Dry Skin.. It is that time of year.

[Liveformx64]

As the weather turns colder, I get dry skin mainly on my face, and I have to buy expensive face lotion that that will not make my skin oily, and clog my pores.

I have to use it at night, and right out of the shower. If I don't, I get scaly red patches mainly on my forehead and around my eyes.

How do you combat dry skin? Should I be looking more for an internal cause, or is this just a part of my genetic makeup?

[cinnabar]

Scaly red patches... that sounds more like eczema than dry skin. Does it itch? I have it on my hands, and am having a hard time with it. You have the right idea with the lotion. From what I've read, treatments (medical) include topical steriods and etc. I tried to find a more holistic approach, and one of the recommendations was evening primrose oil. Haven't taken it long enough to see if it helps, though.
I'll be watching this thread for any advice and help as well as you... I do hope you find something that works!

[Liveformx64]

It only itches very rarely. I get eczema and psoriasis confused.

My local witch doctor (naturalist) told me to increase my uptake of omega 3,6,9, so I bought an expensive liquid form but it has yet to help, I have been taking it for about a week now.

I too feel like there is a holistic approach to this, I just haven't found it yet.

[cinnabar]

Do you have a health store anywhere near you? I go to a Co-op here that has all kinds of natural healing stuff. I even picked up an herbal cream that was meant for psoriasis - thought it would help my hands. But of course, not having psoriasis, it didn't work for me.

[makessense]

I have the same problem sometimes. During the colder season (and it certainly gets cold here in Japan), I have to change the foods I eat and the amount of time I spend in the shower. If I spend longer than 5 minutes in the warm shower, my face gets a little red and feels a bit stretched about 5-10 min. after drying. Be very observant on how often you touch your face because things can get a little irritating with the cold weather. The more you touch and worry about it, the worse it gets.

[MSC2471]

Liveformx64: I would see if your primary care physician can get you in to see a dermatologist to investigate the dry skin issue during the winter time. I have a genetic dry skin condition that affects my skin mainly during cold weather months but its something that can happen at any time of the year where my dead skin flakes off of my body much like scales from a fish. Back in my younger days I would use Eucerin, then other topical creams were introduced that were sold as prescriptions. Recently I went to a new dermatologist who gave me a couple of other choices for the issue- now there are pills you can take as well as considering light therapy.

Keep us posted on what happens.

Matt

[MariaG]

@Liveformx64 - I've had eczema since I was a kid. Even if you don't have eczema, the following tips should help you:
To combat the dry scalies in the winter, I've found that plain old Vaseline works just as well as expensive lotions. You've got the right idea slathering it on as soon as you get out of the shower.

You may also need more fat in your diet. The liquid Omega supplement is okay, but avocados, olive oil and fish (if you eat it) are even better.

Finally, try to take lukewarm showers. I know it's no fun in the winter when you want a nice hot shower, but the hot water really dries the skin.

Good luck. Believe me, I share your pain.

[bdp]

Some people have really dry skin or eczema because their bodies don't convert Omega 3 acid into DHA very well. I would try a liquid DHA supplement, something along these lines.

[sgregory]

Definitely get omega 3s in your diet. Get fish oil as it is the most easily converted. Vegetarian sources like flax don't get converted nearly as much. Your body only converts about 15-25 % or so of ALA into EPA and DHA. Fish oil is by far much more easily converted. I heard it takes a few months to see results. I'd try coconut oil for dry skin. ALso replace all vegetable oils with coconut oil and olive oil as vegetable oils have too much omega6 and the balance of omega 3/6 is very important and most people have way to much 6 in their diet. Also make sure fats and oils make up about 15-30% of your diet. Too little fat also helps dry skin.

Oh, BTW, I adore your sig quote. I personally am a big fan of Mercola.com and he goes by the same motto. I'd suggest you go there if you need other health advice.

[Liveformx64]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Hopefully some other dry skinners will see this and benefit from it.

I have been taking a high quality omega 3,6,9 liquid supplement, but only for about 2-3 weeks.

For now I am going to lube up, and from the information everyone provided I have plenty of reading to do for the next while.