Applying moisturisers and the right factor sun cream when out in the sun helps keep your skin healthy, soft and elastic, but your diet also plays a crucial role in protecting your skin.

Staying properly hydrated and eating foods with certain nutrients are the first steps for keeping your skin healthy.

Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day is the first rule for keeping your skin hydrated. If you like flavoured water, you can make it by adding mint, bay leaf or lemon peel infusions, which are also perfect for combating the stifling weather at this time of year.

Eat a good amount of fruit. The vitamins found in fruit are a godsend for healthy skin. In particular, vitamins A and C are essential for stimulating cell turnover and the production of collagen. Then make space for seasonal fruit, which can also be blended to make delicious, colourful smoothies and juices.

Make room for vegetables. Vegetables also contain a high amount of useful nutrients for the skin. At this time of year, we especially recommend eating carrots and radicchio chicory which, thanks to their high carotenoid content, help protect the skin from potential damage caused by the sun (check out these fresh recipes with vegetables: potato salad with red onions, Russian salad and potato, watermelon and feta cheese salad).

Include fish in your diet. Salmon, tuna, sardines and herrings are some of the fish with the highest Omega-3 content, a substance that helps your epithelium function properly. These polyunsaturated fats help maintain normal levels of cholesterol in the blood, keep your cardiovascular system running properly and stimulate cellular development.

Prefer wholemeal pasta. Coenzyme Q₁₀ is essential for healthy cells: it is a natural antioxidant mainly found in wholemeal pasta, soy and walnuts.

See also: sunburn and dry skin: milk, potatoes and other unexpected remedies.