5 Eating and Drinking Habits That May Cause Dry Skin

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Dry skin is a common skin condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Eating and drinking habits can also play a role in the development of dry skin. In this article, we will discuss five eating and drinking habits that may contribute to dry skin. We will also provide tips on how to improve your eating and drinking habits to help reduce the risk of developing dry skin.

5 Eating and Drinking Habits That May Cause Dry Skin

Dry skin can be a real nuisance, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes of dry skin is poor eating and drinking habits. Here are five eating and drinking habits that may be contributing to your dry skin.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to make sure you are drinking enough water. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause your skin to become dry and flaky. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.

2. Eating Too Much Sugar

Eating too much sugar can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. Sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to dry skin. Try to limit your sugar intake and opt for healthier alternatives such as fruits and vegetables.

3. Eating Too Much Salt

Eating too much salt can also cause your skin to become dry and irritated. Salt can cause your body to retain water, which can lead to dehydration. Try to limit your salt intake and opt for healthier alternatives such as herbs and spices.

4. Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can also cause your skin to become dry and irritated. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry skin. Try to limit your alcohol intake and opt for healthier alternatives such as water or herbal teas.

5. Eating Too Much Processed Food

Eating too much processed food can also cause your skin to become dry and irritated. Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can all contribute to dry skin. Try to limit your processed food intake and opt for healthier alternatives such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

By making a few simple changes to your eating and drinking habits, you can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Try to drink plenty of water, limit your sugar and salt intake, and opt for healthier alternatives such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Your skin will thank you!

Experiencing dry skin can certainly be frustrating and uncomfortable, thanks to the itchiness and flaking that may occur as a result. And during the winter months, when the air becomes more dry and cold, dry skin can become an issue for many.

There are many solutions people lean on that offer some help in the dry skin department, including applying moisturizer on the skin, using a humidifier in the home, and avoiding extremely hot baths and showers. But what we put in our bodies may affect how our skin as well, especially during the chillier months. Our dietary choices may have a profound effect on how our body retains moisture, at least according to some medical literature.

If you are experiencing dry skin, here are five eating and drinking habits that might be causing or exacerbating your condition.

woman taking glass of water from nightstand
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The concept is quite simple to understand: If your body is not adequately hydrated, your skin may appear dry as a result. Dehydration can be linked to dry skin, essentially because the body does not have enough fluid.

“It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This not only is important for your cells to function at optimal levels, it’s also important for skin hydration,” shares Sarah Allen, MD, dermatologist and founder of the Skin Clique.

RELATED: Here’s What Happens to Your Body When You Drink a Gallon of Water Every Day

eating salmon
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It is recommended to eat approximately 8 ounces of fish every week. Fish, particularly cold-water oily fish, contain DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, or a variety of “healthy fats” that may support factors like cardiovascular, visual, and mental health.

And although more well-designed, human-based clinical trials are needed, some data suggests that the skin barrier can be influenced by these omega-3 fatty acids, with suppressive effects on the scratching behavior induced by dry skin.

woman drinking wine alcohol at home
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Having an occasional glass of wine or a mug of beer likely won’t have a huge effect on your skin integrity. But drinking too much alcohol can have dehydrating effects on the body, which may play into a person’s risk of experiencing dry skin.

If you are in the mood for a cocktail, try a mocktail instead for an enjoyable beverage without the booze.

person eating two eggs off a white plate
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The yolk of the egg is a nutritional powerhouse, containing a slew of key nutrients including vitamin D. Some data suggests that low vitamin D levels may be linked to skin hydration status, highlighting how eating foods with vitamin D can be so beneficial. A recent science advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA) indicates that “healthy individuals can include up to a whole egg or equivalent daily” as part of a heart-healthy dietary pattern.

Not a fan of egg yolks? You can also get vitamin D in your diet by eating salmon, mushrooms that are exposed to UV light, and fortified 100% orange juice.

RELATED: 6 Juices With the Lowest-Quality Ingredients

collagen pills and powder on gold spoons pink background
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Collagen is a hot ingredient in supplements, snacks, and even drinks to support skin health. And while some claims surrounding this addition may be questionable, the link between collagen intake and skin dryness may actually have some truth to it. Studies using collagen tripeptide showed notable improvement in skin elasticity and hydration, suggesting that this addition may help those with dry skin. While this remedy won’t work for everyone, and data is still sparse, trying it out comes with very little risk and it may help.

Allen added that if a person has “a well-balanced diet, they do not need collagen supplements. Beef, chicken with skin, and broth (chicken, pork, and beef) are great sources of collagen and they are perfect for winter!”

Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC

Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, book author, and recipe developer who has been in practice for almost 20 years. Read more about Lauren

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