As much as I love the winter months, I do NOT love dry skin. We all suffer from dry skin during the bitter-cold season, but try having to wash your hands about 800 times a day, and washing dishes about 500 times a day! Okay, I might be exaggerating a teeny tiny bit, but you get the point. My hands are painfully DRY!
Here is a list of foods to help you hydrate your skin from the inside, so that you will be glowing on the outside!
1. Salmon
If you read my post from a few weeks ago, “Beating the Winter Blues with Food”, http://eatyourheartoutedibles.com/beating-winter-blues-food/ then you already know that salmon is filled with benefits for your body. Well, the same goes if you want to hydrate your skin. Those handy dandy Omega-3 fatty acids give your skin cells a boost by helping them hold moisture, protect against cancer, and reduce inflammation. Salmon is also rich in Vitamin D, which helps minimize acne, maintain elasticity, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production. One of my favorite salmon dishes that I make for clients is Herbed Salmon.
2. Leafy greens
Spinach, kale, and even broccoli fall into this category. These foods are rich in Vitamins A, B, C, and E. Vitamin A helps with skin renewal, while Vitamins B & E protect your skin and boost your immune system. Vitamin C increases collagen, which means firmer skin, and less wrinkles and dryness! Peanut and Kale Salad is a delicious way to get your leafy greens.
3. Citrus
Citrus fruits are jam-packed with the antioxidant, Vitamin C, promoting collagen formation, helps fight freed radicals, and a sheen to your complexion. Eat citrus and say hello to radiant, youthful skin! Orange/Balsamic Glazed Chicken, anyone?
4. Avocado
The protein and healthy fats in this superfood do wonders for your skin. The protein supports the structure of the collagen and elastin in your skin, while the healthy fats keep your skin moisturized. Start your day off with protein-rich Egg-cados.
5. Sweet potatoes
These babies are high in Vitamin A, which aides in skin repair, and beta-carotene, which strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, helping skin cells stay plump and moisturized. Forget the sugary sweet potato casserole – stuff your sweets with delicious fillings, like chickpeas and pineapples!
6. Water
DUH! Water will always be the number one way to hydrate your skin. Most people do not drink anywhere near enough water on a daily basis. I am cringing as I write this, but I actually have friends who do not drink water. Literally. Their days are filled with coffees, teas, sodas, and juices, but NOT plain and simple, calorie-free, refreshing water. It truly boggles my mind. Anyway, experts recommend that the average person consume six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day. If you consume caffeine or exercise, then you need to up your daily water intake. Bump up the hydration with a hit of citrus in ice- cold H2O. This website gives some tips on how to calculate your water intake based on your weight and activity level, as well as how to reach your daily water goals. https://www.slenderkitchen.com/article/how-to-calculate-how-much-water-you-should-drink-a-day
Seems like a lot to take in, doesn’t it? Of course, you can double up on hydrating foods by adding avocado to almost anything, or put several foods together into a “powerhouse” dish, like my skin-friendly Buddha Bowl – Roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli and onion, seasoned and roasted chickpeas, shredded carrots and optional tofu are served on a bed of quinoa and mixed wilted greens – yum!
http://www.eatthis.com/foods-to-combat-winter-skin/
https://www.prevention.com/food/winter-foods-to-prevent-dry-skin/slide/6
What’s your fav way to combat winter dry skin?
