by Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
Dry skin is an issue for people of all ages and all ethnicities. For some, the problem is mild and limited to some flakiness and feelings of itchiness and/or tightness. In more severe cases, the skin may be so dry that it may start cracking and even bleeding.
Topical options can be employed to maintain or replace the moisture barrier. Daily application of any moisturizer is important to reduce the evaporation of moisture from the skin. For mild cases, lotions or creams may be adequate. For severe cases, consider thicker creams or ointment-based products. Applying topical options after bathing helps to lock in the moisture. Side note: keep your showers and baths short because prolonged, hot showers or baths can actually worsen dry skin conditions! This is partially because the sebum usually present on the skin to keep moisture in will wash away and increase the loss of moisture from the skin.
Moisturizing from the inside out is most effective on those who are suffering from dry, cracked skin. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils and various vegetable-based oil products (e.g., flax seed or hemp seed oils). Many people taking omega -3 fatty acid supplements for cardiovascular benefits may find improvements in the health of their skin. We find triglyceride-based formulas such as NUTRASEA(Tm) to be especially effective. UDO’S OIL is a time-honoured formula for a vegetable -based option.
GAMMA LINOLENIC ACID (GLA), an omega -3 fatty acid found in relatively high amounts in borage oil can help treat eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. We have had many reports of excellent results after using GLA containing products. Keep in mind that all oral products should be tried for at least a month to gauge its efficacy.
Many people will be familiar with the use of HYALURONIC ACID (HA) in beauty products and this is because it is a key part of the skin’s ability to bind moisture. From our experience, both supplementing with oral HA supplements and topical application can be beneficial for dry skin. A side benefit would be the minimized look of wrinkles and improved joint mobility as HA is found in many tissues including the skin and joint fluid.
In particularly resistant or severe cases, consider starting your treatment course off with a detoxification. Homeopathic preparations such as HOMEOPRURIL can help stimulate the immunity and can be used alongside oil supplements.
If you suffer from dry skin, stay well-hydrated and consider come talk to one of our pharmacists about adding a supplement to your skin-care regimen.
***All information posted and shared by Cloverdale Pharmasave is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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