JUARA Skincare
JUARA Skincare

10 Foods to Help Protect and Moisturize Dry Skin

Metta Murdaya -
What To Eat For Dry Skin

If you're experiencing dry skin, you're not alone: Over three-quarters of Americans get dry skin every year. But did you know your diet could help? 

We discuss some of the foods that science has shown can help dry skin, plus some science-backed skincare products to help you build a holistic wellness routine for hydrated, happy skin year-round. 

Key Takeaways

  • Dry skin can be caused by diet, including not drinking enough water or eating too many dehydrating foods.
  • Diet can also support skin health, as certain foods are rich in skin-supporting ingredients like essential fatty acids, collagen, antioxidants, and vitamins C, E, B, A, and D.
  • By combining a healthy diet with high-quality, natural skincare products, you can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. 

See More: Our Holistic Guide to Healthy Winter Skin

How to Avoid Dry Skin

Metta Murdaya, co-founder of JUARA Skincare, says:

"Skincare products aren't the only way to support skin health. A healthy diet packed with skin-supporting nutrients like vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids can help keep skin hydrated and healthy."

Dry skin is more common than you might think. According to research, roughly half of us are dealing with dry skin at any one time. That number rises to over three-quarters among people aged 65 and up, and among all adults during winter.¹

Dry, cold weather can be quite harsh on our skin barrier. It strips away moisture, causing skin dryness. After months of wintry conditions, March is therefore a common time for people to be dealing with dry skin.

March is also National Nutrition Month. Every year for the last half-century, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has promoted the health benefits of a balanced diet and physical activity. Those benefits include healthy skin.²

Of course, the concept of food contributing to skin health is not new. Cultures around the world have adjusted their eating habits for skin health and overall wellness for thousands of years. 

For example, in Indonesia communities have practiced Jamu for centuries. It's an herbal medicine and wellness tradition used to keep the body, mind, and spirit healthy. It also happens to refer to a specific tonic, packed with botanical active ingredients that have been shown in modern scientific studies to have potential for supporting skin hydration.

JUARA uses these traditional wellness principles when developing modern skincare.

person preparing jamu drink skin aging itchy skin cells inflammatory skin diseases aging process

Jamu is "an ancient healing and wellness health tradition," explains JUARA co-founder Metta Murdaya. "It's been around for well over a thousand years — almost 2,000 years — and there's a lot to be learned from it.… Beauty is not only skin deep. It's a whole mind and body situation.… It really is inside-out, outside-in."

Health Benefits of Healthy Skin

As your body's largest organ, your skin is intimately connected with your overall health. A healthy skin barrier helps keep out potentially harmful substances, and helps prevent moisture loss.

Meanwhile, an unhealthy, damaged, or compromised skin barrier is often less effective at both of these purposes. That can lead to dryness, but also irritation and even infection. 

Just as the health of your skin barrier can have implications for your overall health, your overall health can impact your skin barrier. For example, your barrier can be undermined by things like lack of sleep, stress, excessive sun exposure, and an unhealthy diet. 

On the other hand, healthy habits, especially a healthy diet rich in skin-supporting nutrients, can contribute to a healthy and happy skin barrier that functions as intended.

Best Foods for Skin Health

Fortunately, there are plenty of foods rich in these skin-supporting nutrients. 

#1. Green Tea

Research has shown that many types of tea contain powerful ingredients that can support skin health. Black tea, white tea, and green tea are just some of the examples. 

Studies using green tea specifically have found that it can support the skin when used as part of cosmetic products and when consumed.

For example, one scientific review from 2024 noted that green tea is rich in polyphenols. These compounds are powerful antioxidants, which the study noted can help protect skin against free radical damage.³

In another study, women given green tea polyphenols for three months demonstrated multiple skin improvements, including better elasticity and water homeostasis and less roughness and scaliness.

#2. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, like tuna or anchovies, are packed with ingredients that have been shown to help with skin hydration. 

One study found that eating fish oil for two months led to a 30% increase in skin hydration. Research suggests that fatty fish supplements can also help with other skin issues, like acne, wrinkles, and even wound healing.

There are a few different ingredients at play. One is omega-3 fatty acids. These form a key part of our skin barrier, and research shows they can help support skin health in many ways, including moisture.

For example, one 2024 study found that omega-3 supplementation (using krill oil) resulted in a significant improvement in skin moisture content and a significant decrease in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Fatty fish are also rich in collagen, a protein that is crucial for maintaining skin health and elasticity. Research suggests that fish collagen peptides can help boost collagen production and strengthen the skin barrier.

Bonus: Why Your Skin Barrier Matters (And How to Protect It)

#3. Citrus Fruits

person with citrus fruits at market inflammatory skin conditions unhealthy fats high fat diets skins ability younger looking skin

Winter is peak citrus season, and citrus fruits are an excellent way to support dry skin.

Citrus fruits are packed with healthy nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin B. These can help support skin hydration and the overall health of your barrier.¹⁰

For example, one scientific review of seven studies concluded that eating citrus fruits (or extracts) resulted in significant improvements to skin hydration and decreased TEWL.¹¹ 

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, which studies have shown can protect the skin against damage. Remember, a damaged barrier is less effective at retaining moisture, so keeping it effective is crucial for keeping skin hydrated and happy.¹²

#4. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are rich in many different bioactive nutrients. These include beta carotene, a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, and vitamin A, which research suggests can help with many different aspects of skin health.¹³

For example, one scientific review from 2025 concluded that the bioactive ingredients in sweet potatoes can help boost collagen formation, protect skin from oxidative stress (like that caused by UV damage), and improve hydration.¹⁴

#5. Seeds

Several different kinds of seeds are excellent for skin health. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are packed with skin-supporting nutrients, including omega-3s, vitamin E, and zinc.¹⁵

The latter two compounds are powerful topical ingredients, too. Research has shown that vitamin E can noticeably increase the hydration of the skin, while zinc has been shown to help reduce TEWL.¹⁶

#6. Water-Rich Foods

One of the most important, and simplest, ways to keep your skin hydrated is to stay hydrated yourself. Experts generally recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, though that figure varies between individuals.¹⁷

However, drinking water isn't the only way to hydrate. Water-rich foods are, by nature, very hydrating. Eating them can be a great way to stay hydrated while also getting some crucial nutrients, too. 

Plenty of fruits and vegetables are made up of over 90% water. These include cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, watermelon, zucchini, strawberries, lettuce, and broccoli.¹⁸

#7. Dark Chocolate

You might think of chocolate as a tasty treat, but certain kinds of chocolate can be great for health, including skin health.

Chocolates with high concentrations of cacao are often rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, types of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress.¹⁹

#8. Turmeric

person holding turmeric body skin type skin cell growth beta carotene vitamin a reduce inflammation olive oil

Turmeric, or rather its bioactive ingredient curcumin, has been shown to have many potential skin-supporting benefits. Even using turmeric on your face has a host of beauty benefits, whether you use a turmeric eye cream or a turmeric face serum. These benefits have been demonstrated when curcumin is ingested and when it's used topically.²⁰

Curcumin contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help support skin hydration and health.²¹ For example, one 2025 study gave women with a facial blemish daily turmeric extract supplements; from day 15, the supplement "significantly improved skin hydration and gloss while significantly reducing TEWL."²² 

#9. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, essential fatty acids, B vitamins, and copper, essential nutrients that research has shown can support skin health.

For example, one study from 2024 found that supplementation of vitamin B12 and ATP increased the production of hyaluronan synthases (related to hyaluronic acid), which help support skin hydration.²³

In fact, a study from 2025 even found evidence to suggest vitamin B3 can protect against UV damage.²⁴

#10. Almond Butter

Almond butter isn't just delicious. It's rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant with powerful protective functions.²⁵

Products for Dry Skin

As we've mentioned, many of the skin-supporting bioactive ingredients that make these foods so great for skin health are also useful when used topically. 

The only thing better than supporting your skin from the inside is supporting it from the inside and outside. This holistic approach can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy, no matter the weather. 

For example, experts generally agree that a high-quality moisturizer is essential for keeping skin hydrated. JUARA's Sweet Black Tea and Rice Moisturizer contains kombucha, a type of fermented black tea rich in antioxidants, as well as rice bran oil, which is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. 

And if you have particularly oily skin, consider JUARA's Oil-Free Moisturizer, which contains the same powerful kombucha with moisturizing hyaluronic acid. 

Another great way to keep skin hydrated is with natural oils. These oils are often rich in skin-supporting compounds and can help your skin retain moisture. For example, JUARA's Candlenut Glow Body Oil contains candlenut oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, and antioxidant rich passion fruit oil and moringa oleifera. 

"Candlenut is a very light fragrance," JUARA co-founder Metta Murdaya explains in conversation with dermatologist Dr. Arini Widodo. "It's a dry oil with a signature velvety feel.… And the fragrance, it's kind of like a walk on the beach in the morning."

Alternatively, JUARA's Radiance Vitality Oil blends candlenut, passionfruit, macadamia, and avocado oils with stabilized vitamin C to keep skin radiant and dewy. 

person moisturizing face skin type anti inflammatory properties reduce inflammation

Conclusion

Dry skin is common, but it doesn't have to be. With the right diet and skincare, you can keep your skin happy, hydrated, and healthy. 

Certain foods contain powerful skin-supporting ingredients, like essential fatty acids, collagen, and antioxidants. Research has shown that consuming foods rich in these ingredients can both improve dry skin and help prevent dry skin. Some of these ingredients are also effective when used topically. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Am I Lacking if My Skin Is So Dry?

Dry skin can be caused by many different things. Sometimes it can be caused by simple dehydration; you might not be drinking enough water. Deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and niacin can also cause dry skin.²⁶

What Foods Should I Avoid for Dry Skin?

Try to avoid foods and drinks that contribute to dehydration. Sugary foods, processed foods high in salt, alcohol, and caffeine can all be dehydrating.²⁷

Some people find that dairy products have a negative impact on their skin.²⁸  But these products are also often rich in vitamin D, which has been shown in scientific studies to support skin health.²⁹ If you're unsure, consider opting for a dairy-free alternative that's still rich in vitamin D, like fortified plant milks. 

What Heals Dry Skin the Fastest?

Two things help repair dry skin: diet and skincare products. Make sure you're getting enough hydration and eating a balanced, healthy diet full of skin-supporting essential nutrients. And use a high-quality moisturizer within three minutes of washing to lock in moisture. 

Keep Reading: What Does Your Skin Say About Your Health?

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Sources

  1. Prevalence and Increase over Time of Twelve Self-reported Skin Symptoms: Data from Two Representative Samples from 1998 and 2015 - PMC , What to do about dry skin in winter , Survey Reveals Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans' Top Winter Troubles
  2. National Nutrition Month®
  3. Green Tea Catechins and Skin Health
  4. Green Tea Polyphenols Provide Photoprotection, Increase Microcirculation, and Modulate Skin Properties of Women - ScienceDirect
  5. Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil’s Fatty Acids on the Skin - PMC
  6. Effects of a single application of hydrolyzed fish collagen on dermal protein expression and tissue architecture in human skin models | Scientific Reports
  7. Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Skin Diseases - PMC
  8. Krill oil supplementation improves transepidermal water loss, hydration and elasticity of the skin in healthy adults: Results from two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding pilot studies - Handeland - 2024 - Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology - Wiley Online Library
  9. Effects of fish collagen peptides and probiotics on skin health and their potential synergistic interactions: A comprehensive review - ScienceDirect
  10. THE BENEFITS OF CITRUS FOR YOUR SKIN & MOOD – Pevonia UK
  11. Effects of oral intake fruit or fruit extract on skin aging in healthy adults: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC
  12. Antioxidant Compounds and Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits - PMC
  13. The Benefits — and Limits — of Vitamin A for Your Skin
  14. Unveiling the Role of Sweet Potato Root in Skin Health: A New Approach to Collagen Synthesis and Rejuvenation - PMC
  15. 8 nuts and seeds for glowing skin | HealthShots
  16. Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration - PubMed , Zinc Is the Underrated Fix for Acne and Skin Inflammation
  17. How much water should I drink a day? - Harvard Health , Water, drinks and hydration - NHS
  18. 25 water-rich foods to help you stay hydrated this summer | Prevention | UT Southwestern Medical Center
  19. 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate , Is chocolate good for your skin? Dermatologists say it can be
  20. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence - PubMed
  21. Turmeric for Skin: Is It Beneficial?
  22. Efficacy and Safety of an Oral Low‐Dose Water‐Dispersible Turmeric Extract Capsule on Facial Skin Health in Healthy Women: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial - PMC
  23. Efficacy of Vitamin B12 and Adenosine Triphosphate in Enhancing Skin Radiance: Unveiled with a Drug–Target Interaction Deep Learning-Based Model , Hyaluronic Acid and Its Synthases—Current Knowledge - PMC
  24. Vitamin B3 can help protect against skin cancer. Here's who may benefit
  25. Is Almond Butter Good for Your Skin? Exploring the Beauty Benefits of – CYMBIOTIKA
  26. Dry skin: Who gets and causes
  27. Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
  28. How Dairy Affects Skin
  29. Is Vitamin D Fortification of Dairy Products Effective for Improving Vitamin D Status? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials - PMC

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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty and wellness experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by learning more about our founders and following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Metta Murdaya Headshot

Metta Murdaya

Co-founder and CEO

Metta Murdaya is co-founder and CEO of JUARA Skincare, a skincare and beauty company inspired by the Indonesian wellness traditions of Jamu. Her award-winning book, Jamu Lifestyle, captures the essence of the Jamu philosophy, emphasizing the power of healthy, intentional, and joyful living. Guided by a deep commitment to societal betterment, Metta inspires individuals to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. As a wellness speaker and retreat guide, she contributes to the Global Wellness Institute’s Aesthetic Health Initiative and serves on the board of Mentari, supporting trafficking prevention and education initiatives in Indonesia and wellness programs in the U.S.