Dry skin is a very pronounced
condition that many people experienced at this particular time of the year, mostly
because of change in weather and some other factors. Dry and flaky skin is
mainly associated with insufficient moisture in the superficial layer of our
skin. Our hands, face, arms and lower legs are the most affected part of the
body. There are certain factors that predispose us to dry, flaky and itching
skin which could be frequent bathing, use of harsh soap for bathing, deficiency
of certain vitamins and minerals, age, genetics, family history, as well as
medical condition such as asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes
and atopic dermatitis. There is
this popular saying that “You are what you eat”, which is true, treating dry skin
is more of what you eat than what you apply on it. Today we will be discussing
on foods which are not expensive and are easily accessible to us that we can
add to our diet for improve healthy and glowing skin.
1. Your number recipe for dry skin is Water – It has been proven
scientifically the health benefit of water, drinking 2 litres (6-8 glasses) of
water everyday hydrates our skin and body, it flushes out toxic substances from
our system, so as to give us a clear skin. Our skin uses nutrient from the
various foods we consume and water is a major carrier of this nutrients and
even oxygen. Water play a key role in our digestion, circulation, absorption
and excretion of waste products from our system.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables with high water content cannot be overemphasized here,
daily consumption of any of the following fruits and vegetables (melon, apple,
oranges, pineapple, celery and cucumber) will go a long way to hydrate the skin
and also provide essential vitamins and mineral to maintain glowing skin.
3. Food rich in selenium and Zinc is another great ingredient to smooth, soft and glowing skin. Selenium is a trace
mineral which help to eliminate free radicals from the body, while zinc helps heal
wound by repairing damaged skin and protecting it against further damage. These minerals are
found in food such as Salmon, tuna, shrimps, cooked beef, bean, turkey, halibut
fish, oysters, crabs, sardines and whole-wheat pasta. Two (2) to three (3)
times consumption of these foods will show an improved result in skin
elasticity and moisture.
4.
Food
rich in essential Fatty-acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help
to keep dry skin and blemish away, they are healthy fats which when consumed
provide our skin with the required natural oil barrier against dryness by retaining moisture,
thus giving us smooth and younger-looking skin. Extra virgin olive oil and
canola oil are great sources, fish such as sardine, mackerel and salmon, walnuts
and flaxseed also provide us with good amount of these essential fatty acids.
5. Food rich in essential vitamins such
vitamin A, C and E- Vitamin C helps in collagen and elastin formation which
keep skin firm and healthy, protect us against skin cell damages caused by free
radicals. Vitamin E serve as antioxidants which also protect us against UV effect
and helps skin retain its natural moisture. Vitamin A has an important role in
soothing dry flaky skin by repairing damaged skin cells, the supplements are
usually prescribed for people suffering from acne, and other skin condition
such as wrinkles, it is a known vitamin for combating early aging. These essential
vitamins are popularly found in dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet
potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, avocado, flaxseed, broccoli, papaya, kiwi,
citrus fruits, red bell peppers, egg and low-fat dairy.
Green
Tea and Green Juice- Green tea is a powerful antioxidants which help to
stop skin inflammation, delay DNA damage and protect our skin against the effect of
sun. Drinking a green juice at least five (5) days in a week will give
you a clear and glowing skin, this can be done by blending spinach, cucumber,
kale, and few drops of lemon together, you will be amazed at the result you
will get after few weeks. You can also check online for further recipes of
green juice so as to have varieties to choose from.
To achieve the
best results, it is advisable to moisturize the skin at least 2-3 times daily
with petroleum jelly, glycerine, emollients and any other good moisturizers especially
when the skin is still damp.
Should there be no significant improvements,
please consult your doctor for proper medical check-up.
Thank You
MedicineNet
No comments:
Post a Comment