Natural Skin Care for Common Skin Conditions

Your skin is your body's largest and most visible organ. Although its main purpose is to act as a natural barrier that protects the inside of your body from stress and physical harm, it also is an important part of your appearance. When you want to look your best, even minor skin problems (dry skin, blemishes, psoriasis or cold sores, for example) can be bothersome. Fortunately, practicing certain simple techniques can help your skin look clean, clear and healthy.

Dry skin

Information from the National Institutes of Health indicates that dry skin is extremely common, especially during the winter months when the cold air outside and heated air indoors often result in low humidity. Decreased moisture in the air means your skin loses moisture, too. And dry, itchy skin can crack, providing an entry point for harmful bacteria that causes your skin to become irritated and inflamed. So what's the best strategy for avoiding dry skin?

Change your bathing habits: Forget that long soak in a hot tub. Spending long periods of time in hot water contributes to dry skin. Take a brief shower or bath (10-15 minutes at the most), and make sure the water is warm, not hot. Increase skin moisture by using bath oils, or by applying a moisturizer immediately after showering while your skin is still damp. Moisturizers with lanolin, urea, alpha hydroxy acids or ammonium lactate are especially beneficial.

If the air in your house is very dry (often a problem with forced-air heat), use a humidifier or set out bowls of water to increase the humidity.

Blemishes

"Acne" is the general term for skin blemishes that typically occur on the face, neck, chest and back. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne -- blackheads, whiteheads and pimples -- affects adults as well as teenagers, although it's more common in adult women. It's triggered by hormonal fluctuations, not -- as was popularly thought -- by eating chocolate or other "junk food."

Although there is no way to prevent acne, there are effective treatments. Products containing sulfur or cortisone are good topical medications that help reduce inflammation, and benzoyl peroxide helps kill bacteria. Taking a vitamin A supplement may be beneficial for some skin blemishes, but follow the recommended dosage on the package label. (Vitamin A can be toxic if taken in large quantities.)

Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, typically on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. The American Skin Association suggests some people may find relief by taking a fish oil supplement (10-18 g per day). Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which the body cannot manufacture but needs for normal growth and development. Supplements of vitamins A and B also may aid skin healing, and vitamin E may soothe itching and dryness.

Cold sores

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that occur on the skin. Because cold sores are caused by a virus (not bacteria), there is no cure for this skin problem. Prescription creams or ointments may help to soothe cold sores and promote healing.

Experts at UC Davis School of Medicine suggest that taking 1000 mg of the amino acid L-lysine seems to help sores heal rapidly. This technique works best if you take L-lysine as soon as you feel the burning or tingling sensation that signals you're getting a cold sore. Lysine inhibits the virus' ability to replicate itself.