Reading time: 2 minutes
Treating dry skin from within: 6 tips
It’s that time of year again: the days are getting shorter, the temperatures are getting colder, and your beloved skin is starting to protest. Dry skin, roughness, flakiness, itchiness, and irritation can plague you on a daily basis. But don’t worry, because we’re here to show you how to tackle this problem from the inside out. Even in the fall and winter, your skin can still glow. Read on for 6 essential tips.
Directly to:
- Our skin in a nutshell
- Why Your Skin Gets Dry During the Fall and Winter Months
- Causes of dry skin
- 6 tips against dry skin
- Supplements
- Conclusion
-
Need more inspiration?
Our skin in a nutshell
Before we delve deeper into the secrets of glowing skin, let’s first understand what our skin actually is. Our skin is not only our largest organ, but also a reflection of our overall health.
Our skin consists of three essential layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous connective tissue. This skin mainly forms a protective barrier for our body, which protects it from external influences. In addition, our skin fulfills several crucial functions, such as regulating body temperature, maintaining moisture balance and acting as a buffer to protect our vital organs.
Why Your Skin Gets Dry During the Fall and Winter Months
Our skin is made up of different layers and the outer layer contains dead skin cells and natural oils, known as 'sebum' or 'sebum,' which maintain moisture balance.
This sebum also acts as a shield against harmful influences and helps keep the skin soft, supple and radiant; sebum production is partly genetically determined. Sometimes our skin can become dry, especially when protective oils are missing in the epidermis, which causes excessive moisture loss.
You can recognize dry skin by symptoms such as:
- Rough, dry patches on the skin
- A tight and pulling feeling
- Itch
- Skin flakes
- Irritation
- A dull complexion
- The formation of small wrinkles
If your skin shows these signs, it's time to give it the attention and care it deserves to restore its health and beauty.
Causes of dry skin
Dry skin is a common problem that can affect anyone at any time. Not just the face, but can also affect the legs and other parts of the body. The tips will help if you suffer from dry skin all year round or only during the cold months (when the temperature drops and humidity decreases).
Causes of dry skin:
-
Harsh Care Products: Soaps, shampoos and facial cleansers often contain harsh ingredients that can thoroughly strip away your skin's natural oils.
-
Inadequate Nutritional Intake: Your skin needs adequate nutrients to function optimally. A balanced diet is crucial.
-
Exposure to heat sources: Think: from central heating to fireplaces and wood stoves, can reduce the humidity in a room, which can lead to dry skin.
-
Long hot showers or baths: Very tempting, but long, hot showers or extensive baths can strip your skin of its natural oils and contribute to dry skin.
-
Swimming in pools: Chlorine, a common chemical in swimming pools, can dry out your skin.
-
Seasons: During the fall and winter months, humidity and temperatures drop, increasing the likelihood of dry skin.
-
Medication: Some medications can cause dry skin as a side effect. If you notice that medication is affecting your skin, it is advisable to discuss this with your doctor.
6 tips against dry skin
1. Eat enough complete proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of your skin. Make sure you eat enough protein, such as grass-fed organic meat, fish, eggs, raw dairy, beans and legumes.
2. Eat enough fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which hydrate your skin and reduce inflammation.
NOTE: Natural Fish VS Farmed Fish
The fish you find in the supermarket can come from the wild or be specifically farmed. Wild-caught fish can unfortunately lead to overfishing, damage to the ecosystem, unwanted bycatch and significant energy consumption. On the other hand, farmed fish species usually live in confined spaces, and to prevent diseases, antibiotics and other medicines are often used. That is why we always choose consciously caught wild fish.
3. Eat the rainbow
Variety in your diet is essential for healthy skin. Different fruits and vegetables provide your skin with a wide range of vitamins and antioxidants. Try to eat at least 400 grams of vegetables and 2 pieces of fruit every day.
4. Exercise outside regularly
Exercise stimulates blood circulation and brings oxygen to your skin, which helps give it a healthy appearance.
5. Drink enough water
Hydration starts from within. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Opt for filtered water with a pinch of Celtic sea salt.
6. Supplements
As a supplement to your diet (because unfortunately... We no longer get everything from our food, read here why), supplements can provide your skin with extra support.
Here are our favorites:
Conclusion
Remember that your skin is a reflection of your overall health, so invest in a healthy lifestyle and you will reap the rewards in the form of glowing skin.
Do you have any questions or would you like more advice on treating dry skin? Feel free to contact us - Click here for free advice - we are always ready with free personal advice tailored to your needs from our orthomolecular therapist.
Need more inspiration?
Visit our Instagram page or check out our other recipes, blogs for more healthy and tasty ideas.