Healthy fats aren’t just great for weight loss, they are great for glowing and healthy skin. So in the winter months keep them in the rotation if you suffer from dry skin or less than ideal skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

In fact, we need fat in our diets for weight loss and normal bodily functions. There are four types of dietary fats: saturated fats, trans fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. It’s a bit more complex than saying all fat is bad for you. “Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are known as the good fats,” says helpguide.org. Good fats are crucial for healthy cholesterol levels and heart health. You’ve probably heard some professedly, strange people say that eating fat is how they lost weight, well they’re on to something.

But since fats are good for you, eating them will help overall health, upping the fat in your diet could be the key to managing seasonal or chronic skin conditions. Monounsaturated fatty acids, also known as MUFA’s have been found to reduce oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and related inflammation. Monounsaturated fatty acids in short help to moisturize the skin; while polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against sun damage, as well as reducing inflammation.

Olive oil is an enduring ingredient in most Mediterranean diets. This works out perfectly, as most Mediterranean climates are sunny. Some studies have shown olive oil to help protect the skin from sun damage or photoaging. Some researchers claim that the monounsaturated fats and squalane in olive oil do the trick to protect against free radicals and dryness.

Soy isoflavone, found in soy products, can be beneficial for postmenopausal women who experience dry skin. After women go through menopause, their skin will progressively dry out. Researchers have suggested that soy isoflavone should be investigated as a replacement for replacement estrogenic therapy since it can mimic or block estrogen in the body. Other studies have found that soy isoflavone can reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity within a matter of weeks.

Avocados, fortunately for your skin and your diet, avocados contain both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Moisturizing and protecting the skin. Beyond their fat content avocados are packed with other skin goodness, like biotin and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is essential for tissue repair and basically in every skincare product ever, so why not get it naturally by adding avocados to your diet?

Salmon, mackerel, and herring are packed full of popular polyunsaturated fats, omega-3s. This fatty acid works to reduce inflammation, and for skincare that’s key. Inflammation causes acne and facial redness. Adding fish to your diet also introduces zinc; the mineral is key for skin cell regeneration.

Sesame seeds contain 41% polyunsaturated fat and 39% monounsaturated fat. Adding a generous amount of sesame seeds to your diet can help battle skin inflammation, sores, and other skin conditions. On a side note, the oil found in sesame seeds can help remove dental plaque and build-up.

Selenium, a mineral that treats dozens of ailments can also nourish your skin from the inside, out. If you are prone to a little extra dandruff, then a selenium supplement might be the way to go. Selenium sulfide works to fight infections, meaning it can relieve the itching and flaking that comes with chronic dandruff or scaly seborrhea. Selenium can also target skin infections. Natural sources of selenium include: “Brazil nuts, seafood, and organ meats.”