Sun, wind, pollution and chemicals are some of the elements your hair and skin are subjected to every day. These elements dry your hair and skin out, making them dull, lifeless and less than soft. The old adage "you are what you eat" still holds true. By maintaining a healthy diet you can improve the condition of your skin and hair.
Get Vitamin H
Vitamin H, also called biotin is part of the B-complex group of vitamins. The B-vitamins help the body metabolize carbohydrates, amino acids and fats and are necessary for healthy hair and skin. This water-soluble vitamin is not stored in the body, but bacteria in the intestine can make biotin. You can get additional vitamin H by eating cooked eggs, brewer's yeast, sardines, nuts, legumes, whole grains, soybeans and bananas. Food processing can destroy vitamin H, so try to eat moreunprocessed foods.
Use Herbs and Essential Oils
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbs may help strengthen the body's system, and strengthen hair and skin. Make tea by steeping the leaf or flower of the herb in hot water for five to 10 minutes, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink two to four cups per day.
Applying essential oils topically may promote new hair growth and heal skin infections. You can use peppermint, rosemary and sage essential oils and massage gently into the affected area daily.
Maintain Healthy Fat Levels
For the body to function properly, fat is essential. Fats, particularly healthy fats such as unsaturated fats, provide fatty acids which can only be obtained from food. These help maintain healthy skin and hair. Fat also helps the body absorb and process vitamins A, D, E and K throughout the body. There are two different types of unsaturated fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Monounsaturated fats include olive and canola oils and polyunsaturated fats include safflower, sunflower, fish, corn and soybean oils.
Get Antioxidants
You can make your hair and skin healthier by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods rich in antioxidants seem to have a protective effect for the skin. These foods include fruits, especially cherries, apples and pears, vegetables such as spinach and green leafy vegetables, legumes, fish, nuts and olive oil.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Sun exposure can cause serious skin problems. By protecting yourself from the sun, you can reduce wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going out in the sun, wear protective clothing and avoid the sun when it is the strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Don't Smoke
Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outer layer of skin, decreasing the blood flowing, making skin look older and contributing to wrinkles. The decrease in oxygen to the outermost layer of skin will deplete the skin of vitamin A, which is important to skin health. Additionally, smoking damages the collagen and elastin in your skin--fibers that make skin strong and elastic.
Manage Stress
Stress can trigger acne breakouts and skin problems or lead to hair loss, so it is important to take steps to manage stress. These include setting reasonable limits, making time to do things you enjoy and reducing your to-do list.
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