Moisture is what gives the skin its healthful glow. Without proper moisturizing care, the skin will lose some of its important abilities such as elasticity, and self-healing. Whether or not you have dry, oily or even combination skin, you are still susceptible to dehydration.
Skin moisture is regulated in the topmost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum. This layer of the epidermis acts as barrier and controls the process by which the skin sheds dead cells and replaces them with new ones.
The key to keeping this layer of the skin well-hydrated. Normally, the stratus corneum keeps the skin hydrated with the aid of a group of water-soluble compounds known as the "Natural Moisturizing Factor". NMF works by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere and storing it in the stratum corneum, which is the reason why the skin can remain hydrated at all times.
It is important to note that while NMF helps in retaining moisture in the skin, it’s ability to do so only depends on the amount of moisture available in the epidermis. If the skin is dehydrated as a result of prolonged sun exposure or other medical conditions, the body won’t be able to produce enough NMF to hold moisture in the skin.
Fortunately, there are several ways to maintaining a beautiful and healthy complexion. Drinking lots of water is important but they are also certain types of food you can eat that will aid in hydration of your skin.
Foods That Moisturize the Skin
What you eat and drink have a direct effect on your skin’s complexion. Certain foods are great for preventing wrinkles, acne, and other skin problems. Others, like the following on the list below, can aid in maintaining the health of the stratum corneum and prevent your skin from drying out.
These are:
Avocado - Berries
- Coconut oil
- Grapes
- Kelp
- Lentils
- Mushroom
- Olive oil
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Tea
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
"Skin Dehydrators"
Maintaining beautiful skin is a full-time job. Although skincare products do help, A large part of skin aging and damage stems from your lifestyle and diet. There are certain things you should definitely stay away from, or at least use in moderation, and these are:
Alcohol – The diuretic property of alcohol can send you to the toilet more often than you should. When you’re drinking alcohol, chances are you’re going to urinate a few more times than you usually do, and as a result, your body loses quite a good amount of fluid in a short period of time. So as most alcohol ads say, drink moderately.
Coffee is believed to be diuretic as well, though it’s effects are not as strong as alcohol’s. While coffee has some several health benefits on its own, you don’t want to consume more than four cups a day to keep your skin from losing essential fluid.
The Role of Lipids in The Skin
The term “lipid” covers a very broad scope. In terms of skin health though, lipids are the ones that aid the turnover of cells in the stratum corneum. Skin lipids are moisture binders, which means they can prevent loss of moisture in the skin. This is the main reason why they are very important in improving the skin’s overall health and appearance.
Some of the most essential skin lipids are in the form of vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin A, E, and K, which are mostly found in certain foods. Here are common lipids that help increase skin hydration:
Lecithin is a fatty substance commonly found in egg yolk. It is an emulsifier that joins water and oil in the skin together and takes them to the skin’s surface. It prevents skin dryness, which is one of the reasons for premature aging of the skin, and because of this ability, it is often found as ingredient in most beauty and skin care products.
Linolenic Acid comes in 2 forms: Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Gamma Linolenic Acid in particular, is an omega-6 fatty acid. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and is very effective in reducing skin dryness and itchiness. It is also a natural skin moisturizer, and when applied to the skin in topical form, it can fight the effects of acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Lutein – For years now, Lutein has been a renowned eye antioxidant, but one study suggests that it can also be e preventative means against skin cancer. Researchers found out that Lutein can actually protect the skin from damage that is caused by UV-B light by acting as a filter. Lutein is mostly acquired by eating green, leafy vegetables like spinach, but most skin care products nowadays contain it and can therefore be applied directly to the skin.
Though lack of moisture does not directly cause wrinkles and other signs of skin aging, dry skin can definitely make them appear more obvious, so make sure you drink lots of clear fluids regularly throughout the day (but don’t go overboard with it). Remember, a diet that consists of moisture-retaining properties and the use of skin-moisturizing products on a daily basis will go a long way.
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