“My skin is becoming increasingly dry despite the fact that I use plenty of moisturiser daily. I also make sure I drink plenty of water. I am 45 years of age and wondered if you had any suggestions?”
Clinical Nutritionist Suzie Sawyer provides the answer.
I completely understand your frustration! Moisture loss from the skin may be more noticeable as we get older, partly because we lose collagen which helps to hold onto the water.
I don’t have the details of your diet, but I would certainly recommend you increase your intake of the omega 3 essential fats. They are called essential because they can not be made in the body, and they fulfil so many important functions.
Omega-3s form part of our cellular structure and help to maintain the correct balance of water within the body. This is, in turn, is reflected in the texture of the skin. You should certainly be including some omega 3’s in your diet on a daily basis.
The best source of omega-3 fat is oily fish; this includes salmon, mackerel, and sardines, with a lesser amount in tuna. Nuts (particularly walnuts and almonds) and seeds (especially pumpkin seeds), also contain good amounts if you don’t like fish. Flaxseeds, which can easily be sprinkled onto porridge or cereal, are an excellent vegetarian source of omega 3’s plus they provide plenty of fibre, which helps to keep the bowels moving effectively.
Finally, I would certainly recommend taking either a fish oil or flax oil supplement in addition, especially as your skin seems to be particularly dry at the moment.
