7 foods to nourish your dry skin

Portia Arthur

December 7, 2015 11:44 AM

Mangoes, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, watermelon, and grapefruits all contain skin-boosters, and are a delicious snack, either alone, chopped up into a fruit salad

___4435091___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4435091___2015___12___7___12___salmonb

Keeping your skin moisturized in the dry season is very difficult, not even the best of moisturising creams can fight the dry weather.

As the saying goes, you are what you eat and eating the right food can keep your skin smooth and fresh.

1. Water

The most important thing you can do to keep your skin hydrated is drink a lot of water.

2. Avocado

Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, and monounsaturated fats, which help your skin lock in moisture.

3. Salmons

Salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and rainbow trout are all amazing for your skin. Fish contains omega-3 fats, which strengthen skin cells, help protect skin from sun damage, can protect against cancer, and help reduce inflammation. Certain fish also contain selenium, which preserves elastin in the skin, helping your skin stay supple, smooth, and tight.

Avoid deep-fried fish (the fats in fry oil are terrible for your skin), and opt for grilled, baked, poached, or roasted.

4. Orange and yellow veggies

Orange and yellow veggies contain beta-carotene, with is notoriously great for skin. It's an antioxidant, which help fight dry skin and protect the skin from harmful sun rays and environmental damage. Most also contain vitamins A and C, which help repair body tissues and produce collagen, respectively.

Cooked veggies deliver more beta-carotene, so try roasting or sauteeing them. Yellow and orange veggies include sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, red peppers, mangoes, pumpkin, and papaya.

5. Extra Virgin olive oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is chock full of vitamin E and good fats, and will moisturize skin both from the inside (eaten) and out.

6. Spinach

Spinach and other dark, leafy greens are packed with iron, omega-4 fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, and E, which protect skin and improve your immune system. Phytochemicals and folates help hydrate skin and keep it healthy.

Steam as a side veggie, or enjoy in a salad drizzled with healthy olive oil and paired with avocado. Sturdier greens, like kale, can be roasted as well.

7. Eggs

Eggs are high in protein, which helps cell regeneration, and contain sulfer and lutein, which promotes skin hydration and elasticity. Eggs also work to hydrate the skin through topical application, so try an egg mask by whipping eggs whites until frothy and then applying to the face and neck. Rinse with warm water.

As food, eggs are best poached or boiled, but scrambled and fried are delicious, too, in moderation.

Portia Arthur