Xeroderma literally means “dry skin”. Xeroderma is a very common condition. As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oil that helps it retain its moisture.

Skin consists of loose connective tissue and elastin. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings.

The epidermis can be further subdivided into the following strata (beginning with the outermost layer): corneum, lucidum (only in feet), granulosum, spinosum, and basale. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region.

Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin. Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and cracks in the skin.

The use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to treat the appearance of the face and condition of the skin (such as pore control and blackhead cleansing) is common among many cultures. For any skin condition, it’s always better to take a natural approach. Natural treatment should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin.

Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts, raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. You want to work from the inside out too. Drink plenty of water, a minimum of a quart a day. Put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your smoothies. Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times daily and at bedtime to see its benefits. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. Apply coconut oil to heal and soothe your skin.

Dry skin can be converted into healthy skin using natural home remedies. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed.

If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see the doctor. Make sure to call your dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won’t heal. It’s time to call the doctor when all your home remedies do not relieve your dryness and itching.

It’s easy to treat dry skin cheaply, simply, naturally, and effectively at home. Natural treatments for dry skin are the best choice today rather than harsh chemical treatments.

The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as to the epidermis. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region.

Dry skin can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight or some medications. Dry skin can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid. Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is.

Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin conditions; check with your pharmacist or doctor and read the drug insert - you can get one from your pharmacist. Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin. The symptoms most associated with dry skin are: scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching, and cracks in the skin.

Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve you skin health and help to prevent acne. Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts, raw seeds, fresh fruit or dried fruit like dates, and figs. Drink freshly extracted carrot juice, if you can, every day; carrot juice is an excellent cleanser for the liver, great for the skin and contains a great deal of nutrients, all beneficial for dry skin, eczema, acne, zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other breakouts.

Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may dry out the skin or cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis; read the labels. Only use mild cleansers or mild soaps if you must use a soap or cleanser. If you use moisturizers, use the thick, oily-type which work better for dry skin.

Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long; but better yet, apply more coconut oil. To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime. Use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day.

Apply coconut oil daily to your skin to heal, moisturize and soothe it. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I’ve found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc.

The skin is subject to constant attack from without; it can be affected by many conditions, diseases and ailments. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it’ll become cracked or inflamed.

Call your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. Continue using coconut oil and you’ll see the benefits in good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won’t heal.

Dry skin is generally due to less oil and moisture produced by sebaceous glands. Simple dry skin results from lack of natural oils affecting mostly women under age of 35 years, while complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture and is distinguished by fine lines, enlarged pores and sagging skin that happens with aging. Alternatively, dry skin could be results from genetic condition, poor diet especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, exposure to environmental factors such sun, wind, or aggressive usage of chemicals, cosmetics and excessive bathing with harsh soaps.

To name a few essential oils for dry skin are Chamomile, Geranium, Hyssop, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang.

- Aloe Vera gel applied topically helps to remove dead skin cells and is soothing, healing and moisturizing.

- Calendula & comfrey with its skin softening properties are used in facial sauna.

- 4 - 5 drops of lavender oil to bath water followed by application of diluted evening primrose oil or Aloe Vera cream moistens the dry skin.

- Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acid to strengthen skin cells and boost their moisture content.

- Drink tea brewed with chamomile, dandelion or peppermint. Teas of Borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula help improve the skin. Add 1 tsp of either herb to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily.

- Tea tree oil with its skin penetrating properties helps to moisturize and smooth the skin.

Treat yourself with these recipes using herbs and essential oils -

Dry skin mask - Obtain a smooth paste by mixing 6 ounce of unflavored yoghurt, few finely crushed almonds, 2 tsp honey and wheat germ oil each. Apply and massage of your skin for 20 minutes. Wash off with cold water. Crushed almonds exfoliate and eliminate dead skin, honey aids in adhering mask to skin and vitamin E in wheat germ oil fights radicals.

Home made balm for dry, chapped lips - Heat ? cup almond or grape seed oil. Add 2 tsp of melted beeswax, ? tsp alkanet root. Strain the oil removing the root. Add 8-10 drops of natural flavoring oil and 3 drops of vitamin E oil.

If you hands are moisture dry or chapped, massage them with sandalwood, rose or chamomile essential oils mixed with hydrating base oil like hazelnut, avocado or evening primrose.

For energizing natural hand moisturizer, mix wheat germ oil with your favorite essential oil.

Before bath, apply a mixture of 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp orange juice, 1 tsp olive oil, few drops of rose water and lime juice on your skin. This is a good morning skin cleanser. 1 egg, 1 tsp honey, ? tsp olive oil and few drops of rose water makes a good beauty mask for dry skin.

Try Herbal facial sauna once a week. Use chamomile, lavender, and peppermint herbs. Simmer 2 - 4 tsp of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. After few minutes of steaming, place the pot at comfortable distance from your face on a table. Bend over the pot with towel covering your face and the pot to trap the steam. After 15 minutes, splash cold water and air dry your skin followed by application of moisturizer or facial oil. You can cool the herbal water and use it as toning lotion to be dabbed on your face after cleansing.

About the Author

Kevin Pederson manages Aromatherapies sites. http://www.aromatherapies.net/recipes.html> Aromatherapy Recipes and blends for skin care, beauty and hygiene, emotional and physical well-being. Aromatherapy oils make useful moisturizers with good penetrative properties.