Dry Skin
Updated Dec. 01st, 2017
The skin is the largest organ in the body. Its function is to act as a barrier to the external environment, allow the exchange of water and to modify vitamins. Dry skin can be simple or complex.
When the skin is deficient in natural oils, it cannot hold adequate water in its cell which causes simple dry skin. Oil is important as it acts as a barrier, protecting the skin from water evaporation in upper layers of the skin while also providing lubrication. Simple dry skin is seen usually in women under 35 years.
Complex dry skin, skin that lacks oil and moisture, usually affects older adults and is associated with aging. Prolonged UV exposure damages the protein in the skin and will lead to the development of fine lines, enlarged pores and brown spots.
Dry skin appears dull, scaly, flaky, chapped or cracked, and develops fine lines and wrinkles more readily than healthy skin. It may feel tight after washing and be relieved when moisturizer is applied. It most commonly occurs in areas of the body that are exposed to the elements. It can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, environmental factors (like dry heat, sun or wind), chemical use, cosmetics, excessive bathing and harsh soaps.
To fight dry skin topically, avoid chlorinated tap water for drinking and bathing. Stay out of the sun. Use gloves while handling any substance that irritates the skin. Avoid perfumes and colourings in laundry and personal hygiene products. Use glycerin and natural soaps to wash your body, face, and hair. Take oatmeal baths to relieve itching.
Calendula or vitamin E cream or ointment or aloe vera gel can be used to nourish the skin. Steam the skin with herbs such as chamomile, lavender or peppermint.
Dietary change is important for nourishing the skin. Water. Water. Water. Eat foods high in zinc such as whole grains, sunflower seeds, and raw nuts.
Eat lots of fruit, especially mango and apricot, for its water content and alpha-hydroxy acids. Sulphur-rich foods like garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, provide the raw material for building skin proteins.
Essential fatty acids are a source of the good fats for the skin. Use cold pressed oils like flax, olive, sunflower and safflower. Avoid hydrogenated fats, fried foods, soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, junk foods, cigarettes and alcohol. Ask your health professional if the prescription medication you are taking is contributing to your dry skin.
Wow! Vitamin B and Vitamin C seems to be beneficial for so many things! It seems to be a no brainer! I will plan to take it every day for added health benefits!
Hello,
Yes, B vitamins and Vitamin C have so many health benefits, it's beneficial to learn about a B complex to optimize health. When vitamin C is paired with collagen, it increases absorption and benefits for the skin. Omega's, whether from fish or flax, also support dry skin from the inside out.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/vitamin-b/
Stay healthy & well!
Amazing information. What has helped me over the years for dry skin is continuously taking fish oil and evening primrose oil. This will help both internally and externally. I enjoy topical products for the irritation, but supplements help to heal the inner issue as to what causes my dry skin. Always keep your skin clean and moisturized with water based lotions and without fragrance, as fragrance irritates the skin. These are my tips from experience!
Hello ALK,
Dry skin can be irritating and addressing the issue internally has many great benefits and can help hydrate and repair the skin. We think you'll also like these tips for dry skin:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/dry-skin-2/
Have a healthy day!
With the winter weather just around the corner, this article added new strategies to improve my skin from the inside out. Recently, I added a high quality Evening Primrose Oil supplement, and even with the windy fall weather, my skin has remained smooth, soft, and hydrated. I am delighted to learn new nutrients that can help prevent dry skin and help maintain beautiful youthful skin for years to come. Building a good skin regiment takes time and care to select the right nutrients and supplements. Thank you for adding new information to my knowledge.
Hello Katerina,
A face oil is a great last step in your skin care regimen to seal and lock in moisture, great additive with the winter months coming. If you'd like to learn more about natural skin care, have a read through our other article here:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/toxic-skin-care-ingredients/
Have a healthy day!
Spinach- Load up on these greens to have a supple and beautiful skin. The antioxidants present in the nutritious greens helps prevent oxidative damage. The skin-friendly vitamin E, Vitamin A and C present in this leafy vegetable helps in the skin repair process .
Nuts and Seeds-Packed with antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids, nuts and seeds play a pivotal role in nourishing the body from within. Regular nut consumption can repair skin cell damage from free radicals and accelerates the process of skin cell repair and regeneration.
Hello Paul,
Thank you for sharing. Combatting dry skin can start through diet and what you put inside your body. Essential fatty acids and whole foods and vegetables containing water are all great foods to consume for healthy skin, as are certain supplements such as silica, vitamin c etc. Everything in moderation as too much of a certain nutrient can cause an imbalance and breakouts. This is another important skin health article we have that you may enjoy:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/toxic-skin-care-ingredients/
What has been helping me is Shea butter. I could not survive winter without it. But I love this article. I learn new things from the ND.
Hello, L.D,
Thank you for sharing, we're glad you enjoyed learning about your favourite natural skin cream. You can learn more about skin health in this article: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/
Have a healthy day!