Antioxidant Useful For Dry Skin and Possibly Psoriasis

The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has an ability to decrease proliferation of skin cells. The authors treated a patient with a severe form of dry skin called lamellar ichthyosis satisfactorily treated with topical N-acetylcysteine. (NAC) is a thiol that reacts with reactive oxidative intermediates and replenishes the intracellular cysteine necessary for the production of glutathione, an endogenous antioxidant.

The investigators used a water-in-oil emulsion containing 10% NAC. Placebo consisted of the same emulsion without NAC.

The patient applied the cream twice daily on the skin. NAC is labile and tends to break down, releasing sulphur-containing compounds. The water-in-silicone emulsion improves stability and reduces malodor. Recent studies show that NAC suppresses proliferation of fibroblast cells

Lancet November 27,1999 Volume 354 Number 9193

COMMENT: This appears to be an incredibly safe, non-toxic and relatively low cost approach for a very difficult problem. Although the treatment was not used for psoriasis, it seems likely that it would be beneficial here since both diseases have very similar underlying disorders of an increase in cellular proliferation.

http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/antioxidant_dry_skin_psoriasis.htm

How to Soothe and Eliminate Winter Dry Skin

By Dr. Joseph Mercola
with Rachael Droege

If you’ve ever been plagued with dry, itchy skin--and who hasn’t--then you know what an irritating and frustrating problem it can be. There are many factors that come into play to create dry skin. Dry winter air, forced heat from radiators, exposure to the elements and excessive washing with harsh soaps are some of the more common external causes, but did you know that dry skin can also be a sign of something off kilter inside your body?

In many ways your skin is a mirror of what’s going on inside your body. Healthy skin is created by a healthy body, so if you find that you skin is excessively dry, stop putting all the blame on the winter weather (although this can certainly contribute), and take a look inside.

Dry Skin is Often a Sign of Fatty Acid Imbalance

Your skin cells need to have healthy cell membranes to prevent moisture loss, capture nutrients and keep toxins away. Fatty acids are necessary for this and to help keep skin cells strong and functioning properly. If you aren’t eating enough of the right fats, chances are your skin will be dry as a result.

In the majority of cases, fatty acid imbalance occurs because a person eats too many omega-6 fats, found in such products as corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil, and not enough omega-3 fats. These two types of fat, omega-3 and omega-6, are both essential for human health, however, the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1. Our ancestors evolved over millions of years on this ratio. Today, though, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 averages from 20:1 to 50:1! That spells danger for you--dry skin is only one problem associated with omega-3 deficiency. Others include dyslexia, violence, depression, memory problems, weight gain, cancer, heart disease, eczema, allergies, inflammatory disease, arthritis and diabetes.

To remedy the problem, you need to not only reduce the amount of omega-6 in your diet (a good start is to avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils) while increasing the amount of omega-3. Some omega-3 can be found in plant sources such as flaxseed and walnuts, but the best type of omega-3 by far are those found in fish. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA.

Unfortunately, fish is widely contaminated and I don’t recommend eating it from any source unless you have had it tested for mercury and other toxins. Routine consumption of fish oil is my highly recommended method of increasing your omega-3 intake. Fish oil contains high levels of the best omega-3 and, as it is in pure form, does not pose the mercury risk of fresh fish. The Carlson brand of fish oil and cod liver oil, regularly tested by an independent FDA registered laboratory, is the most highly recommended for its potency and purity. I now offer the Carlson brand of fish oil and cod liver oil in my "Recommended Products" section, or you may be able to find this exceptional quality brand in your local health food store.

Another outstanding option for increasing your omega-3 intake--and reducing your omega-6 intake--is the omega-3-rich ostrich meat offered exclusively on this site. Most store-bought meats, such as beef, are raised on grain-rich diets that will only increase your omega-6 ratios, but this ostrich is free-ranged and fed a diet primarily of alfalfa grass enriched with flax seed for omega-3.

Underactive Thyroid

Underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, can also cause dry skin. Although the causes of this condition are not know for sure, it is widely accepted that diet plays a large role. Environmental stressors such as chemical pollutants, pesticides, mercury, and fluoride also contribute to thyroid problems.

You will need to have a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test to find out if your levels fall within the normal range, but please be aware that normal reference ranges for thyroid that have been used in the past were not correct. If the event your thyroid is found to be out of balance, you will want to be careful with using synthetic thyroid to treat the problem, since starting on thyroid hormones could condemn you to taking thyroid hormone for the rest of your life. For more information, I strongly suggest you read my major revision of hypothyroid diagnosis guidelines.

Not Enough Good Fats

In addition to the omega-3 fat mentioned above, other sources of fat can also help to relieve dry skin from the inside out. These would include butter (raw, organic), raw milk, raw cream, raw milk cheese, raw coconut and avocado.

Non-hydrogenated Coconut oil is another excellent food for dry skin and it works two ways. Not only can you eat it to provide your body with fatty acids (and for the great taste!), but you can also apply it directly to your skin in place of lotion for its incredibly soothing and healing properties.

Coconut oil’s saturated fat is of the medium-chain fatty acid variety. These MCFAs are digested more easily and utilized differently by the body than other fats, which means they are immediately converted into energy. Coconut oil "heats up" the metabolic system and is outstanding for those with thyroid problems. To learn more about the outstanding benefits of coconut oil for dry skin and many other health problems, check out The Truth About Coconut Oil.

Your Solution for Cold Winter Hands and Feet

Your Skin Has Natural Antibiotics

Simple Glycerin May Help Your Skin

The Six Things You Can do to Have Truly Younger Looking Skin

Sunblock Does Not Stop Skin Cancer

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