Foods that alleviate dry skin

Want to steer clear of dry and flaky skin this winter? Here’s what you need to eat! What you should eat for soft supple skin this winter:rnDry, flaky skin is an often complaint during the winters. The better way to treat dry skin is eating the right foods in combination with regular moisturizing.rnHere’s what you need to eat if you want to keep that dry, flaky skin at bay: WaterrnWater is good for your skin, period! It hydrates your skin, it helps cells absorb nutrients and expel toxins. Water also improves blood circulation, giving you soft, glowing skin. The general recommendation is about 12 glasses of water per day.rnYou may not sweat too much in winter, that doesn’t mean you need less of this life-giving fluid. Read our article on Watch you Water Intake this Winter for more information. Green tearnDid you know that green tea helps stop inflammation, slow DNA damage and even protect your skin from sun damage? Yes, a green tea brew can do all this and more for your skin. So beat the harsh winter with a hot cup of green tea, it will also protect your skin from cold rashes and keep it supple. Vitamin-A foodsrnIf you want to keep dry and flaky skin at bay, foods with vitamin A are your best bet. Topical and oral forms of vitamin A are common prescriptions for treating acne, wrinkles and other such conditions. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, eggs, oranges and dairy products – all contain vitamin A. So take your pick. Vitamin-C foodsrnVitamin C is crucial for development of collagen (a strong yet flexible protein which provides elasticity and also helps seal moisture into the skin). It also helps undo damage caused by free radicals, in addition to offering protection from the sun. So include foods that contain vitamin C in your diet for supple skin during the winters. Papaya, citrus fruits like oranges, sweet lime and grapefruit, greens and broccoli are some options.rnVitamin-E foodsrnVitamin E is super good to treat dry skin, protect your skin from sun damage and also soothe inflammation. Include nuts, seeds, olives, asparagus and vegetable oils that contain vitamin E and you’ll be guaranteed softer, hydrated skin during the winter. Topical application of vitamin E oil is an effective way to treat dry skin. Buy some vitamin E capsules from your chemist and rub onto your skin. Omega-3 fatty acidsrnOmega-3 fatty acids help the skin produce its own natural oil barrier thus keeping dry skin and blemishes away. These are necessary fats that keep your skin soft and smooth. Walnuts, flax seeds, olives and fish like salmons and sardines pack in good amounts of these essential fatty acids. AntioxidantsrnAntioxidants slow down and even prevent damage done by free radicals. Free radical damage is responsible for early skin aging, wrinkles and dry skin. Pick from a whole range of fruits and veggies like berries, tomatoes, beans, spinach, apricots and capsicum to derive your daily intake of antioxidants. Alcohol can dry your skinrnSo say no to alcohol if you have dry skin. If you can’t completely eliminate it, at least reduce your alcohol intake, and also sip water in between. All this because alcohol is notorious for drying your skin apart from leaving you dehydrated. Also check out our article: Simple Home Remedies for Dry Skinrn