Food to Reduce Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common skin condition that is caused by lack of moisture; symptoms range in severity, from a slight feeling of "tightness" to extreme chapping and sometimes cracking in the skin. Dryness is caused when the oil glands in the skin do not supply enough lubrication, which results in the skin becoming dehydrated. Certain factors can affect the severity of dry skin such as extremes of temperature, air conditioning and humidity.

Water

• Water is the simplest, yet most essential factor, in combating dry skin. Dehydration is a common cause of dry and flaky skin, so make sure you are hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. Water helps to carry nutrients to every cell in your body and flushes out toxins that can dull the complexion.

Vitamins

• Vitamins and antioxidants are very important to skin renewal. Foods that are high in vitamins A, B and C are particularly beneficial when combating dry skin as these aid skin tissue repair. Aim to increase your intake of vitamin A as this is prominent in strengthening and protecting the skin tissue, which can help to improve patches of dry skin. Vitamin content is high in brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as apricots, strawberries, carrots and blueberries. Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach also contain high levels of vitamins.

Zinc

• Zinc is an essential mineral that helps to support a healthy immune system by stimulating enzymes; it acts as an astringent as it helps to shrink, constrict and tighten body tissue, which helps to make skin appear smoother. Foods that contain zinc include oysters, crab, beef and beans. Zinc is good for dry skin issues because it helps to heal wounds and is needed in the metabolism of fatty acids, which provide moisture to the skin.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 are important for the production of healthy skin. They help to regulate cellular function, which increases the suppleness in the skin. Experts from the National Institutes of Health recommend that 2 percent of calories consumed daily should come from omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are good sources of omega-3.

Raw Food

• A well-balanced diet is crucial in keeping the moisture level of dry skin balanced. Aim to get five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Where possible, eat raw food as oppose to cooked food; heat-processed food loses vitamins and minerals through the cooking process. Yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots and peppers are best served raw as these are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps to heal damaged skin. Water-based fruits and vegetables are also good because they aid hydration which adds moisture to the skin.

Unrefined Cold-Pressed Oil

• Keep your dry skin moist by eating unrefined cold-pressed oils that boost the moisture levels in the skin. Flax seed oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acid and can be added to salad or baked vegetables.

Sulfur

• Sulfur is a flexible bond component that holds your cells together. It naturally occurs in every cell in the body and is commonly used to treat dry skin. Foods that are rich in sulfur help to keep your skin smooth and healthy. Sulfur helps to promote skin rejuvenation and is rich in foods like garlic, onion and eggs.

Cod Liver Oil

• Cod liver oil adds moisture to the skin and makes it more supple and soft, which helps reduce the flaky appearance of dry skin. It is especially good for mature skin as it has been found to further minimize wrinkles and restore aging skin.