Discussion
I've always had dry skin to some degree, but it seems to be getting worse as I age. In the winter I get cracks in my knuckles and occasionally finger joints but it's getting more widespread now. No itching, rashes or anything untoward, just very dry. If I rub the skin on my arms for example I can get a veritable snow storm for a moment or two.
Moisturising is the obvious solution but is there anything I can do diet-wise to help?
Moisturising is the obvious solution but is there anything I can do diet-wise to help?
I know this answer is full of the ghey but hey-ho it's allowed in the health section.
I use the sunbeds quite regularly (Posery student I know) and get really dry skin, also have always suffered it due to being a very dark skinned white person. I find coco butter helps a lot and some have little to know smell. Moisturisers tend to be overpriced and not brilliant /the ghey.
I use the sunbeds quite regularly (Posery student I know) and get really dry skin, also have always suffered it due to being a very dark skinned white person. I find coco butter helps a lot and some have little to know smell. Moisturisers tend to be overpriced and not brilliant /the ghey.
I have really dry skin on my hands from about October - April every year. First it turns scaly, then cracks and bleeds all over. This year, however, the Doctor gave me some corticosteroid ointment and told me to moisturise overnight. TBH, wearing cottons gloves isn't sexy but it sorted my hands out a treat.
Also, I drink between 3 and 4 litres of water a day so dehydration isn't the catalyst.
Also, I drink between 3 and 4 litres of water a day so dehydration isn't the catalyst.
Water here too, I hate water so live with dry skin 
I use cocoa butter every day, when it's bad, use it at night as well.
E45 supposed to be good too
Minimize it by wearing gloves as well when you are cleaning/dealing with chemicals; even washing up liquid, may help with the knuckles.
Pink are the best
I use cocoa butter every day, when it's bad, use it at night as well.
E45 supposed to be good too
Minimize it by wearing gloves as well when you are cleaning/dealing with chemicals; even washing up liquid, may help with the knuckles.
Pink are the best
As a life long sufferer, I have found from experience:
Drink lots of water.
Eat lots of fruit.
Use something like Sanex in the shower and not ordinary soaps.
E45 "endless moisture", is the best body moisturiser I have found.
Drink less alcohol, (if I have a few beers, it can be quite noticable a couple of days later).
Cod liver oil capsules also helps, but it takes a few months to take effect.
Plenty of exercise to get the blood flowing.
Avoid the cold weather!!
ETA, you are right, it does get worse with age. You can either accept it or change your habits accordingly. I hardly drink beer these days as I know it will affect my skin for the worse. A glass of red wine occasionally seems to be ok.
Drink lots of water.
Eat lots of fruit.
Use something like Sanex in the shower and not ordinary soaps.
E45 "endless moisture", is the best body moisturiser I have found.
Drink less alcohol, (if I have a few beers, it can be quite noticable a couple of days later).
Cod liver oil capsules also helps, but it takes a few months to take effect.
Plenty of exercise to get the blood flowing.
Avoid the cold weather!!
ETA, you are right, it does get worse with age. You can either accept it or change your habits accordingly. I hardly drink beer these days as I know it will affect my skin for the worse. A glass of red wine occasionally seems to be ok.
Edited by Grandad Gaz on Saturday 16th April 11:33
RemainAllHoof said:
One thing I found to work (bizarrely) was Vaseline. Not any "petroleum jelly" which, as people say, dries the skin, but proper branded Vaseline. It kept my skin moist longer than anything above.
Many creams are barrier creams and moisturise the outside and the skin feels good to touch. But you also need a hydrating cream i.e. one that that adds/balances moisture under the skin. You need a product that has a high Urea content at least 10%, but up to 25% - Boots/Chemists will have plenty of choice of these products - Eucerin is one brand name you could look out for.Anyone with dry cracked skin should avoid creams, which tend to dry the skin out more, in favour of ointments.
A good one to try is Diprobase ointment, but the best of all is called 50:50. Its a 50/50 mixture of white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin.
Your local pharmacist can get you some
A good one to try is Diprobase ointment, but the best of all is called 50:50. Its a 50/50 mixture of white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin.
Your local pharmacist can get you some
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