Now that the cold is here and many of us find ourselves with dry, flaky skin, the first thing that readily come to everyone’s mind is to go and buy different kinds of moisturisers to combat their dry skin.
But health experts say, you can lather on all the expensive creams and lotions you want, but taking natural foods which is cheaper and assessible at every market nearby is better.
Relieving dry skin from the inside out may not be the first thing we think about when planning our meals, but just like the rest of our bodies, the skin needs certain nutrients to help heal and repair itself and keep itself in optimal condition. Healthy foods cannot only keep you hydrated, but they can work on a cellular level to keep your skin smooth and supple.
“You are what you eat,” says Dr. Tope Lambe of the Cornerstone Medical Center, Ojodu, Lagos.
“If you eat foods high in salt content or preservatives, you will notice not only that your skin is puffy, but that it is also dry.
Some good ingredients to look for are omega-3 fatty acids, silica rich foods and, of course, foods that are antioxidant rich.
Some of these good foods are listed below:
Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, tuna, and trout contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which help retain moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier, says Lambe.
Symptoms of omega-3 deficiencies, Lambe said, include dry skin, so load up on fish and other omega-3-rich foods, such as flax seed to keep your skin hydrated.
Nuts
Nuts are rich in vitamin E, which has long been proven as a skincare savior. Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative cell damage, and like omega-3 fatty acids, protects the skin barrier from external damage.
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Avocado
Like nuts, avocado is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants. The fruit is also rich in monounsaturated fats, which not only keep skin moist, but prevent skin from aging and reduces inflammation.
Sweet Potato
These beta-
carotene-rich root vegetables contain an abundance of vitamin A, one of the most important nutrients for preventing dry skin. These antioxidants help repair tissue damage and prevent premature aging.
Oysters
Oysters are one of the foods that contain the highest level of zinc, which helps repair skin by creating collagen. Other foods high in zinc include beef, beans, and wheat germ.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritional powerhouse when it comes to your skin. This heart-healthy oil can help protect your skin from UV rays and protect from skin conditions, such as dryness and eczema.
Cucumbers
Experts say Silica found in water-rich vegetables, such as cucumbers can help increase moisture, leading to increased skin elasticity. Cucumbers also contain vitamin A and vitamin C, helping to soothe the skin.
Have a special bath. To help heal dry skin and prevent its return, dermatologists say there is a particular way to have a bath. Ensure to prevent baths and showers from making dry skin worse.
Dr. Eucharia Patrick from Ayodele Hospital, Fagba area of the state, says, whenever you notice that your skin is dry, do not fret or jump to buy anything just do the following,
– Always have the bathroom door closed whenever you want to bathe. It does a lot of good to the skin.
– Limit also your time in the shower or bath to five or 10 minutes.
– Use warm rather than hot water. Many of us think bathing with hot water tackles the harmattan but this, Dr. Patrick says, is wrong.
According to her, it only brings a momentary relief to the cold feeling and dries up the skin more. She recommends lukewarm water instead.
Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Blot your skin and gently dry with a towel.
Lather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin right there in the bathroom.
So, why waste precious money on creams when you can easily get these fruits and foods to bail you out of this dryness? They are affordable and do more good for the body system.