Dry skin is damaged skin, which is where some repair may be necessary. Before you break out the lotion bottle, consider adding more zinc-rich foods like oysters, beans, nuts, low fat yogurt, poultry, and whole grains. The zinc helps repair dry, cracked skin which is often why we turn to moisturizers in the first place. Another skin-repairing nutrient is vitamin A, which is found in your leafy greens like spinach and kale, but also in fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots and cantaloupe.

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While we’re on the topic of vitamins, look for vitamin E to help your skin retain its natural moisture and boost your defense against the harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. Good sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables like boiled spinach, as well as certain nuts and vegetable oils. So a meal of grilled salmon with an avocado and spinach salad with a low fat yogurt for desert could be great for your skin and your diet!.

If you must continue using a moisturizer make sure it’s not doing more harm than good. Moisturizers based from natural ingredients are typically the best choices, but for chronic or painful dry skin you should seek a dermatologist’s help in finding the right brand for your skin.