Dry Skin

[swmom]

My daughter is having trouble with dry skin. Could we be missing an essential vitamin or mineral? She has red hair and is prone to skin sensitivities anyway but I was wondering if we needed to add something to her diet? Maybe omega 3?

[rosyred45]

hmmmmm, not sure mineral wise, but what type of soap do you use? We don't use bar soap for the most part, and Ivory breaks my husband out terrible.

And detergent? We have been using Gain, wich actually has been better for Mikey-reaction wise-that anyother type of detergent that we have used

[catatonic]

Do you use an Omega-3 supplement? Essentially fatty acid deficiency is associated with both dry skin and brittle hair. In fact, AustinsMom has posted that she keeps track of her son's Omega-3 status by watching for dry skin. I think it was on his hands? You might want to start your girl on some fish oil capsules if you're not using them already.

[AustinsMom]

Yes, the Omega 3's have helped us. We do the Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, 2 a day. We also use Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg once a day; I have read where that specifically affects hair and skin dryness. It will take awhile though, maybe several months, depending on how severe the lipid deficiency. If you look up lipid deficiency on the internet, one of the signs is dry skin. There are also lots of other benefits of taking the omegas. You might check out the book "The Omega-3 Connection" for more info also. Good luck!

[buttercup]

I think my skin and hair have improved with Omega 3 too. I'm 40 (in a couple of days) and my skin has no real lines. And, I don't need to use as much moisturizer now. I think Omega has made the difference. I drink quite a bit of water and tea (herbal, no caffeine) too. No sodas.

For adults: I have heard that caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes really do a number on your skin too. Course, I never ever suntan either...just use a little darker shade of Cover Girl powder, and Voi La!

Sidenote about sodas...I have landed in emergency 3 or more times in my teens and 20s with bladder/kidney infections and finally with a kidney stone. I lucked upon a smart-thinking doctor who asked if by chance I was drinking a lot of sodas. As is typical of me, I go through phases of craving different foods. I will crave my current obsession every day for like a month and then I don't want to see it again for years (e.g. bagels, pink sugar cookies, pickles, milkshakes, curly fries, Haagen Daaz, etc., etc., etc.)

Each time, I went to emergency, it just so happened that I was on a diet Coke phase. So, I am painfully aware of how they are not only not good for your skin, but can wreak havoc on my delicate 'innards" too.