You Don't Have to Suffer With Dry Skin 

by Helen Hecker R.N.

Xeroderma (dry skin) occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin.

 It's easy to treat dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home.

Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body".

The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis.

The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin: as a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.

The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Use as little soap as possible limiting its use to armpits and genitals. Avoid products that are alcohol-based. Keep baths or showers short using warm, never hot water.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. The two most common, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber. You want to work from the inside out too. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system. Eat at least one organic apple with the skin on every day.

Use coconut oil. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too. Coconut oil is the best treatment I've found for dry skin. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits.

Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. 

If you're still worried, or the problems persist, go and see your doctor. If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see the doctor. Also see your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn't improve in spite of your best efforts.

copyright©2007 Helen Hecker All rights reserved.