Helen Hecker asked:


Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. Only a lucky few have ‘normal’ skin; the rest of us have a dry, oily or combination variety; if dryness is your problem, read on.

Xeroderma literally means “dry skin”. Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity.

Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis can be further subdivided into the following strata (beginning with the outermost layer): corneum, lucidum (only in feet), granulosum, spinosum, and basale.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain.

Dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea or psoriasis may cause the skin to be dry too. Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter. Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed.

Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin. For any skin condition, it’s always better to take a natural approach. Apply moisturizers just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp.

Put two tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Drink freshly juiced carrot juice every day. Drink plenty of water, a minimum of a quart a day. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Fatty acids are particularly important to people with dry skin.

Use coconut oil; it just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. The best treatment I’ve found for dry skin is coconut oil. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Apply coconut oil to heal and soothe your skin.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

It’s time to call the doctor when all your home remedies do not relieve your dryness and itching. Call your skin doctor or naturopath when you feel itchy all over without a visible rash. If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you definitely should see the doctor.

Helen Hecker asked:


Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin.

It’s easy to treat dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, yet effective, at home.

Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water.

The skin is often known as “the largest organ of the human body”. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body.

The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. The epidermis contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the upper layers of the dermis. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane.

The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin: as a result, the skin becomes dehydrated. Xeroderma can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and cracks in the skin.

Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin. Use bath oils and moisturizers daily. Take baths or showers less often. Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis.

Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your salad. The two most common, sluggish, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber. For an easy fiber boost, mix in 2 tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce, from 2-3 apples, made in your food processor. Drink plenty of water, a minimum of a quart a day. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day.

The best treatment I’ve found for dry skin is coconut oil. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, at least daily. If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too.

The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies.

Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms – the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface.

If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see the doctor. Continue using coconut oil and the benefits of good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions should be your reward. It’s time to call the doctor when all your home remedies do not relieve your dryness and itching.