Dry Skin Culprits + Cures
If you’re someone who suffers from dry skin, you’re likely not looking forward to the changing seasons. Although the coolness of fall has just begun, and winter is around the corner, you'll want to prepare for the months ahead.
We have some ideas.
IT’S YOUR SHOWER
Whether you swear by one-and-done or cannot start the day without your ten-step morning routine, if your water isn’t filtered, you’re missing the foundational step. The most fundamental constant, water, is where many of our pressing skin & hair issues start…
With our skin being our body’s largest organ, when we shower, we absorb water like a sponge. So the quality of our shower water has major implications for our beauty routine— including premature aging, dry skin, acne, dandruff, psoriasis, damaged hair, just to name a few. Showering in filtered water is the essential step for better skin, hair & wellbeing.
IT’S YOUR EXCEMA
Speaking of showers… you don’t want to spend too much time in hot showers because, counterintuitively, it drys out your skin. This is true for everyone, but especially if you suffer from rashes, eczema and psoriasis.
Rather, it’s recommended to take brief, lukewarm showers and to use a cleanser like Marie Veronique Gentle Gel Cleanser. (While intended for the face, we've found it to be nourishing for the body as well.) Also, immediately after your shower, apply emollients to lock in the moisture. For the body we recommend applying Province Apothecary Hydrating Rescue Balm when still wet, and on dry skin or when suffering from flareups we recommend their Healing Eczema Balm. For face, Marie Veronique Barrier Lipid Complex is both healing and nourishing.
Oftentimes, we can control the symptoms with the lifestyle changes. See if you can identify which foods make your skin flare up. Dairy, nuts, eggs, and wheat are common triggers for the condition, and fish-oil supplements and probiotics can ease it.
IT’S YOUR DIET
Some fats are better than others. And if you are suffering from dry skin, eating fats can be key to feeling relief.
High-quality olive oils, like Single Origin Graza and Extra-Virgin Brightland varieties have a whole host of benefits from anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to improve blood sugar control.
Ghee contains butyric acid and other short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown in research to benefit gut health and reduce inflammation. Well Adapted Goddess Ghee contains a trio of powerful adaptogens that help the body to adjust and handle the effects of stress and everyday hustle and bustle while maintaining a healthy sense of balance. (Stress is attributed to eczema and other skin flareups. #iykyk)
If you need a new idea on how to use ghee, we recently republished this bone broth recipe that’s nourishing, balancing and features the anti-inflammatory ingredient.