Flaking, roughness, cracking and itching are symptoms that may indicate xerosis, better known as dry skin.
This condition is not usually serious, but it is very annoying. Fortunately, it can be combatted by incorporating a series of healthy habits.
Why does the skin get dry?
Xerosis or dry skin occurs when the skin loses too much water and oils. Although it is a condition that can affect anyone, it is more common in:
- Older than 45 years.
- People who live in areas with cold, dry or slightly humid climates.
- People who carry out activities or have jobs that require submerging or being in constant contact with water.
This condition can be temporary, although there are many cases in which it is suffered throughout life, presenting different symptoms:
- Appearance of lines or fine cracks.
- Greyish coloration of the skin.
- Peeling that can be mild or severe.
- Redness of the skin.
- Itching.
- Bleeding from cracks that form in the skin.
- Sensation of tightness in the skin.
Dry skin is usually a consequence of the following conditions, habits or products:
- Very hot baths or showers.
- Heat: especially central heating, heaters or wood stoves, as they reduce humidity and dry out the skin.
- Climate: during winter the skin is more prone to drying out, as temperatures and humidity levels drop.
- Swimming in pools that have a lot of chlorine.
- Having problems with skin: such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis.
- Use abrasive products: such as formulated soaps, detergents and shampoos to remove oil.
What to do to relieve dry skin
You can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of dry skin by following these tips:
Hydrate properly
Experts advise drinking between 2 and 2 ½ liters of water every day. This helps combat or prevent dry skin as:
- Reduces cracks or lines on the skin .
You can also get good hydration, regularly consuming foods that are characterized by being rich in water, antioxidant compounds and vitamins beneficial to the skin, such as strawberries, mango, melon, cucumber, tomato, and watermelon.
- The most important vitamins to take care of your skin
Follow a diet healthy
A healthy diet is essential for all the body’s organs to remain strong and healthy, and to function properly (including the skin). Consider these options to combat dry skin:
Avocado
Avocado provides more than 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamin E and B It is also rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as folic acid, niacin, and biotin.
These nutrients make it an excellent ally of the skin, since they help fight inflammation, irritation, pain and redness derived from xerosis.
Citrus
Here we can find lemon , orange, mandarin, grapefruit, kiwi, papaya or Camu Camu (the fruit with the highest concentration of vitamin C).
Water is the main component of citrus fruits, although they are also an essential source of vitamin C, beta carotenes, folic acid, minerals and flavonoids (substances with antioxidant effects).
This composition gives you different health benefits, including skin care, keeping it shiny and hydrated, to while stimulating collagen production.
Nuts
This group shares a common trait: less than half of its composition is made up of water. Nuts are almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts or peanuts, chestnuts, walnuts (already common, Pecan or Macadamia nuts, among others), pistachios, and even seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin.
The scientific evidence available shows that consuming them regularly helps to hydrate and soften the skin, while protecting it against toxins and chemicals, thanks to the fact that they are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Green tea
Historically, green tea is associated with a great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating power . This combination of benefits is perfect for maintaining good skin health and preventing cracking, flaking, redness and pain derived from dry skin.
Carrot
Carrots are recognized for their important antioxidant properties, as they possess compounds called flavonoids and an important concentration of vitamins A, B and C.
Therefore, their consumption helps to take care of skin health, since these nutrients are capable of reducing inflammation, promoting the production of collagen, and stimulate the elasticity and strength of the skin.
Hygiene
Keep in mind that the soaps that you use to bathe or wash your hands can promote dryness, flaking, and itching of the skin. To prevent this problem, the advice of the experts is to opt for mild soaps, free of dyes and perfumes.
Another fundamental aspect to prevent dry skin is to avoid excessive washing (limit showers to once per day).
It is also important that the water is warm, not hot, since at high temperatures it can eliminate many of the substances found on the skin and help it retain moisture.
Home care
Other tips that you can take into account during the day to prevent dry skin are:
- Cover the skin during bad seasons, such as winter.
- Moisturize the skin regularly.
- Do not expose yourself to water for too long, either in the shower or in the pool.
Accessories
In some cases, the above advice may be useful in principle, but the effects of the environment end up affecting the skin. Against this situation, you can resort to a humidifier that helps increase the humidity of the environment.
Moisturizing creams are also effective. These work by sealing in the moisture that the skin already has, so the ideal is to use them after bathing.
Another very popular option is supplements, such as collagen . However, it is advisable to consult a health professional before using this type of product.
Natural medicine highlights the properties of different herbs, such as walnut leaf, nettle, or rose petals, to combat dry skin. To use them, you just have to prepare them as an infusion, let them cool and apply to the affected area.
Don’t forget to consult a dermatologist
It is important to remember that all the above tips can work as supplements to the recommendations of a health professional.
When symptoms of xerosis appear, it is important to consult a dermatologist to make a diagnosis, identify the cause and decide which is the best treatment.
Xerosis can often be caused by underlying conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and even kidney or liver problems.
To remember:
Until there is significant scientific evidence from human trials, people interested in using therapies to Herbal and supplements must be very careful.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, first talk to your doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Remember, the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.
Sources consulted: Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database, US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.