. You can also add sliced fruits, herbs, and spices to your water to make it look and taste more interesting.
2. Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia, pine nuts, pistachios, cashews, and hazelnuts, are loaded with essential fatty acids (EFAs) like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, vitamin E, B-group vitamins, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients help maintain cell turgidity and integrity, improve circulation, and hydrate the cells, thereby making your skin soft, supple, and glowing (2). How To Treat Dry Skin With Nuts
Soak the nuts overnight. Have a handful of nuts in the morning with your breakfast. You can also add nuts to your breakfast smoothie, salad, stir-fries, milk, etc. However, the amount of nuts you consume needs to be moderate or limited to avoid excess fat intake. Take 4-6 almonds (soaked overnight), remove their skin, and use a blender to make almond paste. Add two tablespoons of milk and mix well. Apply this mask on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wipe it off with a clean and soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water.
3. Avocado
A single cup of pureed avocado contains 23 mg of vitamin C, 4.8 mg of vitamin E, 16.1 µg of vitamin A, 48.3 µg of vitamin K, 253 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, and 183 µg of folate (3). These nutrients help repair the skin tissues, rehydrate the skin cells, make the skin supple, and reduce wrinkles (4). How To Treat Dry Skin With Avocados You can consume avocado by making avocado sauce, adding avocado to your salad, or making avocado smoothie and guacamole. You can also apply it externally. Prepare a mask by mashing one-quarter of an avocado and adding yogurt and honey to it. Keep it on for 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water.
4. Flaxseeds
A tablespoon of flaxseeds can help treat constipation, aid weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, protect you from cancer, and, of course, treat your skin problems. Flax seeds are rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), lignans, phytoestrogen, proteins, and dietary fiber (5). Flaxseeds have been found to decrease skin irritation, transepidermal water loss, roughness, and scaling and improves skin smoothness and hydration (6). Caution: If you have cardiac problems or are on blood-thinners, consult your physician before adding flaxseeds to your daily diet as they also act as blood thinners and may interact with your medication. How To Treat Dry Skin With Flaxseeds
Consume milled flaxseeds or flaxseed powder to facilitate their digestion and nutrient absorption. Add flaxseed powder to your morning breakfast, smoothies, juices, salads, etc. Add a teaspoon of yogurt to a tablespoon of flaxseed powder and mix well. Apply this mask on your skin and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
5. Banana
Bananas are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, folate, and dietary fiber (7). The dietary fiber in bananas helps flush out the toxins, thereby rejuvenating your skin cells. It is also said that consuming bananas regularly can give your skin the glow and smoothness that it needs, though there is no scientific evidence to prove the same. Caution: If you have kidney problems or diabetes, consult your physician or dietitian before adding bananas to your daily diet. How To Treat Dry Skin With Banana
Consume at least one banana (and not more than two bananas) per day. You can have it as a snack or make banana smoothies, pancakes, muffins, cakes, or add it to your breakfast cereal. You can make a banana face pack by mashing half a banana with one teaspoon of honey and one tablespoon of yogurt. Apply it on your face evenly. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
6. Aloe Vera
This green and fleshy plant has a myriad of health benefits. Treating dry skin or, for that matter, any skin problem is one of them. Aloe vera gel contains lipids, water, vitamins A, C, E, B12, and choline, minerals, such as zinc, copper, potassium, magnesium, selenium, chromium, and calcium, amino acids, glycosides, anthraquinones, and glucomannans. Aloe vera has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps rehydrate, moisturize, and soften your skin. It promotes collagen synthesis, slows down skin aging, and protects the skin from UV radiation (8). How To Treat Dry Skin With Aloe Vera
You can consume aloe vera juice that is sold in pharmacies. Do not consume aloe vera gel or homemade aloe vera juice as it may contain fatal toxins. Mash the aloe vera gel and apply it on your skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water.
7. Olive Oil
The ancient Egyptians used olive oil as one of the ingredients in their cosmetics. The fatty acids present in olive oil help maintain the integrity of the outer layer of the skin and heal wounds, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, protect the skin from photodamage, prevent scar formation, and hydrate the skin (9). So, olive oil can help nourish and soften your skin after just a few applications. The best part is it is not as sticky as coconut oil, neither does it have a strong smell. How To Treat Dry Skin With Olive Oil
Make your salad dressing with extra virgin olive oil and use it to cook all your meals. Apply olive oil topically. You can also mix two tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of milk, and one tablespoon of honey and apply the mixture on your skin. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.
8. Fish
Cold-water fish, such as cod, salmon, tuna, and herring, can be highly beneficial for your health. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and also maintain the recommended omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids ratio (1:1). Consuming these fish will help reduce inflammation, flush out toxins, and lock moisture in your skin (10). This makes your skin look more nourished, soft, and glowing. Moreover, these fish are also a good source of nutrients that help keep your cells proactive, leading to their better functioning and appearance. How To Treat Dry Skin With Fish
Buy wild-caught Alaskan salmon, freshly-caught tuna, cod, or herring from the local fish market. You can also buy these fish from the supermarket, but make sure they are fresh. To treat dry skin, you should eat the fish with the skin as the fat layer below the skin is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can grill, bake, poach, or make curry with the fish. You can also consume fish oil capsules. Consult your doctor for the recommended dosage.
9. Cucumber
Cucumbers are excellent for treating dry skin. One cucumber contains 287 g water, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber (11). The high water content of cucumber makes it one of the best foods to treat dry skin. Moreover, cucumber skin is also a great source of silica, an important component of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones (12). This makes the skin healthy. How To Treat Dry Skin With Cucumber
Thinly slice the cucumbers, sprinkle some salt, and consume them. Or, you can add cucumber to your salad, sandwich, or detox water, or make cucumber soup and cucumber juice. Peel the cucumber and finely grate it. Add a teaspoon each of honey and aloe vera gel and mix well. Apply this mask and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wipe the mask off with a clean and soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water.
10. Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens are great for your skin (13). Kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, chard, collard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, etc., are rich sources of vitamins A, B, C, and K, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and folic acid, and dietary fiber. They are also antioxidative and anti-inflammatory in nature (14). Thus, they may help heal dry and itchy skin by removing toxins from your body and soothing your skin. How To Treat Dry Skin With Dark Leafy Greens
You can make a green smoothie with spinach or kale. Consume blanched dark leafy greens. You can also stir-fry them or have them in salads or sandwiches. Buy fresh, dark leafy greens. You can store them in ziplock bags, but not for more than three days.
11. Eggs
Eggs are loaded with vitamins A, D, and E, folate, choline, protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and sodium (15). If you are consuming eggs to get rid of dry and flaky skin, remember to consume the egg yolk. Consume it in limited amounts, depending on individual predisposition to the risk of raised cholesterol levels or cardiac issues. It contains fat-soluble vitamins that help improve the membrane integrity of the skin cells (16). How To Treat Dry Skin With Eggs
Consume 1-2 whole boiled or poached eggs in the morning for breakfast. You can also have scrambled eggs. Add eggs to your salad or sandwich for lunch. Apply egg yolk on your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
12. Pomegranate
It’s practically impossible to eat a pomegranate without the seeds. And you need those seeds to treat your skin. Pomegranate seeds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (17). Therefore, they may help improve skin elasticity and reduce irritation, inflammation, and itching. Pomegranates are also rich in water, vitamins A and C, and minerals (18). This helps hydrate the skin cells and heal the cracks formed due to dryness. How To Treat Dry Skin With Pomegranate
Have half a cup of pomegranate as a snack or with your morning breakfast. You can also add pomegranate to your salad or drink pomegranate juice. Apply pomegranate oil with olive oil on your skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.
13. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is packed with vitamin A, folate, and minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and iron (19). Chamomile tea has many anti-inflammatory compounds, such as alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, which help soothe dry and itchy skin. It also has antioxidant properties that help reduce the toxic load from the body, thereby allowing the cells to function properly (20). The water present in chamomile tea also helps in hydrating the skin. How To Treat Dry Skin With Chamomile Tea
Have a cup of chamomile tea instead of coffee. You can also make chamomile iced tea and experiment by adding lemon, ginger, or honey to change the flavor. Lightly pat the chamomile tea bags on your skin or make a chamomile tea bath by adding chamomile tea, honey, and coconut oil to your bath water.
14. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, B6, B3, B2, and B1, pantothenic acid, biotin, copper, potassium, phosphorus, dietary fiber, and carotenoids (21). The carotenoids present in sweet potatoes are antioxidants and help stimulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Anthocyanin, another pigment found in sweet potatoes, is anti-inflammatory in nature. So, by consuming sweet potatoes, you will be able to soothe your skin and get rid of toxins. Moreover, a study conducted on rats has found that sweet potatoes can help heal painful cracked skin (22). How To Treat Dry Skin With Sweet Potato
Have delicious grilled, baked, or sautéed sweet potatoes. Grate a sweet potato and squeeze the juice out. Mix a teaspoon of honey in it. Dab the mixture on your skin and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
15. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years to treat many skin and hair problems (23). In fact, its unique medium-chain fatty acids also make it a good oil for consumption for reducing weight (24). Coconut oil contains a good amount of vitamins E and K, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats, and proteins. It also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides the skin with adequate amounts of fat, an integral part of cells, and moisturizes the skin, thereby making it soft and shiny (23). How To Treat Dry Skin With Coconut Oil
Buy cooking coconut oil from a nearby supermarket and use 2-3 tablespoons of it in your food preparations. You can also make your salad dressing with coconut oil instead of olive oil. Have bulletproof coffee to give your body that extra dose of coconut oil. Apply organic coconut oil on your skin and leave it on for an hour (if you are in a hurry) or overnight. Take a warm shower and wash it off with a mild shower gel or soap.
These are the 15 foods to treat or heal dry skin. Take a look at the list below to know what else you can do to protect your skin from becoming dry and dull.
Points To Remember
Avoid consuming alcohol as it causes dehydration. Drink enough water. Use a face pack for dry skin. Apply a hydrating serum and sunscreen before stepping out. Use a shower gel for dry skin when taking a shower. Use a body lotion right after stepping out of the shower. Always carry a good moisturizer and chapstick with you. Ensure you do not apply a water-based moisturizer. Take some time out every day to de-stress. Get better sleep. See a doctor.
Which foods are good for dry skin? Have a look at the infographic below to get a better idea! You must drink water to hydrate your skin from within. Consume nuts, seeds, avocado, fish, green leafy veggies, and chamomile tea for hydrated, beautiful skin. Which foods are bad for skin? Oily fried food is bad for your skin. Foods containing high amounts of sodium, sugar, and trans fats are a big no-no if you want to improve the health of your skin. How can I improve my dry skin? Start taking care of your skin from inside out. Change your diet. Consume a diet suitable for dry skin. Include nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, fresh veggies, tea, and water in your diet. Working out (staying active) causes sweating, which also helps flush out toxins. Use a hydrating face pack every alternate day and a moisturizing soap/shower gel and lotion daily. What is the best vitamin for dry skin? Vitamin E is the best vitamin for dry skin. Consult a doctor before taking vitamin E supplements for dry skin. What vitamin deficiency causes dry skin? B-vitamin deficiency may cause dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Consult a doctor and consume vitamin B12, B6, and B3 supplements to improve dry skin. Is milk good for dry skin? Yes, milk is good for dry skin if you apply it topically. Milk sometimes cause breakouts and may not suit everyone. It is best to apply it topically. Use a teaspoon of honey to make a milk and honey homemade face pack. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off with water. Can stress cause dry skin? Yes, stress can cause dry skin. Stress causes toxin build-up. Also, if you do not drink water or foods that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, your skin can dry out quickly. Does drinking water help dry skin? Yes, hydration is the best way to reduce skin dryness. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water if you are a woman and 3-4 liters of water if you are a man. Increase water consumption if you work out regularly. Water will flush out toxins and re-hydrate your skin cells, thereby making your skin look plump and glowing. What is the main cause of dry skin? The main cause of dry skin is a lack of moisture. This can occur due to aging, UV damage, harsh cleaning agents, cold or dry weather, medical issues, or excessive bathing. How long does dry skin take to heal? The prickliness and itchiness of dry skin usually go away within 1-2 weeks if you start taking good care of your skin.
