Dry Skin: What Is Missing In The Body

Skin and its functions

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, with a total area of ​​1.5–2.3 sq. m, which is the first line of defense against external adverse factors.

Radiant, smooth, hydrated and clean skin are the main signs of a healthy body.

Skin functions:

• barrier;
• respiratory;
• exchange;
• resorption (suction capacity);
• thermoregulating;
• immune;
• receptor;
• secretory and excretory (excretory);
• endocrine.

Signs of dry skin

• itching;
• tightness;
• crack formation;
• roughness;
• peeling;
• coarseness of the limbs;
• increased irritability of the skin;
• acne.

Causes of dry skin

The problem with dry skin is that it not only damages the barrier function, but also provokes itching, scratching, leading to peeling and inflammation of the stratum corneum, thereby further exacerbating the damage to the protective function.

The best emollient creams can only partially help, since the cause most often lies within the body itself.

What does the body lack if the skin dries? Let's figure out the reasons.

In adults

• Unfavorable climatic conditions and environmental factors. Constant exposure to the sun without SPF protection, sudden changes in temperature, air conditioning, use of radiators, poor environmental conditions.
• Incorrect care. Below pH 4.5, skin tends to suffer from dryness and flaking. Its environment is too acidic, unable to retain moisture and resist bacteria. Incorrect and excessive use of aggressive scrubs, peels, as well as prolonged use of products with AHA acids can lead to a decrease in skin pH. As a result, the water-lipid layer is damaged and irritation appears.
• Violation of the hydrobalance or lack of fluid in the body. Factors that destroy the epidermal barrier and hydrolipid mantle: chlorinated water (strongly dries, causes irritation, the skin lacks moisture, the lipid barrier is destroyed, as a result, the skin cracks and flakes); products with surfactants (destroy healthy skin microbiota, destroy the hydrolipid mantle, block the synthesis of keratinocytes, increase water loss); products with very low or high pH; polishing, peeling and scrubs; UV radiation in high doses.
• Lack of animal protein (especially in vegetarians).
• Lack of fatty acids in the diet (both animal and vegetable sources).
• Lack of vitamins E, A, C, group B.
• Lack of trace elements: iron, copper and zinc.
• Dermatological conditions including xerosis (often referred to as abnormally dry skin), atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
• Chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver - failure of detoxification processes.
• Gastrointestinal disorders - improper absorption of nutrients, fats and fat-soluble vitamins from food.
• Hypothyroidism and other hormonal disorders or changes. Associated with a deficiency of thyroid hormones, growth hormone, estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, DHEA. Hormones are responsible for energy metabolism. Their deficiency leads to the fact that the skin does not receive enough nutrients, and mitochondria (energy stations of each cell) - the necessary energy. The synthesis of collagen (an important element for health, especially for women, and skin) is disrupted.
• Epstein-Barr virus is one of the viruses of the herpes virus family. With a chronic viral infection, the liver loses its ability to function normally and process fats. They begin to enter the bloodstream, the supply of oxygen to the body is greatly reduced, the skin cannot cope with the removal of toxins from the body, as a result, dryness, inflammation and cracks appear.

In children

Children's skin is like litmus test. The baby instantly reacts with skin rashes to various factors:

• food allergies;
• intolerance to skin care products;
• improper skin care;
• synthetic clothing;
• deficiency of vitamins D, A, E.

How to start skin restoration? Is it possible to get rid of dry skin with the help of nutrition tools? We will tell you at the free webinar "5 steps to healthy skin"

How to get rid of dry skin

Dry skin on the face, hands and feet is a common problem in women, men and children. To find the right approach, you need to find the source of the problems.

Determine the pH of the skin, check the composition of the cosmetics you use. Leave products suitable for daily care. Refuse cosmetics with surfactants.

• How to determine the pH of the skin

Normal skin pH is between 5.2 and 5.7.

Such skin should be maintained with products with a neutral pH level of 5.5, so as not to provoke acidification or alkalization processes.

If the sensitivity of the skin becomes high, peeling, dryness and a feeling of tightness appear, it means that the pH has shifted to the acid side.

If inflammatory elements form on the skin, acne, pores increase, there is an increased work of the sebaceous glands and a greasy sheen - the pH has shifted to the alkaline side.

• How to determine pH in cosmetics

The packaging and the manufacturer's website do not always carry information about the pH level of creams and other cosmetics. To independently determine the pH level, you need special test strips (litmus strips), they are sold in pharmacies. Test: mix the cosmetic product and water in a ratio of 1:4, then test the resulting mass with a litmus strip (according to the instructions on the package).

• Care to restore the epidermal barrier and hydrolipid mantle:

protection against oxidative stress; indoor air humidification (for heating and air conditioning); gentle cleansing of the skin; adequate hydration and nutrition of the skin with the help of external agents (lamellar emulsions, liposomal concentrates, products with ceramides and the correct pH).

Lamellar emulsions contain components identical to those found in the skin: phosphatidylcholine, triglycerides, squalene, sterols (cholesterol), as well as active substances packed in liposomes and nanosomes.

• Pay attention to the composition of cosmetics

It is important to pay attention to the general composition of the product, and not only to the active components, since aggressive components can completely neutralize the effect of important substances.

The norm is 30-35 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight.

You need to calculate your daily rate and divide it into several methods, for example:

30 minutes before breakfast (for the normal functioning of the digestive tract); a couple of hours after breakfast; 30 minutes before lunch; a couple of hours after lunch; 30 minutes before dinner.

It is not recommended to drink a lot of water in the evening and before going to bed, so as not to burden the kidneys and not provoke the appearance of morning edema.

Limit simple carbohydrates, trans fats, and fructose as much as possible.

In order for the cells of the skin and the whole body to be healthy and able to fully perform all their functions, a balanced diet and replenishment of resources are necessary, including:

• monounsaturated fats - the basis for the production of lipids (structural components of cells, hormones, bile), restore the water balance of the dermis, help maintain the protective functions of the skin, participate in metabolic processes, promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, K), prevent dryness, peeling - necessary for the normal functioning of all body systems;
• proteins are the main components of the cell, the main building material of organs and tissues, the basis for the construction of enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters. Not a single process in the body takes place without the participation of proteins. Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin, responsible for its hydration, elasticity and firmness. Keratin is a protein in the epidermis. Melanin is the protein responsible for skin pigment. To build them, you need a sufficient amount of resources. The synthesis of these proteins in the body comes from amino acids, which must come from protein foods. Animal protein is more valuable to the body than vegetable protein. However, the combination of several types of vegetable proteins and their proper preparation increase the biological value. The optimal ratio of vegetable and animal proteins in the diet is 50:50;
• complex (slow) carbohydrates are a source of energy for body cells, normalize blood glucose levels, contain soluble and insoluble fiber that supports a healthy microbiome and well-coordinated bowel function. In the process of fermentation of insoluble fiber, the intestinal microflora synthesizes substances (metabolites) that positively affect skin health (propionate, butyrate, acetate).

It is the complex - proteins, fats and carbohydrates - that is able to provide the body with a complete set of nutrients for its full-fledged work and maintaining skin health.

• chicken breast - 32
• chicken drumstick - 25.3
• chicken hearts - 26.4
• chicken liver - 24.5
• turkey - 30
• turkey liver - 27
• beef - 29.9
• trout - 26.6
• salmon - 25.4
• sardine - 24.6
• perch - 24.2
• mozzarella cheese - 23.8
• goat cheese - 21.6
• parmesan cheese - 35.8
• chicken egg - 13.6
• quail egg - 13.1
• shrimp - 20.1
• octopus - 29.8
• caviar red / black - 28.6

• fish and meat must be thermally processed for at least 20 minutes; for better absorption of amino acids, marinate in vinegar, lemon or kiwi before cooking.

• hemp seed - 31.6
• pumpkin seeds - 30.2
• beans - 26.1
• lentils - 24.6
• mash - 23.9
• peas - 23.8
• red beans - 23.6
• dried basil - 23
• tarragon - 22.8
• chickpea flour - 22.4
• sunflower seeds - 20.8
• sesame - 20.5
• pistachios - 21.1
• almonds - 21.2
• brazil nuts - 14.3
• cashew - 15.3
• hazelnuts - 14.95

• legumes and nuts should be soaked for at least 8 hours.

• whey protein - 78;
• spirulina - 57.5.

• adults - 1 g / kg;
• during pregnancy, lactation - up to 1.5 g / kg of body weight per day. Specialist consultation required;
• with intense physical exertion - 1.5-2 g / kg.

• 1:1 ratio of vegetable and animal protein;
• to fully obtain amino acids, vegetable protein sources must be combined with each other.

• eggs;
• shrimps, lobsters, crabs, shellfish, fish of the cold seas (salmon, mackerel, herring), mackerel, lamb, meat and milk of free range animals.

• green plants, especially dark green ones - cabbage, spinach, salads;
• avocado;
• avocado, flax, chia and hemp oil, ghee (clarified butter).

• omega-3, seal oil.

• adults - 1 g / kg.

• plums, apples;
• black currant;
• rice, oatmeal and pearl barley;
• plantain and flax seeds.

• cell walls of many plants, cereals and bran;
• seeds;
• arthropod shells (chitin).

• psyllium;
• pectin;
• agar-agar;
• zosterin.

• carbohydrate intake for an adult - 3-4 g / kg: fiber - 30 g; fructose - 15–25 g.

• Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis during an exacerbation - coarse indigestible fiber is limited;
• SIBR, CIGR - fermentable oligosaccharides (FOX, GOX, etc.) are limited.

In case of violation of the absorption of nutrients, it is necessary:

• normalize the secretion of gastric juice;
• normalize pancreatic function;
• to establish bile secretion;
• restore the detoxification function of the liver;
• restore the intestinal microbiota.

The absorption of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and the proper metabolism of hormones are impossible without the full functioning of these processes.

What foods should be included in the diet to improve digestion, increase the absorption of nutrients from food and get healthy smooth skin? We recommend Nata Gonchar's free author's course "Your own nutritionist"

It is important to replenish and maintain the body's vitamin resources. Vitamins are regulators of biological processes, the deficiency of which disrupts the biochemistry of the body and the functioning of organs:

• E - antioxidant, stimulates cell renewal, protects mitochondrial membranes from oxidative damage, improves skin nutrition, is used for various skin diseases and endocrine diseases. Food sources - olive oil, wheat germ oil, almonds, cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, liver.
• A - modulates the immune response, is necessary for skin elasticity. Food sources - liver, dairy products, eggs, carrots, greens, beans, prunes.
• C - stimulates the production of collagen, maintains skin elasticity. Food sources - rose hips, black currants, citrus fruits, red peppers, berries, greens.
• B7 - helps in the processes of assimilation of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, affects the synthesis of collagen. Food sources - kidneys, liver, beans, peas.

To take vitamin preparations and select their optimal dosage, you need to consult a specialist.

Functions:

• contributes to the normalization of the level of hormones necessary for the health of the skin and the body (somatotropin - growth hormone, androgens, estrogens, insulin, thyroxine, adrenaline, glucagon);
• promotes the production of the "hormone of pleasure" - endorphin, which controls the functions of the endocrine glands, improves the functioning of the digestive system, acts as an antidepressant, and promotes a good mood.

What should be the physical activity?

• adequate and regular;
• it is necessary to start with a minimum load, gradually increasing its intensity and duration;
• prolonged moderate aerobic exercise increases the concentration of endorphins in the blood five times;
• regular physical activity for three or more months leads to increased cellular sensitivity to endorphins.

Important nuance

The skin is involved in the processes of respiration and realizes approximately 1.5–2.2% of oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release. Breathing through the skin is enhanced in conditions of exercise and heat. Therefore, it is so important not to use external agents that form a film on the skin and disrupt its respiratory, excretory and heat exchange functions.

It is necessary to check the body for the following deviations:

• violation of the digestive tract;
• hypothyroidism;
• violation of metabolic processes and the presence of metabolic diseases;
• violation or change in hormonal levels;
• dermatological diseases;
• chronic kidney and liver diseases;
• Epstein-Barr virus.

To accurately determine the cause of dry skin, you may need:

• clinical and biochemical blood tests;
• analysis for allergens;
• study of hormonal status;
• consultation with a dermatologist, cosmetologist or nutritionist.