Food is a vital part of skin health. If a person eats a healthy, balanced diet, their skin may be better able to fulfill its protective functions. Eating certain foods may even help protect and moisturize the skin.
However, certain other foods may prevent or hinder some of the skin’s protective abilities, leading to worsening dry skin.
Keep reading to learn more about how diet can affect the skin. This article also looks at 10 foods that can help combat dry skin, as well as some foods to avoid.
he skin’s protective function is important to prevent excess water loss and to stop harmful chemicals and allergens from affecting the body. It also helps maintain the body’s temperature.
Nutrients are essential in helping the skin provide this protective barrier. If a person eats a healthy, balanced diet that provides the nutrients they require, they can help support the skin in its protective functions.
Similarly, if a person does not eat a healthy diet, it can change the function of the skin, leading to complaints such as dry skin.
Dry skin can be a symptom of certain nutrient deficiencies, including:
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin D
- vitamin E
- zinc
- selenium
Making sure that these vitamins and minerals are part of the diet can help keep the skin healthy. Consuming omega-3, green tea antioxidants, and turmeric can also help prevent dry skin.
The sections below will look at all of these dietary elements in more detail.
1. Beef liver
2. Sweet potato
3. Sweet red pepper
4. Kiwifruit
5. Cod liver oil
6. Sunflower seeds
7. Baked beans
8. Avocado
9. Green tea
10. Turmeric
