The Foods You Should Be Eating To Fight Easily Irritated Skin

Especially during the winter months, fighting dry, easily-irritated skin can be tricky. Aside from applying a mountain of products to your face and body, though, there are other less expensive and time-consuming ways to combat irritated skin.

For starters, red, irritated skin can be caused by a number of issues that many experience on a frequent basis, like stress, lack of sleep, dermatitis, and eczema. However, perhaps the biggest stressor on your skin is a poor diet. As it turns out, one of the best ways to combat sensitive skin is to ensure that the foods you're eating are not upsetting your gut. "Gut imbalances have been shown to cause an inflammatory response, leading to redness, irritation, and acne," Brittany Modell, MS, RD, CDN, told Real Simple.

Eating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can contribute to your overall gut health by introducing good probiotics into your system. These can fight off the bad bacteria that you can introduce to your system through other foods. Then, with your gut health in check, your skin can shine.

In addition to avoiding foods that disrupt your gut health, nutritionist and owner of Moonshine Juicery, Corina Crysler, recommends cutting out foods that lead to inflammation and redness. "Refined sugars can challenge the immune system," Crysler told Well+Good. "Refined, bleached flours that are genetically modified and foods with high sodium and artificial additives should be avoided as well."

Instead of reaching for foods high in additives and processed sugars, opt for healthy fats like nuts and avocado, nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits, and whole grains that contain plenty of fiber, like rice, whole oats, and quinoa. Even herbal teas like peppermint, parsley, and dandelion root have been proven to ease irritated skin.

Aside from eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, and getting the proper amount of sleep and stress-free time, easing irritated skin can be accomplished through a skincare regimen consisting of a fragrance and alcohol-free soothing moisturizer, cleanser, and exfoliator (via Garnier USA).

As if you needed another reason to ditch the french fries in favor of healthier options, it now turns out that your sensitive skin is literally depending upon it.