Your Dry Skin Needs a Break Today

by Helen Hecker R.N.

As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture. It's easy to treat  dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home. Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water.

Skin consists of loose connective tissue and elastin. The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body". Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. 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.

Dry skin could also be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Serious skin complications, including dry skin, can arise for people with diabetes. The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin: as a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.  

Use a humidifier if the air is dry. Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis. Drink plenty of water every day.

Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your salad. Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids. Concentrating on a diet of LOTS of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Drink plenty of water, a minimum  of a quart a day. For an easy fiber boost, mix in  2 tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce,  from 2-3 apples, made in your food processor.

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. Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, at least daily. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Coconut oil is very inexpensive, therefore, a good, cheap home remedy.

Functions of the skin are disturbed when it is dirty; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and dirty skin is more prone to develop infections. The skin is subject to constant attack from without, so can be affected by numerous conditions, diseases and ailments.
Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies. 

With this information your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery Go to your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see the doctor.

copyright©2007 Helen Hecker All rights reserved.