Hydration is a crucial factor of soft, radiant and
ageless skin. Read on to what external and internal aspects influence your
level of hydration.
Summer season, hot temperatures, adventurous holidays… As the days slowly
heat up, we start unpacking our summer clothes and joyously wearing cute little
dresses, looking forward to holidays and bathing in the open sea.
However, this is also the time when our skin is profoundly affected by the weather, as we tend
to neglect it while we are having fun in the sun. The risk of skin damage is high, so it’s essential to focus on
better skin care in the summer months.
Skin & Hydration
The skin is the largest human organ and it’s made
up of billions of cells. Taking into account that the percentage of water
varies with age and gender, the average amount of water in
our body amounts to 50-75%. Therefore, skin cells depend heavily on
water, which makes up most of their overall volume.
Thanks to those cells, our skin tries to maintain
balance through the natural moisturizing factor they provide. So it’s safe to
say water is the crucial factor of soft, radiant and ageless skin, whereas the
lack of hydration leads to skin disorders and other skin-related issues
affecting every skin type.
While drinking 2 liters (8-9 cups) of water per day is the best way to keep
our skin and the rest of the body healthy, there are still some other external
and internal aspects influencing our level of hydration, including:
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Humidity
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High temperatures
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UV radiation
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Genetics
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Age
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Hormones
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Harsh skin cleansing approaches and strong product ingredients
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Greasy and unhealthy food
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Smoking, drinking, other forms of substance abuse
Common symptoms of skin dehydration involve a tight and rough feeling of
the skin, as well as redness, rashes, decreased elasticity, peeling, itching,
etc. This especially goes for the oily skin type, since it is in greater danger
of dehydration, due to intense sebum production each time the gland senses a
bit of a water imbalance.
That being said, the easiest, yet the best way to avoid these symptoms and
ensure that the skin cells are working properly, is to turn to nature for a
healthy helping hand.
Summer Foods for Skin Care
From sunburns to dehydration, the skin is a delicate organ that requires
our full attention. Luckily, there is a way to keep it in check with a few
simple, yet delicious summer foods. Say goodbye to dull and dry skin prone to
irritations and take advantage of rich hydrating natural foods.
Smiling Watermelon
This symbol of summer is about 92 percent water. Despite containing 6
percent sugar, which makes it so delicious, the watermelon is a perfect
hydrating tool for a hot summer adventure and a healthy treat rich in Vitamin
C. This antioxidant has a significant role in collagen synthesis and overall
body detoxification. So, enjoy this fruit on every occasion, as it can
certainly support your skin function and provide some balance.
What about Cucumber?
Although it contains the healing powers of Vitamin
C as well, the flesh is mainly composed of water. Actually, it has a water
content of 96.7 percent to be precise, which is the highest percentage of water in
any solid food.
In addition, this summer veggie raises the stakes with caffeic acid, which
combined with vitamin C helps to soothe the skin, reduce inflammations and
protect the body from a variety of issues.
Furthermore, cucumbers are excellent in reducing swellings and sun burns,
as they cool off sore spots and nourish injuries. So now you know what to use if
by any chance you experience the consequences of the prolonged sun exposure.
And you can always slice it up and make a salad or mix it with yogurt or plain
water for better hydration.
Eggplant is More Than a Fun Emoji
Did you know that centuries ago eggplant was considered to be a dangerous
plant due to its color? If they could only know how wrong they were, as the
eggplant has multiple medicinal properties used in many remedies. Apart from
lowering cholesterol, alleviating pains, stimulating circulation, and
maintaining cardiovascular functions, it also provides help to those struggling
with excessive weight.
The eggplant comes in a range of colors, with a
water content of 92% mixed with nasunin, which improves blood flow, and enough
fibers to fulfill the body’s and skin’s natural requirements. Not only does
this vegetable keep the skin hydrated, it also offers potassium, Vitamin C,
Vitamin B6, and high amounts of chlorogenic acids, making this plant the most influential free radical scavenger.
Can a single plant be low in calories and rich with anti-aging and
anti-fatty properties? Yes, something so unbelievable exists and it’s within
your reach. Just be on the lookout next time you go on a market shopping spree.
Celery is Not Icky, it’s Healthy
Being 95.4% water, celery is also low in calories. It is a natural
neutralizer for stomach acid and a remedy for stubborn heartburns. However,
when it comes to the skin, celery provides Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and of course,
the Vitamin C among others, a dominant trio that, besides protecting the skin
from free radicals, also nourishes and moisturizes, basically pampers the skin.
It’s highly beneficial for the oily skin type, as it can reduce the amount
of oil, but in general, every skin type can benefit from the calming and
stimulating effects that celery offers us.
You Say Tomato I Say Tomato
The juicy, mouthwatering king of salads and sandwiches is also an ideal
summer hydrating fruit which contains 94% water. Empowered by potassium,
abundant in vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex, folates, niacin and other
antioxidants, with the addition of minerals, nutrients, calcium, and even some
proteins, this powerhouse helps balance out our bodily functions.
Concerning skin care, a portion of this red treat takes such good care of
our skin that it open pores, prevents the signs of aging, protects from UV
radiation like a natural sunscreen, prevents cellular damage, lightens up the
skin tone, removes dead cells, soothes the skin and gives it a beautiful glow.
Tomatoes are a brilliant choice for the combination skin type, as they
cleanse the complexion. The other types can benefit as well, due to its
antiseptic and moisturizing properties.
It’s Time for a Pineapple Attack
To cover the basics, 87% of the pineapple’s body is made of water, while
one also gets a healthy volume of Vitamins A, C, D, B-12, B-6, Iron, Magnesium,
Calcium, Potassium, and a bit of protein.
Whether you eat or drink it, this exotic fruit has the ability to clear up
and keep your skin away from acne, wrinkles, and infuriating pimples.
Similarly, a pineapple gets rids of blemishes, warts, and black spots, granting
you a radiant and pure complexion.
The number of advantages it provides can’t be stressed enough, especially
for sensitive and skin that’s prone to irritations. Pineapple consumption
reduces the threats of inflammation and squashes bacterial or fungal
infections. Thus, get a head start this summer and feast on this fountain of
youth that will give you gorgeous looking skin.
Did Someone Say Berries?
A fresh pack of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries is
always a delicious treat. But these little gems are also famous for their
immunity-boosting and toxin-repellant properties. From 91% to 92% water,
berries delay the aging process, while holding the key to better skin. And how?
Well, if your body is in fairly healthy, your skin will be as well, and
these little free radical fighters are packed with antioxidants that help you
maintain that youthful look. What can they do for your skin? You name it! They
will clear dark spots, age spots, and dryness.
Problems with acne? Not anymore, as they can assist you in attaining a
blemish-free skin. They are Mother Nature’s moisturizers that will hydrate and
clear your skin throughout the whole summer season.
Cruciferous Vegetable Overview
What do cruciferous vegetables stand for? They
stand for a better skin and body via use of kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.
While containing over 90% water, they also wash off free radicals and serve
as cancer prevention tools.
The sulforaphane in broccoli increases the skin’s ability to protect itself
from cancer, whereas all of the cruciferous vegetables reduce oxidative stress.
As they are jam-packed with nutrients, they have a positive effect on the
complexion and skin glow.
Although many people don’t enjoy the taste, one bite of these treasures
provides a strong impact on our fragile organism. Therefore, don’t avoid them –
indulge in them as often as you can this year. There are lots of ways in which
you can prepare them to make them taste better, and they’re definitely worth a
try.
When talking about antioxidants and skincare,
there is nothing quite like green, red, yellow, and blue veggies and fruit with
their wonderful ingredients that fight off the free radicals and help us stay
hydrated and wrinkle/fat-free. Embrace salads this summer and focus on
diversity to prevent skin disorders and sun damage.
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