This is the season to be merry and to look our best, with healthy and glowing skin. But with winter and cold winds blowing skin bound to get dry and flaky, although some of us battle dry skin problems year round resulting in shedding bucks on attractively packed expensive creams and moisturisers. The best way to combat dry skin is by eating the right food that is rich in vitamins and consuming lots of water. Here are seven healthy food for dry skin.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are water-rich vegetables that help keep the body and skin hydrated. They also contain beneficial vitamins such as A, B1, C, biotin, and potassium to increase moisture leading to increased skin elasticity. Cucumbers can be consumed in raw forms such as salads, curries or as juices. Cucumber paste can be used as face masks.

Fish

Fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, anchovies, sardines and trout have high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids which help in nourishing the skin and retain moisture for a youthful appearance. According to doctors, they also prevent inflammation and cancer.

Nuts

Nuts like pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts are rich in proteins and vitamins such as vitamin E, that protects from oxidative cell damage and UV rays. Further, you can try almond oil for lips, hair and skin to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Nuts can be consumed anytime of the day, however, it is better to consume them as snacks in the evenings.

Avocado

Avocado – colloquially called as butter fruit – is known to be rich in nutrients that help fight cancer and it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats that keeps the skin moist, prevents the skin from ageing and also reduces inflammation. Hence, avocados are one of the best food choices for dry skin. If you do not like to consume it as salad, try avocado smoothies.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates and can be consumed for breakfast. Sweet Potatoes contain vitamin A in abundance which helps in repairing tissue damage and premature ageing. Sweet Potatoes can be consumed as chips, or boiled with some salt. 

Oysters

Oysters are delicious molluscs that are rich in several vital nutrients and minerals. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and magnesium which can help reduce risk of heart attack, stroke and lower blood pressure. Also, Oysters contain a very high level of zinc that helps skin repair by creating collagen — the main structural protein found in skin. 

Fruits such as berries, oranges and mangoes

Berries are rich in antioxidants, while mangoes are rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), E and Selenium that is excellent for combating dry skin. Citrus fruits are beneficial for the skin to produce collagen. Fruits also rank high in water content, which helps your skin to stay hydrated.

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