Dry Skin
Every winter I get more and more concerns about skin dryness. February and March seem to be the worse months. Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It has a protective function and helps in absorption of some nutrients such as vitamin D and elimination of some toxins through the sweat.
Most dry skin is caused by environmental exposures, such as:
· Weather. In general, your skin is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. Winter conditions also tend to make many existing skin conditions worse.
· Central heating and air conditioning. Central air and heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin.
· Hot baths and showers. Frequent showering or bathing, especially if you like the water hot and your baths long, breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin. So does frequent swimming, particularly in heavily chlorinated pools.
· Harsh soaps and detergents. Many popular soaps and detergents strip lipids and water from your skin. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging, as are many shampoos, which dry out your scalp.
Other factors, including certain diseases, can significantly alter the function and appearance of your skin. These include:
· Psoriasis. This skin condition is marked by a rapid buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form thick scales.
· Thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones, reduces the activity of your sweat and oil glands, leading to rough, dry skin.
· Alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and caffeine can visibly dry your skin. Prescription drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines and isotretinoin (Accutane) also have a drying effect.
· Dehydration. Severe diarrhea and vomiting, a high fever, profuse sweating during exercise or simply not drinking enough liquids can cause your body to lose more fluid than you take in. One of the first signs of dehydration is skin that has lost its elasticity.
Here is some beneficial self care advice for keeping your skin healthy, vital and young:
· Keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
· Avoid chlorinated pools. Swim in facilities that use salt instead of chlorine.
· Avoid extremes of temperature. Keep your hands and face covered during the winter to prevent damage to your skin.
· Avoid harsh soaps and cleaning agents. Use olive oil soap, Emu oil soap or other soaps and shampoos with natural ingredients.
· Eat fish or pure and certified sources of fish oil and flaxseed oil. These sources of omega3 fatty acids are very beneficial to your skin.
· Moisturize you skin using cocoa butter, Shea butter, Emu oil, olive oil or any combination of nut oils. Try to use these oils in their purest form and apply to your skin while the skin is still moist. I.e. after bath/shower or washing your hands.
· Use a humidifier. Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace adds moisture to the air inside your home. Portable humidifiers come in many varieties. Choose one that meets your budget and any special needs. And be sure to keep your humidifier clean to ward off bacteria and fungi.
· Homeopathy can be very beneficial in treating skin ailments; talk to your Naturopathic Doctor if you find your skin is persistently dry and getting worse.