ANN/THE STAR – Allowing your body to become dehydrated is among the quickest paths to developing dry skin, a concern that is amplified by the prevailing high temperatures in many parts of the world.
This is primarily due to the fact that approximately 30 per cent of our skin comprises water, which is crucial for maintaining its smoothness, flexibility, and strength. Hence, ensuring adequate hydration is vital for maintaining a healthy and vibrant appearance.
There are many different ways to ensure that your skin is well hydrated, eg using the right skincare products for your skin type and consuming foods that support skin health.
So, if your skin looks dry, flaky or irritated, it may be time to evaluate your drinking and eating habits.
Firstly, make sure you drink at least eight glasses of fluids every day.
Apart from water, this can also include beverages such as juices, tea, milk and coffee.
Your skin will also thank you if you eat a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E.
Wondering where to get started?
Here’s a list of water-rich foods you can try this heatwave season:
WATERMELON
Watermelon is a fruit high in water content (more than 90 per cent), and contains minerals and phytochemicals such as lycopene, vitamin C and beta carotene – all of which can support skin health.
In fact, compared to tomatoes, strawberries or guavas, watermelon offers a good amount of antioxidants.
You can enjoy watermelon all year round as a snack, or blend it with other ingredients for a delicious, refreshing smoothie.
ORANGE
Oranges are always good to have on your grocery list or in your fruit bowl at home.
These fruits come in a variety of flavours, like sweet or sour, and also have different textures.
Like watermelons, they contain a lot of water (80-89 per cent), as well as vitamin C.
You can take oranges anywhere and they are convenient to eat on the go.
VEGETABLES
Our parents often tell us to eat our vegetables, but did you know that veggies also contribute to our skin’s health?
Certain vegetables have high water content, such as spinach (90-99 per cent), and carrots and broccoli (80-89 per cent).
Try incorporating these nutritious plants into your everyday meals for both your skin and overall health.
YOGHURT
Has it ever crossed your mind that in addition to supporting your digestive health, yoghurt also contributes to your fluid intake?
One portion of yoghurt contains around 80-89 per cent water.
PICKLES
Pickles are usually seen as a relish to complement a meal and as flavour enhancers.
Did you know that they also contribute to the overall water content of your food?
Pickles contain more than 90 per cent water.
This comes from the fermentation process that often includes adding other forms of liquid and seasonings to help maintain or increase the pickle’s water content.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SALADS
Establish a new habit, such as having salads as appetisers or as a main dish.
You can try a fruit salad, vegetable salad, or a combination of both.
In addition to improving your health, salads that contain fresh fruits and vegetables also contribute to your fluid intake.
In fact, lettuce, commonly used in salads, contains more than 90 per cent water.
SOUPS
Soups are another appetiser you can add to your meals.
A bowl of warm soup before dinner can help ease your digestive system, making it ready to receive the main course. – Aria Novitasari
