6 Foods to Combat Dry Skin this Autumn
By Jessah Shaw, Adv Dip Nut Med
Dry skin is a common occurrence at this time of the year as the weather becomes cooler, stripping the natural moisture from our skin and weakening our skin barrier. Personally, my hands always seem to suffer the worst at this time of the year. While there are several topical solutions and lifestyle tips such as using a humidifier, shortening showers and increasing water intake, today I am focusing on 6 foods that can help to combat dry skin:
1. Citrus fruits
This shouldn’t come as a surprise as citrus fruits are notoriously high in vitamin C, the antioxidant that helps to repair the skin barrier, promotes collagen production and speeds up wound healing. Lemons and limes are particularly beneficial as they also contain vitamin A and when paired alongside vitamin C can help to strengthen the integrity of the skin barrier, retaining adequate moisture to keep the skin hydrated. Look out for citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and mandarins.
2. Fatty fish
If you enjoy salmon, aim to have 2 to 3 serves of this glow-boosting fish a week as being high in omega-3 fatty acids it is so good for your skin. The omega 3 fatty acids improve moisture retention and balance your skin’s inflammatory response to protect against dry, red and itchy skin. Aim to always get wild caught seafood, not farmed. Other fatty fish that offer the same benefits include mackerel and sardines. Alternatively, it would be worthwhile investing in a high-quality fish oil.
3. Nuts
Next time you’re feeling peckish in between meals, grab a handful of nuts. Nuts are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B and E, and monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats help to maintain the skin’s water level as well as keep the skin barrier healthy and strong while omega-3s soften rough, dry skin from the inside out as well as offering a calm anti-inflammatory effect for irritated skin. Some of the best nuts for your dry skin diet are walnuts, almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts.
4. Cucumber
Due to cucumber containing 95% water it’s extremely hydrating to the skin as well as containing silica which provides further skin hydration. Silica is critical for collagen formation and also improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture. The added combination of vitamin A and vitamin C in cucumber also further helps to aid dryness. Cucumbers are delicious in salads, or by themselves paired with some hummus or guacamole.
5. Avocado
Avocado is a nutritional powerhouse, high in vitamins and monounsaturated fats to combat dry skin. The “good fats” present in this fruit help keep your skin moisturised as well as promote the health of collagen and elastin for firmer, younger-looking skin. Avocados are also in season right now, pick them up super cheap and add some to your salad, pair it with a protein, make some guacamole, or even put some in a smoothie for a creamy texture.
6. Collagen food
To make strong collagen your body needs sulphur, Vitamin C, zinc, biotin and silica. Our Collagen Food supplies all these nutrients in one vegan powder. As we age our collagen deteriorates and we don’t make as much new collagen as when we were young. The comprehensive combination of MSM, vitamin C, biotin, zinc and silica is an effective formulation that helps to fight against free radical damage and inflammation. MSM is a natural sulphur-containing compound. Sulphur is required for the production of collagen and keratin which help to maintain strong hair, skin and nails.
Another effective way to support healthy collagen is by consuming collagen. Cabot Health’s Ageless Beauty Collagen powder contains trademarked VERISOL Bioactive Collagen peptides, Silica, Zinc and Vitamin C to have a synergistic effect on improving hair, skin, nails and gut health and supports plumper skin and elasticity.
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