When there is a slowdown in natural exfoliation, there is dry skin. Chapping occurs when dryness has weakened the skin’s natural barrier so much that irritants creep in, leaving you with chapped, rough and sometimes itchy skin. During the winter months, skin tends to get worse and play havoc with the skin’s natural oils.
Your skin is the largest organ of the body. It accounts for 16% of your total body weight. The skin assists the colon, lungs and kidneys in eliminating toxic wastes and protects delicate internal structures. It also regulates the bodies thermostat by increasing sweat when you get too hot or producing goose bumps when the temperature gets cold.
Causes of Dry Skin Include:
- Stress
- Climate
- Age
- Fluctuations in hormones
- Pollution
- Nutritional deficiencies
Action Plan:
Good fats provide the foundation of this nutrition plan that will hydrate your skin.
- Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants such as spinach, berries, romaine lettuce and broccoli. Each of these are very important. Not only do they improve the health of the skin by stimulating oil production, they produce collagen and protect against cell damage.
- Foods that contain essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 fatty acids and mono-unsaturated oils, help to create moister, softer skin and tissues. These include Salmon, Tuna, Flax Seeds, Raw Pumpkin Seeds, Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds, Almonds and Olive Oil.
- These nutrient rich foods also are needed for healthy skin such as Pears, Apples, Cabbage, Brown Rice, Soups, Watercress, Radishes, Pumpkin, Millet, Seaweeds, Peaches, Plums, Celery Juice, Cauliflower, Chard, Chickweed, Olives, Flax, Turnip, and Apricots.
- Also rich in oils that rejuvenate the skin and reduce eye puffiness are Avocados which contain good healthy fats, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C, and E.
- While keeping the intestinal tract regular, Fiber aids in the elimination of waste products from your body. Good sources include Brown Rice, Millet, Quinoa, Beans, Peas, Lentils, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of filtered or mineral water. Make sure it isn’t ice cold. While keeping the body hydrated, it will flush out countless toxins from your body while keeping your skin healthy and fresh.
Avoid Items Such As:
- Tea, Coffee and Alcohol
- Salt. Excessive amounts of sodium in the system, leads to swelling and puffiness of the skin.
- Spices
- Sugar, Chemicals, Pesticides, Drugs and Tobacco all deplete nutrient stores.
- Dairy Products, Red Meat, Refined and Fried Foods that contain hydrogenated Oils or Fats. (Note: Always remember hydrogenated oils and fats block the body from absorbing needed nutrients.)
Take Herbs and Supplements
- Take Essential Fatty Acid Supplements mainly Omega-3′s.
- Take Flax Seed Oil daily until the skin improves.
- Rotate Evening Primrose Oil and Borage Oil Supplements.
Other Helps Include:
- Exercising activates and rejuvenate the skin, improving circulation and blood flow. Body sweat triggers the production of sebum, which is the skin’s own natural moisturizer.
- Take up meditation or yoga breathing exercises and learning to breathe properly which oxygenates the body.
- Maintain adequate sleep. Oxygen levels are able to stay high which also promotes renewal of skin cells, which delays the winter degenerative skin aging that sets in during the cold season.
- This one I hate, Avoid taking long hot showers or baths. They strip the skin of its natural moisturizers. Instead take short warm showers or baths. Pat the skin almost dry with a towel and apply moisturizer while the skin is damp.
- By adding a few spoonfuls of olive oil to your bath, it will help moisturize your skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft.
- Consider the heating in your home. If the air is extremely dry, get yourself a humidifier to keep your skin from drying out.
- Use gentle lotion soap and skin cleansers instead of harsh exfoliators, which can remove the skins protective barrier function. Use a gentle exfoliant instead. By applying a richer moisturizer, you’ll notice an immediate difference in the way your skin feels.
- By applying Manuka Honey, three times a week, to your face and skin, it will leave your skin soft, supple and youthful. Leave on the skin for 30 minutes each time.
- Be sure to cover your skin when you go outside in the cold air. Hats, gloves and scarves protect from loss of body heat and protects your skin. The skin is still exposed to the damaging sun, so be sure your lip balm has an SPF of at least 15 and use liberally.
