Nova Scotia Fisherman Xtreme Skin Care Salt-N-Sea Body Scrub - 153g

DRY SKIN

Dry skin can be a very frustrating condition. Nutritional supplements, especially essential fats can make a difference for most...

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.

Simple dry skin occurs when the skin is deficient in natural oils and fails to hold water in skin cells. Oil normally lubricates the skin and acts as a barrier to avoid excessive evaporation of water from the upper layers of the dermis.
Simple dry skin usually occurs in women under the age of 35. Complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture. The protein components of the skin may be damaged from prolonged UV exposure. Complex dry skin tends to develop brown spots, fine lines and enlarged pores. Complex dry skin usually affects older adults and is associated with aging.

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 on 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.

WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR HEALTHY SKIN:
- EAT LOTS OF VEGETABLES
- AVOID ALLERGENIC FOODS
- DETOXIFY YOUR BODY WITH HERBS (SEE BELOW)
- AVOID REFINED SUGAR
- DON'T EAT DEEP FRIED FOOD
- TAKE ESSENTIAL FATS
- ENSURE PROPER DIGESTION WITH AN ENZYME SUPPLEMENT
- DON'T SMOKE OR DRINK COFFEE; CAUSE THE SKIN TO AGE PREMATURELY

DID YOU KNOW?
(SKIN HEALTH FACTS)
- An eruption on the skin can be a symptom of toxins building up in the body.
- The skin is the largest organ
- Antioxidants can help slow the degeneration of skin cells
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 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 recommendation medication you are taking is contributing to your dry skin.

The following list of supplements can be used to manage dry skin. Adult doses are given.
SUPPLEMENT / DOSAGE / THERAPEUTIC EFFECT
SILICA /1000mg horsetail extract daily/Needed for production of proteins to repair damaged skin
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (FLAX AND EVENING PRIMROSE) /Flax 2-4 tbsp daily and EPO 1000 to 3000 mg daily./Active ingredients are linolenic and linoleic acid that are used for skin repair and proper fat metabolism.
COLLAGEN OR HYALURONIC ACID /As directed on label/Provides proteins needed for effective repair of skin.
BETAINE HCL /As directed on label/Low levels of hydrochloric acid are commonly found in dry skin sufferers. Do not use if you have stomach ulcers.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX /50-100mg 3 times daily/The body's natural chemical processes, including digestion, need B vitamins. Biotin or B6 deficiency has been linked to dermatitis. Helps the body when under stress.
ZINC /30-80mg daily, do not exceed 100mg daily/Helps heal tissues and is involved in the oil production of the skin. Consider supplementation with copper for long-term use.
VITAMIN A /50000 IU acutely, then 5000-25000 IU daily./Helps heal the skin. Do not use when pregnant.
RED CLOVER, DANDELION LEAF AND ROOT, MILK THISTLE, BURDOCK ROOT /As directed on label/One or more herbs can be used as a tea, tincture or raw herb. They help to cleanse the liver, kidneys and blood.
Also beneficial for DRY SKIN:Multivitamins, digestive enzymes, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, chromium, garlic, chlorophyll, MSM, selenium, chamomile, gotu kola, goldenseal.