Dry Skin

[AndyRhae]

Now, I'm not sure if there has been a thread like this before - I searched, but couldn't find one. If this is a repeat, my apologies.

I am just going NUTS this fall - I have the worst case of dry skin I have ever encountered. I don't ever remember it being this bad. Maybe it's bc I am eating poorly? I don't know. But my goodness, if I don't stop scratching, I am going to run out of skin!

I have tried extra lotion, badger body oil, showering with lukewarm water as opposed to hot water, and I have even tried coconut oil/butter. What else can I do?? I exfoliate regularly, so I don't think it's dead-skin issue. It's driving me crazy.

If you have ANY ideas or suggestions, please field them in my direction - I will take anything at this point.

Thanks all!
Andy

[Tiffany]

A deficiency of zinc and magnesium will bring about itchy skin syndrome as I call it....believe me I have lived it more years than I would like to remember. I also find dry skin brushing to be extremely beneficial. Be sure to stay hydrated and try to keep indoor heating at a minimum. Are you gluten intolerant? I find that over consumption of wheat products bring about the itches too. Can you soak in a bath with oatmeal or even better oatmeal and apple cider vinegar? Try reading Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe. There are lots of skin solutions in there. If I think of anything else I will post here. I think using coconut oil is a great remedy...may need to use it for several weeks for long term results.

[Becky B.]

Omega 3's baby!! And tons of water (on the inside!!) I also use every lotion known to womankind and some days even use a parafin hand waxing maching......mmmmmm, it feels wonderful to lower your hands into hot wax!

[Bunny Berry]

I have to soak in the bath forever, and then use my nails, brushes, loofahs, and whatever else I can fin to weely exfoliate all of the dead skin cells. It's gross, but that's me. I'm a gross smelly girl.

Especially any part of my body that bends. And, well every other part too. I then I slather in coconut oil. Doing it once a week seems to keep the itchies at bay.

I don't know how to dry brush, but have an unnatural aversion to anything that's dry!

[Cece]

I have the same issue in the winter. I'm fine in the summer. But coconut oil just does not do it for me during the cold weather. I do dry brush, too. But in the winter I need something more and I haven't found a natural product yet that works for me. I've tried shea, but I'm not particularly happy with that. Right now in the fall I am using coconut oil and jojobo and that's fine. But with winter lurking, I will quickly be needing something heavier. So, I second this post request!

[zUzU]

=^..^= Have you thought about your diet just being off a little?
It's not always about putting something on the outer layer...
And sometimes a little difference is all the difference?

Are you eating enough fats? Like avocado, flax seed and olive oils.
Don't be afraid of good fats ... Some people need more than others.
I'm not talking of nuts and seeds, but cold pressed oils or the actual fruit.
And lots of water! Drink drink drink water. Tons. With fresh lemon.

The other thing to consider (if you haven't already) is if you are gluten intolerant. That'll make you crazy itchy sometimes. It takes so much to become deficient in anything such as minerals and vitamins (oft times, years), but one slip with something the body wants to attack as an unwelcome invader (like an allergen), and watch out.

--Hoping you will be feeling better soon!

[AndyRhae]

I know it probably has a lot to do with what am and am not eating - def need more healthy fats, and less gluten based foods. And I thought I was drinking enough water, but it never hurts to drink a little more.

Even if I put lotion on, the itchies are still there. It's gotten to the point where I have little bumps - maybe irritated skin or something? It's just outrageous. I exfoliate as often as I can remember, which is at least once a week. And since the itchies have started, I've been lotioning as often as possible too - at least once per day. But even when I think I am scrubbed and moisturized, I still need to scratch.

I think I might invest in a lotion with some sort of mint or other tingly ingredient - even if it won't cure the dry skin, it'll at least numb me from feeling it!! lol

[Tiffany]

You will find after 3 or so weeks of dry skin brushing that the little bumps go away! I had them for years on the backs of my arms and thighs...no more....give it a try. I just bought a boar bristle brush w/ a wooden handle....Bass brand for @ $5 at the local grocery store....nothing fancy. I think you will be pleased with the effect. I also 2nd the Omega 3 and healthy raw fat intake. It really makes a difference. Try to do a colon then liver cleanse. The change of seasons is a great time to do this and I always seem to have skin issues when the seasons change. The cleanses help immensely in circumventing the dry skin.

AndyRhae said:

I know it probably has a lot to do with what am and am not eating - def need more healthy fats, and less gluten based foods. And I thought I was drinking enough water, but it never hurts to drink a little more.

Even if I put lotion on, the itchies are still there. It's gotten to the point where I have little bumps - maybe irritated skin or something? It's just outrageous. I exfoliate as often as I can remember, which is at least once a week. And since the itchies have started, I've been lotioning as often as possible too - at least once per day. But even when I think I am scrubbed and moisturized, I still need to scratch.

I think I might invest in a lotion with some sort of mint or other tingly ingredient - even if it won't cure the dry skin, it'll at least numb me from feeling it!! lol

[Anastazia]

Most lotions are FULL of chemicals, & have just made it worse for me...(like chapstick makes your lips MORE chapped!)
Olive oil works way better for me than coconut oil...I guess cuz it's heavier...
...& usually, when it gets bad, it's when I haven't been drinking enough water!
~Anastazia~

[Angie]

Fat, fat, fat! (At least for me). I get crazy dry skin, especially on my hands, if I don't get enough healthy fats & omega-3s. Avocados, flax, chia, hempseeds...You can also get supplements of specific fats (flax oil, etc.) &/or essential fatty acids (CLA, Omega-3, etc.).

[Dianne]

Shea butter will work.I make lotions & body butters annd soaps,but fast and quick for u would be head to Walmart or a Target and look over ingredients on creams and get the highest shea butter for your skin...It will do the trick.Shea butter is exactly for eczema,psoriasis and skin issues.
Shea butter is from a nut out of Africa.....

[AndyRhae]

Thanks, all, for the advice! I plan on making a trip to the grocery store later this week, so I will def be stocking up on shea butter lotion and a better body brush! I have an omega 3 supplement, but I guess it only helps if I actually take it :P

[Bunny Berry]

Dianne's products are affordable and awesome. I'm a customer! ;)

AndyRhae said:

Thanks, all, for the advice! I plan on making a trip to the grocery store later this week, so I will def be stocking up on shea butter lotion and a better body brush! I have an omega 3 supplement, but I guess it only helps if I actually take it :P