Cold, dry winter weather is a common cause of dry skin. It can leave your skin feeling tight, rough, and itchy, which is where the term “winter itch” comes from.
Aside from feeling uncomfortable and perhaps being less than desirable aesthetically speaking, when dry skin becomes severe, it can crack, making a perfect entryway for germs.
These germs can cause infection in your body, not only in your skin but elsewhere as well. For this reason, tending to dry skin is more than a matter of cosmetics; it’s a matter of health and safety.
Tending to Dry Skin from the Inside Out
External variables certainly contribute to dry skin. Weather is a major factor, as mentioned, and so is your occupation. If you’re a nurse or hairstylist, for instance, your hands will be washed and/or immersed in water much of the day, which dries out skin and causes it to become dry and cracked.
If you’re over the age of 40, you may have noticed that your skin has become dryer as well. This tends to happen with age (as your skin becomes thinner as well). People with atopic dermatitis (eczema) are also more prone to dry skin, as are those with psoriasis.
However, another factor to consider is whether your diet is providing the nutrients your skin needs to stay supple. Chief among them are omega-3 fats, which help normalize your skin fats and prevent dehydration in your cells.
This keeps your skin cells strong and full of moisture, which can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines. Fatty-acid deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, but skin problems such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels are common.
Additionally, omega-3 fats may have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to soothe irritated skin, giving you a clearer, smoother complexion. Omega-3 fat deficiency is actually quite common in the US (it’s been called the sixth biggest killer of Americans), as omega-3-rich foods are not widely consumed.
