Dry Skin?

Definition

Dry skin occurs when the outermost layer of the skin is lacking moisture or sebum. There are two types of dry skin: simple dry skin and complex dry skin. Simple dry skin mostly affects men and women under the age of 35. It can result from a lack of natural oils. Complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture, and is characterised by brown spots, enlarged pores, fine lines and sagging skin. Complex dry skin can occur with ageing.

Description

Dry skin may be dull-looking, scaly and cracked. It can be hard to touch, wrinkled, develops fine lines and often feels 'tight'. Skin problems, such as psoriasis and contact dermatitis, may show similar symptoms. Do you know that hypothyroidism may also lead to Dry Skin? Certain drugs such as diuretics and antihistamines may also aggravate dry skin. Dry skin is common on areas of the body which are exposed to the elements, particularly in winter. Dry Skin may be hereditary in some people. A balance of oil and moisture is necessary for healthy skin. Oil is secreted by the sebaceous glands and lubricates the surface of the skin. There needs to be sufficient water in the skin cells as well as enough oil to act as protection. This prevents excess evaporation of moisture from the outermost layers of the skin. Dry skin may be caused or influenced by a poor diet. A diet low in essential fatty acids and other nutrients can cause the skin to become dry and flaky. The picture of the baby with dry skin is actually Cradle Cap - Characterized by dry, scaly scalp. Daily washing of scalp with a mild shampoo and application of oil diminishes the dryness. The condition disappears with time. Treatment Options Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. This information is in no way intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. Consider internal factors such as having a healthy diet, regular bowel movements, adequate water intake, exercise (increases blood circulation to the skin) and reducing stress levels. These factors may contribute to excess water and oil loss by the skin. External factors to avoid include; excess exposure to the sun, wind, cold, chemicals, excessive bathing, soaps and cosmetics. The main treatment for Dry Skin is frequent use of emollients to repair and rehydrate the skin. Avoid artificial mineral oils and petroleum jelly as they may not be efficiently absorbed into the skin. Dry skin needs to be nourished. Some suggestions to replenish dry skin include; - Olive oil may encourage natural oil production if used consistently. Rub in every night until the skin has improved. - Rubbing in evening primrose oil, almond oil or avocado oil can cleanse and nourish the skin. Pat the oil on, then wash it off with warm water and a soft cloth. Bathing in oils, including aromatherapy oils, are excellent for dry skin. See the Aromatherapy section in this topic. - Try a loofah sponge weekly with warm water to boost circulation and remove dead skin cells. Avoid the loofah if your skin is inflamed, cracked or sore. - Look for skin care products which contain humectants. Humectants are substances which attract water to the skin to hold in moisture. Vegetable glycerine, vitamin B5 and vitamin E are all natural humectants. - To heal cracked, inflamed and dry skin try using herbal creams. Comfrey, chickweed, calendula and aloe vera may help relieve dry skin when applied daily. Pure Vitamin E oil can also be applied directly to the skin. - Sesame oil may be useful as a moisturiser. Sesame oil is often used because it is most resistant to spoilage. Most skin preparations which are rich in essential fatty acids and oils have a short shelf-life. - Most of these oils recommended are edible oils. Pharmacist's Advice Ask your Pharmacist for advice. 1) Follow the Diet Hints. 2) Keep the body as cool as possible to prevent sweating and flushing. 3) Use a good skin moisturiser, either a gel or cream, after bathing. It can be used throughout the day. Ask your Pharmacist to recommend products specifically designed to relieve itchy, dry skin. 4) Bathing should be kept to a minimum, every two days. Hot water and soap strip natural oil from the skin. Use warm water and mild soap or a soap replacement. Some products are available to help moisten the skin. Ask your Pharmacist for the most suitable product. 5) Harsh cleaners, detergents, solvents and bleaches must be avoided at all times. These can upset the natural acid-alkali balance of the skin. 6) A humidifier in the room may be beneficial. Diet Hints - Try to have a more alkaline diet. Include fish (grilled) at least three times a week. You can try ECPI water as part of your alkaline diet. - Essential fatty acids are important to maintain healthy skin and to help reduce inflammation. Sources include; fish, particularly tuna, salmon, halibut and sardines; nuts and seeds; and vegetable oils. - Avoid fried foods, animal fats and heat processed vegetable oils. Heating oils may lead to free radical production. Free radicals may be damaging. - Avoid heavily spiced food which may cause flushing. - Include high fibre foods in the diet. Wholemeal bread, wheat bran cereals, rice bran, brown rice, blackberries, strawberries and passionfruit are some examples. These may help maintain regular bowel function. - Try to include five ample servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Always try to use fresh produce. - Try to drink up to six glasses of water daily, particularly filtered water. Include fresh fruit juices as they contain vital ingredients which help nourish the skin. - Decrease alcohol intake. Alcohol has a diuretic effect which may cause the body to lose fluids and essential minerals. Vitamins/minerals/herbs Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate. - Essential fatty acids (linseed oil) may help repair the skin, reduce inflammation and increase softness of the skin. - Vitamin E may protect against free radicals and maintain prostaglandin synthesis. Topically it may reduce wrinkling, scarring and inflammation. - Vitamin C may be effective for inflammation. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production. It may strengthen capillaries which feed blood to the skin. - Zinc may help flaky, dry and inflamed skin, scaling and rashes. Zinc also helps with fatty acid metabolism. - Evening Primrose oil contains an essential fatty acid called linoleic acid which is required by the skin. It may reduce inflammation and dryness of the skin. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Do you know that for those chronic skin sufferers especially eczema and psoriasis patients they can use aqueous cream to substitute shower creams or soap.