Types of Vitamins that Help Treat Dry Skin

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is often not a serious condition but can be very uncomfortable. Depending upon the condition, dry skin can cause itching, flaking, redness and peeling of the skin. Environmental conditions can be a cause, such as the weather, but this can often be controlled or eliminated by effective treatments. Some medical conditions such as psoriasis and hypothyroidism-underactive thyroid-can cause dry skin. Several vitamins are known to have benefits in treating dry skin conditions.

Types

Vitamin A help keeps the skin strong and helps the skin repair itself. It is a very good preventative for developing dry skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and can help repair dry skin damage caused from over-exposure to the sun. The healing properties of Vitamin C help repair skin damage and wounds to the skin. For healthy skin tone and dry skin that may be caused by stress, Vitamin B may be helpful.

Benefits

There are many benefits of a healthy dose of vitamins known to combat dry skin. One of the best methods of fighting dry skin is from the inside out. Not only will having the right amounts of these vitamins in your system help you combat dry skin, but your overall health will benefit as well. Getting the recommended allowance of vitamins can improve your immune system, possibly preventing some dry skin conditions.

Considerations

One consideration of any vitamin therapy is making sure you receive the proper dosage of vitamins. Taking any amount of vitamins over the daily recommended allowance can be dangerous. If you take dietary supplements, be sure to read the label and follow dosage instructions carefully. Before beginning any vitamin supplement therapy, you should check with your doctor to make sure any medications you are taking will not interfere with the vitamin's effectiveness. You should also check to make sure that the vitamins will have no dangerous interactions with your prescribed medications.

Availability

Many vitamins supplements available to fight dry skin can be purchased over-the-counter at department stores, pharmacies, or may be available online. You should consider buying vitamin supplements that are pharmaceutical grade. Pharmaceutical grade vitamins may be more expensive than store brands but are easily digested by the body

When to See a Doctor

If your skin is extremely dry or painful, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Any skin that is inflamed, red and hot to the touch is a reason to see your physician. Your doctor can also make recommendations to help you combat dry skin such as developing a healthier lifestyle.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dry-skin/DS00560

http://www.skinway.com/skincare_articles/vitamins-for-healthy-skin.htm

http://www.naturalelements.co.uk/fight

http://www.nclnet.org/publications/dietsupps.pdf

http://www.aad.org/