How to Hydrate Your Skin From Inside Out

It’s no secret that high quality exfoliants, serums and moisturizers are essential in keeping your skin nourished, moisturized and dewy. However, there’s only so much a multi-step skincare regimen can do. A huge part of having skin that glows from within actually comes from, you guessed it, within. 

The foods you eat, the drinks you drink, and the vitamins you take serve as the tiebreaker between supple, deeply hydrated skin and skin that always feels dry no matter how much moisturizer you slather on. By adding these simple yet effective steps to your daily regimen, watch how your skin will transform from dry and alright, to juicy and hydrated in just about 2 weeks.

1. Healthy fats and protein 

By far the most important element of healthy skin regardless of age or skin type is consuming plenty of healthy fats. Incorporating foods like avocados, cheese and chocolate (yes, chocolate) to your diet helps your body build healthy skin cells. If you’re feeling bold, take 2 tablespoons of olive oil straight up daily, but you can always just toss it in a salad and call it a day. 

2. Fish oil supplements

Speaking of good fatty acids, Omega3 is incredible for overall health (think heart, brain, etc) but it’s also amazing at softening dry, rough skin from the inside out. Our favorites are OmegaWell by Live Conscious, Fish Oil by Natures Bounty or Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals, but you can pick up any 500-1000 mg Omega3 bottle at your favorite drug store. 

3. Nuts and seeds

Packed with zinc, copper, and vitamin A, C and E, nuts like almonds, pistachios, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are incredible at taking care of your skin from the inside. Incorporate them in your smoothies, have them as a snack throughout the day or slap almond butter on your toast.

4. Drink water!

I’m sure you know this, but we’re not talking about a glass of water. For every pound you weigh, you should be drinking one ounce of water. You may be reading that and thinking, are they trying to drown me? Short answer, not exactly. Long answer is that our skin is 64% water and a good moisturizer can only carry so much. Staying hydrated by drinking the water that your skin lacks is pivotal to warding off dry skin. 

5. Bone Broth 

Miss Kylie Jenner may have popularized this a few years ago, with good reason. Bone broth is abundant in collagen, helping boost your skin's elasticity, helping to retain moisture while fighting off fine lines and wrinkles. Store bought is fine, but if you’re feeling fabulous just make some at home. Drinking 8-16 ounces per day will do the trick and yes, it counts towards your water intake for the day. 

6. Vitamins

Supplements like Vitamin D calm skin redness and irritability, while also reducing acne. Vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant that helps prevent and repair dry skin, while Vitamin E helps your skin’s natural production of oil. Overall, having good multivitamins as part of your daily regimen is so important for the health of your skin, hair and nails.   

7. Eat plenty of vegetables and berries

Antioxidants are key to healthy skin! Fresh veggies and berries are packed with hydrating ingredients that can help with overall water retention while also providing anti-aging benefits. You can definitely add antioxidant rich supplements to your daily routine (like the vitamins we mentioned above), but try consuming food that is rich in vitamins like carrots, kale, spinach, strawberries and sweet potatoes for overall cleaner, more hydrated skin.

8. Avoid coffee and alcohol

Bummer, we know. Because both coffee and alcohol are very dehydrating, moderation is the key. When you do drink caffeine or alcohol, match each ounce with 2 ounces of water.