Dry skin on the body

While patches of dry skin can appear anywhere on the body it is most commonly found on the lower legs, arms, hands and abdomen. Sometimes dry skin is felt more than it is seen – uncomfortable feeling and itchy but severe dry skin can be both noticeable and embarrassing. Often we are more self conscious about this in the summer months when we have more of our bodies exposed. No more hiding under layers of winter clothes. Dry skin is also more noticeable on people with dark skins and can look a pale, ash grey colour.

Body Basics

Skin that is healthy is covered in a thin layer of natural lipids forming a lipid defence barrier. Lipids are a fatty like substance that helps to protect the skin from foreign invaders but also prevent excess moisture loss, keeping the moisture in and therefore the skin soft and supple. We need to look after this layer to keep our skin looking and feeling good.

External

• Avoid long, hot showers.
• Dry gently.
• Moisturise regularly and  immediately after bathing.
• Combat drying from central heating and air conditioning with a humidifier.
• Avoid clothing or detergents that irritate the skin.
• Gently exfoliate with wash cloth or make your own by mixing soft brown sugar, a little olive oil and add water slowly to get the desired consistency.
• Avoid soaps, detergents and sulphates.

Internal

• Drink enough water to keep the body well hydrated.
• Eat a balanced diet, a broad spectrum of all the colours in fruit and vegetables.
• Keep the body ‘oiled’ with all the good fats such as cold pressed virgin olive oil, avocado, walnuts, flaxseed, evening primrose oil and cold water fish such as tuna and salmon.
• Include wholegrain and foods that not overly processed.
• Over consumption of alcohol can have a drying effect on the skin.