As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture. Xeroderma, the medical name for dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition.
The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the uppermost layers of the dermis. The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings.
Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it's not common. Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is. Dry skin can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid.
When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. Dry skin can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. Dry skin happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and heated air inside cause the humidity to be low.
Eating foods high in omega-3's is particularly important for people with dry skin or acne. Get 20-30 minutes of sunshine daily on your arms and/or legs; sunshine triggers the body's production of Vitamin D3, which is essential to having healthy skin. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts; drink plenty of pure water.
If you use moisturizers, use the thick, oily-type which work better for dry skin. Apply cool compresses to any itchy areas. Use bath oils and moisturizers, or better yet, coconut oil, daily.
Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it's edible, so it's safe and so healing to the lips. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I've found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc. If you have acne, eczema or any type of dermatitis coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these skin conditions too.
Dry skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles; coconut oil helps prevent the onset by keeping the skin soft and supple. I buy coconut oil by the gallon; it's cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer.
Functions of the skin are disturbed when it's not clean; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and it's more prone to develop infections. Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using natural home remedies.
If your dry skin lasts for a long time and is itchy or feels hot when you touch it, see your doctor. Call your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. Following some of the above treatments, your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.niche-content-articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
