The Best Remedies For Dry Skin This Fall

Learn how to arm yourself with remedies that work from the inside out for a natural glow that matches your holiday cheer.

Start with the Basics

As we prepare ourselves for the cooler part of the year, it can be all too easy to neglect taking care of ourselves. We hustle back and forth from the office to the dinner party that runs past our bedtime, and we make an excuse for that extra pumpkin spice or chai tea latte. Water becomes a second thought as we think more caffeine will keep us moving; however, poor nutrition is the primary cause for lackluster skin.

Water becomes a second thought as we think more caffeine will keep us moving; however, poor nutrition is the primary cause for lackluster skin.

Here are some key vitamins that your body may be missing and food choices that can bring back that sparkle to match your living room decorations.

Load Up on These Essential Vitamins

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory nutrient and is found in the oil-producing sebum we desperately tried to control as teenagers. It can be ingested internally for the most effective absorption through foods such as avocados or supplements such as Raw Complexions Skintox Beauty Food which combines ancient Chinese herbs and a mix of super foods for the ultimate skin elixir.

• Vitamin B: Not only does Vitamin B help with a plethora of ailments such as fatigue and the digestion of carbohydrates and fats, it also acts as a beauty enhancer by providing healthier hair, skin, and nails. Green peas, spinach, and mushrooms are just a few examples of Vitamin B-rich foods that you can incorporate into your daily diet.

• Vitamin B3: Also known as Niacin, Vitamin B3 is one of the best ways to boost your skin’s appearance by softening and smoothing the look of fine lines and reducing redness. Oatmeal contains high levels of this powerhouse nutrient, and Vitamin B3 can also be applied topically for the optimal surplus in supple skin. Try Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Toning Spritz to help seal in moisture and smooth out any sagging or dull texture.

• Vitamin C: This magical nutrient not only helps stave off common immune deficiencies such as the common cold, but it can also work wonders as a defense against damaged skin. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the body’s tissues, and since the skin is the largest organ, it's vital to supplement with an easily-absorbed version of Vitamin C such as The Beauty Chef’s Glow Inner Beauty Powder. This powder contains a fermented mix of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics, to deliver a powerful punch to our gut and skin health.

Try These Foods for Optimal Skin Health

• Fatty Fish: With omega fatty acids, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel add moisture to protect your skin as well as anti-inflammatory properties to combat redness and damage from free radicals.

• Avocado: Compounds found in avocados have been shown to keep skin resilient and moisturized. Some evidence has also shown that avocados may help to protect your skin from UV damage which causes premature aging and wrinkles.

• Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts and sunflower seeds are chock full of nutrients that can give us that baby butt smoothness, such as Vitamin E, selenium, zinc and protein.

• Fruits and Vegetables containing Vitamin C and Lutein: Broccoli, sweet potatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, and tomatoes all contain the important vitamin C and lutein, which are responsible for protecting the skin from oxidative stress.

Things To Avoid

In order to beat dry skin completely, it has to be fought from every angle. Many foundations and make-up removers or astringents contain drying substances so it's important to be savvy when it comes to reading the label. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid for ample skin protection:

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Sodium chloride

Surfactants such as:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate

• Sodium laureth sulfate

• Ammonium lauryl sulfate

• Soaps such as sodium tallowate or cocoate

• Salicylic acid

• Willow bark (the natural version of salicylic acid)

• AHA acids

Be sure to use make-up removers and lotions that add moisture to the skin, such as as Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. There are also plenty of drug store options if you are on a budget, and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is an affordable option for your dry skin needs.

In addition, hot baths may seem like a great reward for a hard day’s work, but indulging in this too much may cause excess dry skin without proper supplementation and moisturization.

Closing Thoughts

For the ultimate victory over dry skin, we must start with health from within because true beauty always starts from the inside out.