What Foods Hydrate the Skin?

Using a moisturizer on your skin is important, but hydrating your skin from the inside out is even more vital to keeping skin healthy and radiant. Drinking plenty of liquids and choosing nutrient- and fluid-rich foods can help you maintain the health not only of your skin but of your entire body.

LIQUIDS

Water is an essential part of a healthy diet and keeps both your body and your skin hydrated. Water needs vary from person to person, but in general, the more calories you burn, the more water you require. An extremely active person or a person who lives in a hot climate might require up to 13 to 17 cups of fluids daily. Although water is the most readily available and inexpensive fluid, many other drinks such as milk, sports drinks, smoothies and juices can also provide you with hydration.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 fatty acids have a number of health benefits and are required for healthy skin as well as healthy blood pressure and the prevention of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. If a person is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, he is likely to suffer from dry skin as well as other symptoms such as fatigue and heart symptoms. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, lake trout and sardines.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Certain fruits and vegetables provide nearly as much hydration to the skin and the rest of the body as a fluid. These fruits and vegetables also have the advantage of providing high amounts of nutrition along with hydration. A serving of watermelon or strawberries contains over 90 percent water content, while apples, oranges and grapes contain over 80 percent water. Vegetables high in water content include lettuce, collard greens, spinach, celery, carrots and the Chinese vegetable bok choy.

OTHER HYDRATING FOODS

Look for foods that have a high moisture content in order to help keep your system hydrated and your skin supple and moist. Soup, particularly one that contains little or no sodium, is an excellent menu choice if you are trying to maintain hydration. Salmon, chicken breast, pasta and beans all contain over 60 percent moisture. Dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt and ice cream also help keep you hydrated.