Chapped Skin
Soreness and cracked skin usually occurs on the hands, face and lips in dehydrated skin that is left wet and exposed to wind and cold. Prevention is essential. Always apply lip salve in winter, and wear rubber gloves when washing up. Dry hands and face thoroughly and use a good barrier cream.
Dietary Advice To Avoid Chapped Skin
Drinking at least 1 liter of water a day helps prevent dryness and chapping, especially if you spend all day in a centrally heated environment. Regular chapping may be a sign of an essential fatty acid deficiency. Increase your consumption of oily fish, nuts and seeds, and use olive or sunflower oil in cooking. A daily supplement of linseed or evening primrose oil may also help.
Complimentary Natural Remedies For Chapped Skin
The best treatment is infused calendula oil, which you should apply 2 or 3 times a day after a shower or bath. Or use calendula ointment at night.
Try the homeopathic remedy Graphites 6c for dry or cracked skin with a yellow crust; Petroleum 6c for sensitive, broken skin that cracks and bleeds. Take 4 times a day for up to 2 weeks.
