Extremely Dry Skin

[AhmedTaburov]

Hi, how are you?

My skin gets really dry, especially during the winter-spring. A few visits to a dermatologist and I came to this conclusion: I either use creams/lotions/moisturizer fot the rest of my life OR move to a tropical area :)
I tried vitamins (A, C, and D), supplements (Iron), changed my diet - nothing was effective! And it gets worse every year. The creams help, off course , but not all the time and not for long.
Are there antibiotics that fight dry skin? Will Omega 3 be effective? What else would you suggest?

I guess I'm still looking for that "magic potion" :)

Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils which in turn causes dry skin.

The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day.You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[aimeejason]

Hi Ahmed,

I too suffer with dehydrated skin and eczema.  Very bad combo believe me.  I have tried everything to help relieve my dry skin in the past.  From the most expensive beauty creams to the least expensive.  What I know works best for sure is drinking 8 to 10 8oz glasses of water...spring or otherwise..a day.  I need to get back into doing it my self...in other words practice what I preach.  Some of the  heavy moisturizing creams work well but there is nothing like water for your skin.  Have you ever heard of aqua therapy?  They use vats or pools if you would and you soak in it for an advised time.  Water feels so good to my dry skin...i have to shorten my showers as well...and take only room temp or luke warm showers/baths when I do...I would advise this as well for you.  I know that this isn't an experts advise just some advise from one dry skin sufferer to another but I hope that it was helpful.

Best Wishes,

Aimee