In summers, dehydration of body is often common and is caused because of reasons such as insufficient intake of water or spending too much time outdoors under the sun. Dehydrated body leads to dehydrated skin which looks dull and dry. Few foods can help to keep skin hydrated and nourished during hot weather.

Nourishment is an important part of skin hydration. Your skin acts as a water-proof barrier, keeping your body fluids in and environmental factors out. It plays a role in regulating your water balance because your skin releases water through evaporation and in the form of sweat, reducing your hydration levels. Vitamin A and C rich foods help keep your skin strong, healthy and water-loaded foods help avoid dehydration of skin. These warm weather staples keep your skin supple and looking great.

So, here are few simple ways to make the most of all that H2O your thirsty skin requires. Well, start by eating following foods

Watermelon: Watermelon constitutes only six percent sugar and 92 percent water. Full of vitamins such as, vitamins A, B6 and C, watermelon is also packed with lycopene and amino acids, all combining to contribute towards healthy skin. Eating such a water loaded food regularly can help with skin hydration from deep inside keeping it looking soft, supple and refreshed.

Cucumber: Eating cucumber regularly in salads or as snacks will keep you and your skin fully hydrated and rejuvenated. Since cucumber is water based and contains good detoxifying agents, it flushes out toxins from your body. This makes your skin smoother and more glowing. The flesh of this fruit contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which helps to keep skin radiant even during summer season. It is one of the best coolants and helps in relieving water retention as well. High in minerals and vitamins, it improves your skin, leaving it revitalised.

Papaya: Being a good source of vitamin A and papain, this fruit nourishes the skin and keeps it hydrated with its low sodium quality and high-water content. Eating papaya regularly gives you a charming, nurtured and blooming skin. Papaya is also a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, magnesium and potassium. The enzymes in papaya can assist in treating dry and flaky skin and hydrate it well. Papaya can be a boon for those suffering from dehydrated skin.

Coconut water: It is not only the best natural thirst-quencher in summer but it is also packed with skin-friendly benefits. A well hydrating body is reflected by glowing skin. The presence of potassium in coconut water helps with hydration balance for the fluids and electrolytes in your body. It naturally nourishes the skin and works like magic as a delicious source of body and skin hydration.

Lemon water: Drink two glasses of lemon water daily and spike your hydration levels as well as balance out your pH levels during summers. Loaded with the goodness of vitamin C, lemon water can truly be the saviour when it comes to draining skin under the searing sun. Lemon water provides 90 percent more electrolytes than plain water, therefore keep you and your skin well hydrated sipping it regularly.

These fresh fruits and real drinks are extra hydrating and are full of antioxidants that help in detoxifying the blood. Detoxification of blood helps the skin to look more radiant and healthier.

Staying hydrated plays a pivotal role in your skin health because it makes up the base of your body fluids, including your blood, saliva and sweat. Women and men need a total of eight to 12 glasses of water daily respectively. Approximately one-fifth of this fluid comes from the foods you eat including water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Give these foods a try and provide your skin with a new lease of life.

Copyright: The Statesman/Asia News Network (ANN)