Letting your body become dehydrated is one of the fastest ways to get dry skin and this can be further exacerbated by the current heatwave in Malaysia. These conditions occur because the skin contains around 30 percent water, which contributes to its plumpness, elasticity, and resiliency. Well-hydrated skin can help promote healthy-looking skin.
There are many different ways to ensure your skin is well hydrated, such as using the right skincare products for your skin type and consuming foods that support skin health. If your skin looks dry, flaky, or irritated, it may be time to take a moment to evaluate your hydration and eating habits.
Every day, make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of fluids. Apart from water, this can also include beverages such as 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:
1. Watermelon
Watermelon is a fruit high in water content (more than 90 percent) and has 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 year-round as a snack or blend it with other ingredients for a delicious, refreshing smoothie.
2. Orange
Fruits come in a variety of flavours, like sweet or sour, and they also have different textures. Oranges are always good to have on your grocery list or your fruit bowl at home. Like watermelons, they contain a lot of water (80-89 percent) as well as vitamin C. You can take oranges anywhere and even peel them without a knife.
3. 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 percent) and carrots and broccoli (80-89 percent). Try incorporating these into your everyday meals.
4. Yogurts
Has it ever crossed your mind that in addition to supporting your digestive health, yogurt also contributes to your fluid intake? One portion of yogurt contains around 80-89 percent water.
5. 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 percent water. This volume comes from the fermentation process that often includes adding other forms of liquid and seasonings to help maintain or increase its water content.
6. Fruit & Vegetable Salads
Establish a new habit, such as having salads as appetizers or as part of your meals. You can try a fruit salad, vegetable salad, or a combination of both. In addition to improving your appetite, salads that contain fresh fruits and vegetables also contribute to your fluid intake. In fact, lettuce, commonly used in salads, contains more than 90 percent water.
7. Soups
Soup is another appetizer you can add to your meals. A bowl of warm soup before dinner could help ease your digestive system, making it ready to receive the main course.
8. Smoothies & Protein Shakes
Shakes are a great and convenient way to improve your fluid intake. You can customise them depending on your taste. If your favourite fruit is not on this list, you can blend your own ingredients and even add protein powder. Many fruits are not only high in water content, but they also provide fibre. You can even mix it up with local flavours! Known as the king of fruits in Malaysia, Durian contains vitamins C and B and lots of potassium.
