5 Hydrating Power Foods For Youthful Skin

Youthful skin starts with hydration. Even though the skin is the biggest organ in the body, it is also the last organ to receive water and essential nutrients. Dehydrated skin can easily become wrinkled and loose. Even though stress, sleep, food and hormones all impact our skin, a good hydration routine can help keep you glowing even on those down days.

So, where do we start if we want to replenish our body’s for youthful skin?

Electrolytes

Some fruits and vegetables are as hydrating as water, if not more. Water-rich fruits and vegetables provide the natural sugars, amino acids and vitamins that are often lost during exercise. They are also high in essential electrolyte minerals sodium, magnesium, potassium and chloride, often found in sports drinks.

Electrolytes have the job of conducting electrical messages in our cells, and nervous system, keeping our heart and muscles healthy, and sustaining firm supple skin. They also help deliver nutrients into your cells and help them eliminate waste ensuring healthy skin. Below 5 electrolyte filled foods to keep hydrated and youthful skin:

1) Coconut

Until recently, coconuts were avoided, they had the false reputation of being fattening. Thankfully, the coconut has now redeemed itself in the world of nutrition, even claiming its place as a superfood. Not only does this giant nut/fruit have a broad selection of nutritious attributes, it is actually considered to be a complete food. Coconut water is filled with a high concentration of electrolytes, making it the perfect hydration drink. In fact, in medical emergencies, it is the only safe alternative intravenous option to a saline drip. This delicious drink contains B vitamins and lots of essential vitamin C for healthy collagen production. (1)

2) Berries

These delicious morsels of tanginess are almost entirely made up of some of the most potent antioxidant, such as anthocyanins and anthocyanadins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. (2)

The extremely high concentration of vitamin C also helps with the formation of collagen to reduce wrinkles and increase hydration.

3) Cucumber

A simple watery fruit, which holds an almost ideal level of calcium and magnesium, along with potassium, sodium and other minerals. Thought to be twice as hydrating as the equal quantity of water, cucumber is filled with silica, an ingredient that boosts moisture and elasticity. (3) 

Its flesh is full of vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling.

4) Watermelon

Watermelon also contains lycopene, a potent phytonutrient that protects the skin from UV damage. It is filled with electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well a small amount of calcium. Watermelon also has a good dose of beta-carotene and vitamin C, which prevent loss of excess water keeping the skin soft and smooth. (4)

5) Aloe Vera

The aloe may be a common roadside sight in South Africa, but it doesn’t make this simple cactus any less of an asset to your anti-aging routine. Whether you include it in a fresh drink or use it directly on your skin, aloe has multiple nourishing and hydrating qualities. Healthy cell activity can only happen in an alkaline environment and aloe can provide that better than most foods. (5)

This plant contains a good range of nutrients including vitamin A, all the Bs, C, E and 20 amino acids. Its natural acids can gently dissolve dead skin cells and prevent oxidative damage; hydrating the skin and accelerating skin repair. Aloe vera gel has been reported to have a protective effect against UV damage to the skin.

Beauty from the inside, out

With environmental damage, stress and refined foods, our skin is vulnerable to signs of aging. Eating hydrating cuisine provides the nourishment our skin needs to regenerate and strengthen. At the same time finding a supportive skincare routine is also essential. Today top quality beauty products are focused on supporting the skin’s natural ability to adapt to stressors, as well as replacing lost moisture and nutrients. Hydrating from the inside and out is a surefire way to cultivate a healthy glowing complexion.