Help Combat The Causes Of Dry Skin With Natural Oils, Herbs, And Exfoliation

There are several causes of dry skin and this may be due to heredity, sun overexposure, or excessive cold temperatures. It can also occur as a consequence of other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. The symptoms from these conditions can be annoying and painful, especially when the skin begins to crack and bleeding occurs. For some people, dry skin can be treated with simple self help measures, such as avoiding conventional detergent soaps when bathing, and applying a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or more when going out in the sun. In addition, the use of antioxidant rich moisturizers is helpful, and the application of medicated creams and gels recommended by your dermatologist are also beneficial. You should also purchase clothing made from natural fibers such as cottons since many people have allergic reactions to synthetic fibers and wools.

Being exposed to extreme temperatures is one of the many causes of dry skin.

In the cold winter months before leaving your home, it is important to apply a moisturizer to your hands, face, and neck in order to protect your skin from the elements, which is one of the causes of dry skin. Using an exfoliator is beneficial since it helps to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. For those that have serious skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, or inflamed episodes of acne, applying an exfoliator is not recommended since it will be irritating to the skin. If you exfoliate your skin, try not to go out immediately into the sun because you will be more prone to get sunburned. Limiting your time in the sun and applying sunscreen can help eliminate some of the causes of dry skin.

Causes of dry skin, and natural products to help treat this condition

Most conventional products used to treat dry skin are either derived from mineral oil or hydrocortisone.

More causes of dry skin are the harsh chemicals that are found in our skin care products. Mineral oil is derived from petroleum chemicals and research has shown that this substance clogs pores. I personally do not use any skin care products containing mineral oil, instead I use those that contain natural oils. Oil of almond, jojoba, avocado, and rosa mosqueta seed oil are beneficial since they are non-comedogenic. Another type of oil that is added to dry skin care formulas is virgin coconut oil. Over the last few years I have seen this product marketed in health food stores across the country. In certain parts of the Philippines where large quantities of this oil are consumed, it has shown to lower incidences of heart and vascular disease among the population. This product has been claimed to improve the immune system and lower blood cholesterol. The oil of this fruit does not contain the dangerous trans fats, instead it is made up of medium chain fatty acids.

For skin care purposes, coconut oil is claimed to be one of the best oils we can apply to our skin.

It is rich in antioxidants, and it can help fight free radicals in our skin. Most skin care formulas on the market contain refined oils which are depleted of their natural antioxidants. For this reason, these oils will produce free radicals and cause our skin to age or possibly cause other skin conditions. These oils may be considered as one of the main causes of dry skin. As we get older, our skin will begin to discolor and develop what are called age or liver spots. Virgin coconut oil has been shown to prevent liver spots from forming and possibly reduce those that already exist. There are a few formulas on the market that contain virgin coconut oil, and others that combine it with palm oil. Together, these oils have been shown to be beneficial to the skin since they contain a form of Vitamin E known as tocotrienols. They have also been found to be effective moisturizers and are helpful in reducing the damage from ultraviolet radiation.

Using the proper oils to treat the causes of dry skin can be very beneficial while not causing any allergic reactions.

Another oil which has been shown to be effective for dry skin is rosa mosqueta seed oil. This oil is extracted from the seeds of a plant grown in Chile known as rosa rubiginosa. A major benefit of this oil is that it is effective at reducing scars and wrinkles and also has been shown to reduce skin discoloration and treat acne.

Many of us have read about the benefits of Vitamin A when applied to the skin. Dermatologists have used a derivative of this vitamin in prescription form known as tretinoin for acne treatment and dry skin. This drug has its benefits, but it has also caused cases of skin irritations and rashes. Rosa mosqueta seed oil, on the other hand, contains natural retinoic acid which has been shown to be free of side effects. Consider adding this wonderful oil to your skin care regimen, since it is beneficial in treating aged skin and helpful with a variety of other troublesome skin conditions.

One herb that has many medicinal properties in addition to being beneficial to the skin is comfrey.

The root of this multi-purpose herb has been used to treat broken bones, hemorrhoids, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, and different types of cancers. The leaves of this plant have been shown to be helpful in treating the causes of dry skin. The natural chemical found in comfrey is allantoin, and it is believed that this natural chemical is beneficial to the skin. Several years ago, comfrey in capsule, powder, and tablet form was taken off the market, since several reports claimed that it may cause liver damage.

Presently, the use of this herb is limited to skin care purposes only. An extract of comfrey is added to skin care products since it is claimed to be safe for external use. When using skin care formulas that contain this herb, make sure they only use the variety S. officinale. Other varieties of this herb, such as Russian comfrey and S. asperum, are not considered safe. Consider using a formula of the variety S. officinale since it has been shown throughout the centuries to help treat the common condition of dry skin.

The content presented here on this website is for informational purposes only. These products have not been approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.