he brisk fall and winter air may add a twinkle to the eye and a blush to the cheek, but it also can rob the skin of essential moisture. And the constant switching back and forth from overheated, dry indoor air to the cold outdoors exacerbates the loss. Topical creams and lotions may help temporarily ease dryness, but it’s better to supplement them with preventative measures to guard against total moisture depletion.

	The tremella mushroom, used in Chinese cuisine, is said to hold properties that help the skin retain moisture.

Drink Water

To begin, remember to stay hydrated. In colder weather we often forget to drink the recommended eight glasses of water. Remind yourself that it’s just as necessary to keep well-hydrated in the winter as it is in the summer.

Foods that Dry Out Skin

Avoid highly process foods, sugar, alcohol, foods containing yeast (including beer) and carbonated beverages. Excessive yeast encourages fungus growth that causes dandruff. Sugar and alcohol tends to dry out your skin and leaving it looking, haggard, dull, and lifeless.

Foods that Hydrate Skin

Fresh Produce

Keep a lot of fruits and vegetables on your grocery list. The high fiber content will aid in making the skin appear dewy, plump, and fresh-looking. Look for foods rich in B-vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids (also 6 and 9), and foods rich in zinc. They keep cells healthy by letting in nutrients and keeping harmful substances out. Good sources to start with are eggs, fish (such as salmon), bananas, flax seed, nuts, and avocado. Other foods that assist hydration are blueberries, carrots, spinach, and green tea.

Tremella Mushrooms

The tremella mushroom, used in Chinese cuisine, is said to hold properties that help the skin retain moisture. Try adding tremella mushrooms to your diet or take them in supplement form. If you need an extra nutritional boost, consider taking a general multivitamin geared to provide nutrients that contribute to the appearance of radiant skin. Taking a vitamin E supplement may help as well.

Coconut Water and Whole Fats

Kim Pfabe, facialist and owner of Sugarcane in San Francisco, sees a multitude of skin problems on a daily basis. When asked about the issue of keeping skin moist and supple, she said, “The first thing that comes to mind when combating dry skin is coconut water, also known as coconut juice. This beverage hydrates almost better than water. A few years back, a couple of clients that work as personal trainers started drinking coconut water. When they would come back in for their regular appointments, the level of hydration in their skin had vastly improved”. Ms. Pfabe also recommends cooking with a variety of oils comprised of healthy whole fats, such as grape seed, olive oil, hazelnut, hempseed, and coconut.

Humidify your Environment

Altering your environment by using a humidifier can also help. The moisture it adds to the air will help maintain skin hydration as well as that of the throat, nose, eyes, and respiratory system. Begin using it as soon as it starts getting cold outside, and adjust the level to what would be most appropriate for your environment and your comfort.

Hydrate with a Workout

Finally, don’t forget the benefits of working up a sweat. Getting regular exercise such as Yoga or your choice of cardio generates a radiant heat that stimulates a flow of healthy, cleansing sweat. It improves circulation and gives a glow to the surface of the skin that no product can.