Oatmeal baths, applying mineral oil, applying coconut oil, and aloe vera gel are simple, natural remedies to help reduce dry skin.
Cosmetics only work on the skin, but the aging process takes place at a deeper cellular level. A healthy diet can improve skin health from the inside out.
Choose foods that are good for your skin
Avoid foods that provide lots of sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Instead, prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
Mango Contains compounds with antioxidant properties that protect skin components such as collagen.
Tomato Helps prevent skin cancer. Lycopene is the pigment that creates the deep red color of tomatoes, and helps protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. A 2017 US study on mice showed that eating tomatoes daily reduced the development of skin cancer by up to 50% after exposure to UV rays.
Olive oil Has the ability to reduce the risk of skin aging including wrinkles, dark spots, and discoloration due to long-term exposure to sunlight.
Dark chocolate Contains cocoa flavanols, which can improve skin structure and function. Scientists discovered that cocoa flavanols reduce roughness and peeling on the skin, increase moisture as well as support the skin’s defense against the harmful effects of UV rays.
Green tea brings many benefits to the skin. Compounds found in green tea are polyphenols that help rejuvenate skin cells, contributing to the healing of wounds or certain skin conditions.
Green tea is considered a potential treatment aid for psoriasis and dandruff. Dry, flaky, red patches of skin often appear due to inflammation and overproduction of skin cells. Green tea can slow down the production of skin cells as well as inhibit inflammation.
Kale is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. They have the ability to protect the skin from damage caused by light, especially from UV rays.
Omega-3 found in fatty fish, walnuts and pumpkin seeds or oils such as flaxseed oil can prevent dry and flaky skin.
Soybeans Improve wrinkles and crow’s feet in the corners of menopausal women’s eyes.
Besides eating and drinking, people should use sunscreen with an SPF index of at least 30, avoid going outdoors between 10am and 4pm, and wear clothes that cover the skin and a wide-brimmed hat when exposed to sunlight.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which helps prevent skin cancer. Image: May Cat
Control calories
A 2017 study in Brazil on mice demonstrated that reducing calorie intake slows down the aging process of cells. Cutting calories causes the cell’s protein synthesis unit (ribosome) and the aging process to slow down. This not only reduces ribosome production but also gives them time to repair themselves and maintain the functioning of the entire body.
Limit alcohol
Cutting back on alcohol can limit your risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. American researchers in 2017 found that for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day, the risk of basal cell carcinoma increased by 7% and the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma increased by 11%.
Alcohol can also cause or worsen existing skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, and skin infections. Instead, you should drink lots of water because your body needs enough water to maintain health and help your skin function better.