9 Healthy Foods That Will Revamp Your Dry Skin—No Moisturizer Needed
Updated: Jan. 18, 2021Want to keep your skin soft, supple and hydrated? Consider adding these complexion-boosting foods to your grocery list.
The best foods for dry skin
If you have dry skin, it probably feels like there no amount of moisturizer can help keep it soft, supple and hydrated. This doesn’t mean you should skimp out on moisturizing, but it might help if you examine your diet a little more closely. The foods you eat contain nutrients that can help boost skin health and, most importantly (for those with dry skin), keep it hydrated.
So, what are the best foods for dry skin? We spoke with a wide range of experts, from registered dietitians to dermatologists, to identify the top foods people with dry skin should add to their diets. Keep in mind, you should consult a dermatologist to see what treatment plan is best based on your individual skin care needs.
Sweet potatoes
These tasty tubers are not only delicious but they’re super healthy and are a great for dry skin remedy. “This root vegetable—don’t forget to eat the skin—packs a double dose of skin-protecting nutrients, including vitamin A and beta carotene,” says Alex Roher, MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist in San Diego.
Why it works: Vitamin A aids in skin repair, while beta carotene strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, helping to moisturize and plump up skin cells.
Make sure you always do this to avoid dry skin in winter.
Amp up the avocados
Scoop up some guacamole. Turns out, avocados are great for people with dry skin, which may be why avocado is a key ingredient in homemade face masks. These fruits and great for your hair and nails, too.
Why it works: “Avocados contain an abundance of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats—specifically omega-6 fats—that keep the skin moist and prevent the skin from aging,” says John Diaz, MD, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
Cucumbers
If you’ve ever layered cucumbers around your eyes to reduce puffiness, you can probably guess that there’s a reason why these antioxidant and vitamin C-containing veggies should top each and every salad—or get sliced and dropped into a refreshing ice-cold glass of water.
Why it works: The vitamin C in cucumbers, which are a nice addition to any garden, helps treat inflamed skin. The silica in the peel of the cucumber nourishes, hydrates and firms the skin, Diaz says.
You should also avoid these foods that make inflammation worse.
Tangerines
Like many citrus fruits, tangerines are packed with vitamin A and C as well as beta carotene, which helps maintain your skin’s moisture and they may even help protect against type 2 diabetes. (Learn to spot the silent signs of diabetes.)
Why it works: The vitamins in tangerines, especially the vitamin C, helps improve the collagen in your skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, firm the skin and speed up your skin’s rebuilding process. “Vitamin C helps reduce the damage caused by the sun and pollution, too,” says Abbey Sharp, RD and a YouTube host and the founder of Abbey’s Kitchen Inc.
Coconut oil
This popular ingredient isn’t just great for cooking but it’s an excellent moisturizer, too, and has multiple uses for hair and nails. “You can consume it directly or use it as a cooking substitute for butter or vegetable oil,” says George Skandamis, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Columbus.
Why it works: Packed with antioxidants, coconut oil has been found to help improve the skin in those with atopic dermatitis, according to a study published in Dermatitis. “Unlike most foods, it can also be used as a topical application directly on the skin to help moisturize,” Sharp says.
Find out more tips to get healthy, gorgeous nails.
Water
Staying hydrated is extremely important for fighting dry skin, says Sharp. “When you’re dehydrated on the inside, your skin starts to look dry, dull and crepey, so any fine lines become more visible.”
Why it works: Your skin is one of your largest cleansing organs and needs ongoing hydration. “You don’t need an expensive juice to cleanse your body of toxins, but you do need to make sure you stay hydrated so that your skin can do its work as a bacterial barrier and remove toxins from the skin,” she says.
Find out some surprising health benefits of staying hydrated.
Salmon (and other fatty fish)
Fatty fish like salmon, trout, and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Your goal: Aim to eat at least four ounces of fish twice a week, says Kerry Clifford, RD and health coach at Interactive Health in Chicago.
Why it works: The fatty acids in fish are said to reduce inflammation caused by UV radiation and may help reduce the risk of inflammatory skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, and skin dryness.
Check out more home remedies for psoriasis relief.
Nuts and seeds
Filled with fibre and packed with vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts and seeds make an ideal snack for your skin. “Walnuts and flaxseed are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids,” Clifford says.
Why it works: Count on the vitamin E in nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, to help protect the skin from sun damage and inflammation, acting as a natural dry skin remedy.
These home remedies for dry and damaged hair might also come in handy.
Asparagus
Whether you love these green spears sautéed in extra virgin olive oil or prefer to grill them and pair with lean protein like chicken, there are loads of ways to enjoy this vegetable, and you’ll be helping your skin at the same time.
Why it works: The vitamin E in asparagus helps protect and guard your skin against damage from the sun. “Asparagus also helps improve skin texture and may prevent wrinkles,” Clifford says.
Check out more tips for healthy skin that naturally glows.
