Dry Skin

Dry Skin
DR. KYLE VIEHWEGER, ND INTRODUCTION

Dry skin can be common this time of year, as the air in the atmosphere is increasingly dry due to a decrease in water vapor and humidity! This can be troublesome for the average person, and even more of a burden to those who experience certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. WHAT YOU ARE EATING The skin, besides the intestines, is the largest organ of the body by surface area. The skin plays a vital role in preventing pathogenic bacteria from entering our body, as well as hormone production (Vitamin D synthesis), temperature regulation, sensory perception, and much more! As you can imagine, keeping our skin healthy and moisturized is very important. Let’s cover some quick anatomy to fully understand and appreciate the skin! “FACTORS LIKE WHAT YOU EAT, WHAT WE USE ON OUR BODIES, STRESS AND LIFESTYLE CAN LEAD TO DRY SKIN. The skin is comprised of three major sections: the epidermis, the dermis, and the deepest layer of subcutaneous fat. Within the most superficial section, the epidermis, there are five layers: Stratum CorneumStratum LucidumStratum GranulosumStratum SpinosumStratum BasaleThe layer closest to the surface of the skin is the stratum corneum! Most of the blood vessels, free nerve endings, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles lay within the dermis section of the skin, below the epidermis, and within the subcutaneous fat. Certain conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, impact various layers of the skin. Regarding eczema, it is believed there is an autoimmune component, where the dermis is attacked by the body, creating inflammation, destruction, and dry skin. Whereas for psoriasis, the young and immature skin cells grow and migrate to the skin's surface at a rate faster than the body can shed the skin cells leading to plaques.


HOW CAN DRY SKIN IMPACT YOUR HEALTH? Once there is dry skin, especially in the case of eczema, there can be barrier dysfunction. This dysfunction allows certain bacteria to potentially enter the system. Dry skin can also increase the risk of photodamage when exposed to too much UV radiation from the sun. HOW CAN WE TREAT DRY SKIN? There are various ways to treat and prevent dry skin, both in general and for certain skin conditions. Earlier, we talked about barrier dysfunction, in which case it is important to use both moisturizers and emollients. Emollients are thicker in substance, as they will lock in the moisture by acting as a new barrier. Some emollients on the market include olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and more! These are much healthier to use, compared to Vaseline, which uses a by-product of petroleum to seal in the moisture. Topical Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E creams, as well as Rosehip oil, can greatly aid in treating dry skin due to their antioxidant nature. In addition to using moisturizers or emollients, it is important to practice proper bathing strategies. Hot temperatures will open the pores in the skin, resulting in dryness of the skin. Bathing in neutral temperature water, if you experience dry skin, is vital, as this will not result in drying the skin. You can pair this with dry skin brushing after the shower or bath to remove any dry skin and stimulate the area for rejuvenation. Water is very important when it comes to the maintenance of good skin health. A simple way to help decrease the dryness of your skin is to make sure you are drinking enough water per day, depending on your situation. Drinking enough water can boost your immune system, decrease your blood pressure, raise your energy levels, and help to keep your skin moisturized. The type of food we ingest is also vitally important, as certain foods are inflammatory by nature or due to an individual’s sensitivity resulting in a leaky gut. This is highly prevalent in someone who is experiencing atopic dermatitis or eczema, resulting in dry skin. If you are looking to treat your dry skin with supplements, you’re in luck! Supplements, such as Fish Oil (Omega 3’s), Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, or GLA, are very effective at increasing moisture within the skin and decreasing dryness.