Dry Skin

The condition of the skin can often be a reflection of the internal environment of your body, what happens within eventually presents on the skin. There are many reasons for poor skin quality, some of these are nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, liver congestion and over heating, dirty blood, hormonal imbalances and poor diet are all contributing factors which influence the health of the integumentary system. By improving general health and addressing any underlying health problems the appearance of the skin will also gradually improve, however it is a slow process but well worth the effort.

REASONS FOR DRY SKIN

  • dehydration
  • food allergies
  • senstivities (dermatitis)
  • low kidney function
  • liver congestion or liver heat
  • acidity
  • decreased kidney function

Another organ which may be overburdened are the Kidneys. Called the second skin, the Kidneys are often implicated when skin afflictions arise. It may also be of benefit to support the functioning of the kidneys to assist them to effectively remove wastes from the body which in turn helps to alkalise the blood.

DIET TIPS FOR DRY SKIN

  • Dehydration is an important link to dryness of the skin, ensure that you are properly dehydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water each day. Water is the solution to pollution in the body as it allows more metabolic wastes to be removed from the body and filtered by the kidneys
  • Reduce diuretic drinks such as black tea, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks as these put a strain on the kidneys and contribute to dehydration
  • A chronic deficiency of quality oils will contribute to irritation and dry skin. Oils such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, evening primrose oil, nuts and seeds, fish, raw olive oil and avocados help to lubricate the skin and provide moisture. You can also rub olive oil directly into the area to give relief
  • Reduce acid forming foods which heat the blood (Yang heat), cause inflammation and dryness. An acidic environment in the body occurs due to eating too much sugar, dairy foods, wheat, red meat, spices, alcohol, preservatives, processed and refined foods
  • Increase alkalising foods such as water, lemon juice, vegetable juices, miso soup, fresh fruits and vegetables and brown rice
  • Begin each day with a small glass of warm water with half a lemon squeezed in it. Lemon juice is alkalising and helps to remove excess heat in the blood and improve liver function
  • Increase cooling foods in your diet such as brown rice, cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, sprouts, fresh beans, fruit and vegetables

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR DRY SKIN

  • Have an allergy test to determine if there are any triggers causing the sensitivity. If the dryness and irritation is occuring around the mouth area it may be directly caused by something you are eating, common irritant foods are pineapple, tomatoes and citrus. Consider avoiding these foods for one week and notice if the symptoms reduce
  • Try not to use make up or too many beauty products around the irritated area as these will cause further drying and irritation
  • Reduce products which contain Sodium lauryl sulphate and petroleum products as these place further strain on the liver and kidneys as well as drying the area
  • In Naturopathic Medicine any condition which results in skin inflammation, dryness or irritation, the liver needs to be addressed. If the liver is under duress it can become over worked and heat up causing the mucus membranes and skin to dry out

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN

  • Use a nourishing aqueous (water) cream and add a few drops of the essential oils Lavender and Calendula or Chickweed, Rose Hip, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Calendula and some Jojoba or Sweet Almond oil to the blend and apply topically to the area
  • Use lip balms which contain beeswax and coconut oil to help relieve redness and irritation
  • Green foods such as Green Barley, Wheatgrass, Spirulina or Alfalfa may help to cool the blood, reduce any inflammation and heat in the blood and increase liver and kidney detoxification
  • Check your Zinc levels; or alternatively take a zinc supplement or eat more zinc rich foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, oysters, red meats, parsley and pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Zinc is a mineral which is needed for the health of the skin
  • Common nutritional deficiencies in individuals with dry irritated skin are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, essential fatty acids (oils) and Selenium