Dry skin is a very common skin complaint that can come and go at any time throughout the life of the sufferer. The dry skin might be in a specific patch or it could appear all over the body. Mild dry skin can appear white, flaky and dry but in severe cases the dry skin can become tight, cracked, sore and painful. The dryer the skin gets, the more elasticity it loses and this can cause the skin to look tired, weathered and older than its years.
If you have persistent or severe dry skin, please talk to a doctor.
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Sudden changes in climate
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Winter weather
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Poor diet
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Sunburn
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Air pollution
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Irritants such as harsh soap and make-up
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Underactive oil glands
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Skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema
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Diabetes
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An underactive thyroid
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Evening primrose oil is very beneficial for dry and tired skin. You can also take an Evening Primrose Oil capsule supplement orally to help dry skin from the inside. (Always read the label on a product.)
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Nelsons Calendula Cream and Nelsons Tea Tree Cream are also very good for soothing dry skin. (Always read the label on a product.)
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Take a milk bath once a week. Just put 250g of powdered milk and half a tablespoon of almond oil into your bath and lie there for 20 minutes.
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Aloe Vera gel is helpful to apply to dry skin after bathing and before moisturizing.
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Aromatherapy oils such as Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose and Ylang-Ylang are great to add to baths to keep the skin fully moisturized.
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Exercise helps improve the blood circulation which provides nourishment to the skin.
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Avoid alcohol and caffeine as these substances dehydrate the body.
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Hydrate the body by drinking plenty of water a day (tea, coffee and soft drinks don’t count!)
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Humidify your environment by placing a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. If you don’t have one, just placing a pan of water by the radiator will do.
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Vitamin supplements A and C* will help prevent dry skin, as will taking a supplement of Omega 3
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Eat a balanced diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables and good fats such as avocado, olive oil, oily fish and seeds. Stay away from salty, fatty junk food.
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Avoid hot baths and showers as this can make dry skin worse.
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Replace harsh soaps with natural, moisturizing liquid cleanser.
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Wear soft natural fabrics that are gentle to the skin.
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Stop smoking. Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the skin and deprives it of the nutrients it needs.
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Get plenty of sleep. The skin the body’s largest organ and as such, it needs rest just as much as any other part of the body.
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Moisturize regularly, especially after a bath or shower. Don’t use talcum powder as this can dry the skin out excessively.
*A food supplement or vitamin must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
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