We all know how critical it is to stay hydrated. With our bodies being nearly 60 percent water, nearly every part of our daily processes involve an optimal level of water. That includes our skin. While how much drinking water has to do with your skin is still up for debate, it’s no secret that dehydrated skin is dull, tight and just uncomfortable. If you’re looking to increase your daily hydration goals, just check out these incredibly hydrating foods for glowing skin.
Does Eating Hydrating Foods For Glowing Skin Work?
Short answer: kind of.
First, it’s important to understand the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. “Dry skin is a skin condition, a skin type that can’t be changed,” explains Omaha, NE dermatologist David Schlessinger, MD. “Dehydrated skin is a temporary state where skin lacks water content.”
Drinking water isn’t necessarily a cure for dehydrated skin, but it is a factor. “If you’re not drinking enough water, you definitely should be,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “That can contribute to a state of dehydrated skin.”
Alongside being hydrated, solving dehydrated skin for a boost in glow needs a fully intact skin barrier, which is responsible for keeping all that good water in. Staying moisturized and keeping inflammation down will also help keep skin hydrated and glowing.
Healthy You, Healthy Skin
According to UCLA Health, a key sign of dehydration is dull skin. While that doesn’t mean drinking water is your skin’s instant cure, it’s clear that there is a relationship between your overall health and hydration, and the appearance of your skin.
“That said, water intake from certain foods and drinking water is beneficial for your overall health, including healthier skin,” explains a medically reviewed post on Curology. “So, what you put into your body can affect its outward appearance.”
Because water intake is so important, it can feel a bit daunting to get all your daily hydration. The good news is we get about 20-percent of our daily water content from the food we eat, and upping your intake of foods with a lot of water (fruits and veggies), doesn’t just increase your overall hydration. These foods are also packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
The Top Hydrating Foods for Glowing Skin
- Cucumber: 96% water, cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food and contain vitamin K, key for bone health.
- Iceberg Lettuce: 96% water, iceberg lettuce may get a reputation for not being as nutrition-rich as dark leafy veggies, but it’s still packed with vitamins A and K.
- Celery: 95% water, celery is also a great source of fiber.
- Radishes: 95% water, radishes are high in fiber and flavor but low on calories.
- Tomato: 94% water, the tomato has the highest water content of any fruit and contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Zucchini: 94% water, zucchini and summer squashes are high in vitamin A and antioxidants.
- Bell Peppers: 92% water, green bell peppers also contain a ton of vitamin C, providing 317% of your daily needs in just one cup (149 grams).
- Asparagus: 92% water, asparagus is known for its gut health benefits and high vitamin K.
- Watermelon: 92% water, watermelons are high in vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium.
- Spinach: 92% water, spinach is a powerhouse of hydration, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium.
- Strawberries: 90% water, strawberries get almost all of their weight from their water content and contain powerful antioxidants.
- Peaches: 88% water, peaches are nutrient-rich and contain potassium and vitamins A, B and C.
