Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Synopsis of Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Dry and/or flaky skin, medically known as xerosis, is a common condition that occurs when the skin loses too much water or oil, leading to rough texture, scaling, cracking, and sometimes itching or discomfort. It may be seasonal—worsening in cold, dry climates—or chronic due to aging, skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism. The condition can affect any part of the body but is most common on the arms, legs, hands, and face. While typically not serious, persistent dryness can lead to inflammation, secondary infection, and accelerated skin aging if left untreated.
Types:
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Environmental xerosis: Caused by weather, dry air, or harsh soaps
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Atopic dryness: Associated with eczema or sensitive skin conditions
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Aging-related dryness: Skin naturally loses oil glands with age
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Systemic dryness: Due to internal causes like hypothyroidism or dehydration
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Iatrogenic dryness: Caused by medications like diuretics or retinoids
Common Causes:
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Cold weather or low humidity
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Excessive bathing or hot showers
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Harsh soaps or skin care products
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Aging and hormonal changes
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Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin A, E, essential fatty acids)
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Underlying skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis)
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Inadequate water intake
Severity Causes:
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Lack of moisturizing or protective skin care
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Prolonged exposure to water, wind, or sun
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Internal inflammation or autoimmune conditions
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Low intake of fats, oils, or key nutrients
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Chronic scratching or use of irritating products
When to See a Doctor:
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Skin cracking or bleeding
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Intense itching, pain, or signs of infection
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Large patches of persistent scaling or inflammation
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Symptoms that don't improve with moisturizing
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Associated symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, or hair loss (possible thyroid issues)
Natural remedies for Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Aloe vera: Deeply hydrates and soothes irritated, dry skin. Supports the skin barrier and promotes healing, especially after sun or wind exposure.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Nourish skin from the inside out by supporting cell membranes and reducing inflammation. Improve elasticity and reduce flakiness.
Evening primrose oil (if included in blends): Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps lock in moisture and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that moisturizes and helps repair the skin barrier. May be used topically or taken as a supplement.
Vitamin A (in moderate doses): Essential for skin regeneration and oil gland function. Deficiency can lead to rough, scaly patches.
Probiotics: Improve skin barrier integrity and reduce dryness by enhancing gut-skin axis health and reducing systemic inflammation.
Magnesium: Supports hydration at the cellular level and may improve skin softness and healing, especially in combination with essential fatty acids.
Gentle skincare: Use fragrance-free, hydrating cleansers and thick emollient moisturizers immediately after bathing to seal in moisture.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Skin (dry and/or flaky)
aloe vera
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
bamboo
beeswax
biotin
borage oil
colostrum
evening primrose oil
gooseberry
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
rehmannia glutinosa
silicon
keratin
vitamin A
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
swertia
birch
queen of the meadow
sea salt
5-HTP (test)
Alkylamide (unspecified)
Aloe Polysaccharide
Argan tree
Azelaic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
Aloe vera
Anserina
Almond Oil
Amber resin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Apricot
Allantoin
Aloe
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Acemannan
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Apple
Argan nut oil
Australian Sandalwood
Butter
Burdock
Balsam Poplar
Big Quaking Grass
Black Currant Seed Oil
Birch (unspecified)
Butter
Blackberry
Borage Oil
Brown's Lily
Benzoin siam
Borage
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Breckland Thyme
Cream
Cod Liver Oil
Cape Aloe
Cream
Cocoa Butter
Cod Liver Oil
Ceramide
Cabbage palm (not specifed)
Centidepa (unspecified)
Chinese Club Moss
cypress
Cowslip
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chestnut
Castile Soap
Chinese Cucumber
Ceramides
Crioceras
Dandelion
Docosanoic acid
Diatase
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Dianthrone
Daylily
Dendramine
Echium Oil
Emu Oil
English Plantain
Evening Primrose
evening primrose oil
European White Birch
Evening Primrose oil
Flour
Fat liver oil
Ficus religiosa
Fern
Fruit acid (mixed)
French rose
Fringed Pink
Goldenrod
Gamma Linolenic Acid
Glycolic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid
Glyceryl oleate
Galium (unspecified)
Gardenia jasminoides
Horn
Heartsease
Hyacinth (unspecified)
Humectant
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic Acid
Hairy Fig
Isopropylmyristate
Jack-in-the-pulpit
jojoba
Japanese Pine
Jellyfish
Keratin
Ledebouriella (unspecified)
Lilium polyphyllum
Linseed Oil
Lanolin
L-Histidine
Lanolin
Lactoglobulin (mixed)
Lubricant
Mucilage
Mucin
Milkweed (unspecified)
Mammary
Nettle (mixed)
Oak
Orchid
Pear
P. nigraclens (unspecified)
Palmyra
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
Phlebodium decumanum
Pine
Panthenol
Pig
Peat
Pig
Rubus (unspecified)
Rugose Rose
Red Sandalwood
Rockweed (unspecified)
Rice Flour
Rose water
Sulfate
Spotted Geranium
Snail
Siberian Fir
Spikenard
Small-Flowered Willow-Herb
Silk protein
Sea Salt
sage oil
Sesame Oil
Skin
Sesame Oil
Sodium chloride
Silicon
Sulfur
Stone Root
Styrax balsam
Sargassum
Servicetree
Sulphur
Tyrosinase
Turtle
Tropical oil (unspecified)
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols)
Vitamin B2
Vitamin E (beta tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (beta-tocotrienol)
Vegetarian Capsule
Vitamin E (tocotrienols)
Vitamin A (vitamin A Palmitate)
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
Vitamin B2 (various)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (various)
Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Vitamine E (mixed tocotrienols)
Water Lily (unspecified)
Witch Hazel
Zinc Picolinate
