Just like any other organ in your body, your skin needs proper vitamins and minerals to be healthy. In fact, a deficiency in certain vitamins can cause your skin to be dry. When your skin is dry, it is not only be uncomfortable, but it can become irritated and crack, which puts you at a greater risk for infection. While your diet is not the only contributing factor to dry skin, it needs to be evaluated. Other dry skin culprits include environmental conditions, underlying disease, chronic dehydration, harsh chemicals, eczema, psoriasis and others. A board certified dermatologist is the best place to start when it comes to determining the cause of your dry skin.
If your dietary habits are contributing to your dry skin, you’ll likely find a deficiency in Vitamin A. This is among the most important vitamin for keeping your skin moisturized. Vitamin A supports healthy cell growth and repair, especially within the skin. It is also known for strengthening night vision, supporting bone growth and regulating your body’s immune system. If you have a Vitamin A deficiency, you may have dry skin as well as brittle fingernail and dry hair. You can add more Vitamin A to your diet by eating more carrots!
Vitamin A is not the only essential nutrient for healthy skin. You should make sure you are getting potassium and sodium as well as Vitamin, D, E and B. For more information about how your diet affects your skin health, schedule an appointment at Olansky Dermatology Associates. We understand the unique risk factors for dry skin, and our Atlanta practice offers a full range of proven skin treatments for patients of all ages.
