Home Remedies and Herbs for Dry Skin (Xeroderma)

Dry skin is a very common condition and, for the most part, isn’t serious. It usually affects the scalp, lower legs, arms, sides of the abdomen and the thighs. Unfortunately, it can be quite uncomfortable and unsightly, creating flaking, lines and wrinkles. ^1,2 The medical term for dry skin is called xeroderma or xerodermia and is derived from the Greek word “xerosis cutis” meaning “dry skin. Serious dry skin problems include an inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis which are painful, disfiguring and upsetting. ³

Often, environmental factors are responsible for dry skin and it’s temporary or seasonal. Most cases of xeroderma can easily be treated with a dry skin natural remedy including moisturizers and avoiding harsh, drying soaps. ^1,2 Chronic cases of dry skin may require evaluation from a doctor or dermatologist.

What Causes Dry Skin (Xeroderma)?

Dry skin causes are usually environmental and are often temporary according to the season. Potential causes of dry skin include: ¹

• Weather — Skin is usually driest in winter when the temperature and relative humidity is lower in most climates. The reverse may occur in desert regions where temperatures soar but the humidity stays low.
• Heat — Often, nature is not the biggest offender of dry skin. Wood stoves, central heating, fireplaces and space heaters can quickly dry the air and contribute to xeroderma.
• Harsh soaps and detergents — Many soaps, including those advertised as natural products, strip the skin of moisture and oils. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging.
• Hot showers and long baths — Rather than contributing to moisture, baths and showers dry the skin. This includes swimming in chlorinated pools.
• Sun exposure — The UV rays in sunlight are especially harmful to skin if exposed long term. Drying is a natural effect and leads to heavy wrinkles and loose, saggy dry skin.
• Other conditions — People with conditions like eczema are particularly prone to dry skin.

Dry Skin (Xeroderma) Symptoms

Xeroderma symptoms are usually very obvious and include: ^1,2

• Scaling skin
• Dry, flaking skin
• Itching which can be mild or intense
• Cracking skin
• Open, bleeding skin in severe cases

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Dry Skin (Xeroderma)

There are many dry skin home remedies. The most effective natural treatments for xeroderma are: ³

• Coconut Oil - This is a very popular dry skin treatment. Coconut oil contains a good amount of fatty acids that make up for the loss of skin moisture. Coconut oil is applied topically to sensitive dried areas. Many people apply coconut oil to their entire body before bedtime and shower it off in the morning.
• Baking Soda - Baking soda is a natural dandruff remedy to exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin.
• Olive Oil - Olive oil is another highly-effective natural treatment for xeroderma. It’s been used for thousands of years due to it being readily available in hot, dry climates and it’s ability to stay stable indefinitely. Aside of its lubricating ability, olive oil has antioxidants and healthy fatty acids which can be massaged right into the skin.
• Mayonnaise - Real mayonnaise (not whip-type substitutes) is a natural moisturizer. Apply mayonnaise directly to affected areas, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off.
• Aloe Vera - Juice from the aloe vera plant is highly effective for dry skin as well as skin damaged by cuts, burns or abrasions. Aloe vera can be applied directly from a plant cutting or purchased in liquid form.
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that improves skin conditions. The oil form is best and is applied directly to the dry skin areas.
• Yogurt - This creamy, dairy product is an excellent skin-hydrating agent. It should be rubbed on, left 10 minutes then washed off. Yogurt leaves skin exfoliated and refreshed.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/basics/definition/con-20030009
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/dry-skin
3. http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-dry-skin.html