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The 3 Best Superfoods To Hydrate And Moisturize Your Skin
When we think about skin hydration, we immediately think of moisturisers, oils and masks. But we ignore one crucial point: skin also hydrates itself from inside. Here we explore the secrets of lusciously-hydrated luminous skin…
First of all, let's take a trip back to biology class for a moment, for a brief review of the human body. What is the purpose of skin and why is hydration important? The skin is the largest organ in the human body and has a fundamental function: it protects the body from external attacks and limits the loss of water. Without the skin the liquids of our body would evaporate in a few hours.
Water is the most important element of our body, and it is also crucial for our skin. The hydration of the skin is the result of various physiological mechanisms that allow this natural barrier to protect us effectively from solar radiation and air movement, whilst being flexible and allowing us to move our body freely. Dry and hard skin is vulnerable to breaks and tears that may compromise out safety and leave us prone to infection.
But hydrated skin does not only depend on water: the protective film is also composed of a lipid layer. The sebaceous glands, and sweat glands produce a layer of water and fat that protects our skin. This is therefore fundamental to our health, as it protects us from all sorts of external attacks, including bacteria. Dry skin, is unsightly, can be painful, and also harmful to our bodies defences. The main causes of dry skin are:
Environmental factors, such as wind, sun, humidity level
Use of harsh, unnatural cosmetics
Poor internal hydration
The heating of indoor environments in winter and the use of air conditioning systems in summer, and also excessive sun exposure are serious threats to the health and hydration of the skin. To moisturise the skin we should choose to use only natural moisturising products, and natural household products such as washing powders and liquids. But even the most expensive natural cosmetics can not do anything against dry skin, if we do not moisten it from the inside too.
Drinking a lot of water is the first tip for those who suffer from dry skin. First of all hydration starts from a sufficient supply of water. But this is not enough: as we have seen, skin hydration also depends to a great extent on lipids. This is why nutrition is fundamental to the health of the skin. But what should we eat for healthy and hydrated skin? Simple:
Fruits and vegetables, rich in water, vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants
Foods with the correct ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils.
If you do not know where to start, we can recommend the 3 best superfoods for your skin. Practical, extremely versatile, and quick to use, they can simply be added to smoothies or juices. Perfect for those on the go!
Lucuma: this sweet fruit of South America is very rich in beta-carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3 and calcium, but it is also a wonderful source of antioxidants. It has been called "the gold of the Incas", not only for its properties, but also because it is very good and has a low glycemic index.
Chia seeds: if immersed in water, they can absorb 12 times their weight in liquid! This is why athletes from all over the world consume them before the most demanding races, in order to stay hydrated, and for the same reason they were consumed in Mexico thousands of years ago. They are also very rich in Omega-3 and 6, minerals and vitamins.
Hemp: a perfect and complete food! Proteins, vitamins and mineral salts in amazing quantities! But above all, the perfect ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Consuming omega oils in incorrect proportions is one of the first causes of dry skin, inflammation and various health problems. Choose the hemp product that is right for you!
