I'm drying up!

Monica_in_MO
Monica_in_MO Posts: 162 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
So, I am wondering if anyone else is having or has had this problem. I have been eating an extremely healthy diet for the last eight weeks. The wonderful result of this is that I feel great and have lost 24 lbs! (Some before I joined MFP) The not so wonderful result is that because of the drastic change in my fat intake my skin and hair are becoming soooo dry! What's a girl to do???

Replies

  • kikimommy
    kikimommy Posts: 21 Member
    Are you drinking enough water? I've found my skin and hair are LESS dry now that I'm eating better and drinking 10 glasses of water per day.
  • Caffeinewitch
    Caffeinewitch Posts: 110 Member
    Watch your protein intake too, water and protein are very VERY important to hair, skin, and nails.
  • ShellyMacchi
    ShellyMacchi Posts: 975 Member
    Are you drinking enough water? I've found my skin and hair are LESS dry now that I'm eating better and drinking 10 glasses of water per day.

    this has been same experience for me a well
  • Monica_in_MO
    Monica_in_MO Posts: 162 Member
    I am drinking at least 8 glasses of water and usually 9 or 10. I also feel like I am getting plenty of protein. Maybe even too much on some days. I'm wondering if I should take Biotin (a hair, nail and skin supplement). I tend to have dry hair and have to moisturize the heck out of it anyway. But it has just been especially bad in the last month or so.
  • ChefJenn
    ChefJenn Posts: 350 Member
    water, water , water. and when in doubt.. more water.

    I too noticed my lips were getting dry , so I up the water to about 100 oz a day ( thats 6-7n bottles of 16oz a day)
    plus working out in the dry winter air I had to add some lip balm in.
    Protein is what the hair and nails need to stay in shape
  • lkm111
    lkm111 Posts: 629 Member
    I actually think you might want to make sure you are getting enough 'good' fats. Yes, water and protein are important, too, but I think it can also be related to the amount and kind of fat you are eating (or not eating).

    I have hereditary dry skin, so I battle it all the time. I practically bathe in body butter in the winter. Gold Bond lotion is my best winter friend. :smile:
  • padbh
    padbh Posts: 40
    avacodos!
  • rodegghero
    rodegghero Posts: 212 Member
    Look up the process of no pooing your hair. Also do you eat enougj fats....avocado, healthy oil or nuts everday. And veggies at least 5 daily. Also a touch of olive oil on the ends of your hair can help with dryness, I put this on my nail beds too. A warm mist humidifer where you sleep can help too
  • KrystalLight03
    KrystalLight03 Posts: 119
    The only thing I can think of is that you're not drinking enough water, but you say you are. Is the weather especially dry where you live right now? I was suffering from extremely dry hair/skin in January, but once I turned on the humidifier it was cured.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    I looked at your diary and I think you are eating pretty well. My first instinct is diet when it comes to dry skin, but there are some other factors to consider.

    Sometimes water intake can be to blame, but unless I can look at your skin under a lamp I don't know for sure. So it doesn't hurt to drink more water. I recommend half your body weight in ounces each day. I swear it makes a huge difference in the skin.

    I'm not sure where you are from, but this is the time of year that really kicks butt for the skin. Make sure you are using a mild temp when showering and cleansing your face. Hot water dries the skin, especially in this weather.

    You don't seem to have a sodium problem from the days I looked at, but sodium plays a role in dryness. I notice instantly if I've had too much because the first thing that dries on me is my lips. Also healthy fats are great for the skin. You might also want to try a vitamin E supplement for a little while, at least till the weather warms up and the dry air moistens. Or add foods rich in vit E to your diet like: Sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, greens.....

    Products containing mineral oil, petroleum, lanolin, and SD alcohols can dry the skin from the inside out and be an irritant. Check what you are using. If you notice any of those ingredients, stop using them and see if it helps. Also bar soap is an excellent way to dry you up because of the alkalinity.

    Google dry brushing, it is the greatest thing in the world. You will never waste money on lotion again.

    Hope that helps.:flowerforyou:
  • Monica_in_MO
    Monica_in_MO Posts: 162 Member
    I think you guys may be on to something with the "good fat" idea. I admittedly have been going easy on the nuts, avocados, and oily fish. If you look at my diary, you will see that tonight I had pan seared salmon. It tasted so oily to me that I couldn't even finish it all. I definitely could do more olive oil in my salad dressings. That would be one way to get more good fats.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    And I forgat to add:

    Use a warm mist humidifier in your room at night. During the day too if you are home, but while you sleep is ideal. This is because your body is going through its own healing prosess while you sleep so it will suck up the humidity really well at night. Warm mist is better than cold because the warmth expands the pores and it absorbs better.
  • Monica_in_MO
    Monica_in_MO Posts: 162 Member
    So helpful!! Thank you!
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