Dry Skin - Diet, Nutrition

Dry skin can be caused by various factors. In order to properly treat the problem of dry skin, one needs to first understand its causes. Dry skin can result from both external and internal factors. External factors include environmental causes such as extreme weather, harsh cold, wind, dust and pollution. They also include factors such as excessive bathing, use of harsh soaps, use of cosmetics with high chemical content and exposure to chemical pollutants. These causes can be combated by making certain lifestyle changes such as using milder soaps and cosmetics, covering up the body in proper clothing when stepping outdoors and taking shorter baths. Internal factors could result from problems in the functioning of the oil glands and improper diet. The body is able to produce natural oil that keeps the skin lubricated at all times. When this process is hampered the skin becomes dehydrated and dry. Poor diet results from consumption of too many processed foods and inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

Regulating your diet is vital to ensuring proper health of the skin. The first step is to increase your daily water intake. The recommended intake of water is two liters per day. This will ensure replenishment of the water content that the body loses through sweating and normal organ functions. You can also add a dash of lemon juice, mint leaves or some fruit juice to the water. Raw foods also help to provide the body with the required water content. Your diet must consist of vegetables, fruits and nuts which add water to the body as well as supply important nutrients. These foods are also rich in antioxidants which help to protect the skin from the negative effects of too much sun exposure and pollution. The diet must include three components of foods. Water based foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, oranges and grapes keep the body hydrated. Vitamin rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, squash, carrots and apricots help in skin repair. Foods containing sulfur such as garlic, eggs and asparagus help in skin rejuvenation.

There are also certain foods which one must avoid due to their adverse effects on the skin. Alcohol, artificially sweetened drinks, coffee and sugary foods serve to deplete the water content in the skin cells. Fried and fatty foods add free radicals to the body which hampers the effects of important antioxidants. A diet that promotes good skin health will also serve to promote good health of the organs and bones, and will help to prevent illness and disease.