One of my books suggests rubbing your skin with sesame oil during a fast. You might want to try very gentle dry skin brushing with a natural fiber brush to loosen the flakes and stimulate circulation. Then take a quick warm shower without soap or other chemicals. While your skin is still damp, massage in the oil. If you can't find sesame oil, I imagine coconut or olive oil would work too. In Ayurvedic medicine sesame oil is said to be good for detoxing the body through the skin. Dry skin is common in fasting, be sure and stay hydrated by drinking enough water and avoid chemical soaps and lotions including baby oil (its good smelling mineral oil). I hope this helps, I do this in winter even when I'm not fasting.

I understand that is a normal part of the fasting process and I was just reading today in a book called "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that it is recommended to "dry-brush massage yourself before, during and after the fast to help rid the skin of toxins and dead cells. They say to "use a natural bristle brush that has a long handle, so you can reach your back. Always brush toward the heart - from wrist to elbow, elbow to shoulder, ankles to knees, knees to hips and so on. The massage will flake away large amounts of dead skin, freeing the pores of impediments, and in turn, helping the skin to excrete poisons. It will also greatly improve circulation." They go on to say not to use the technique on areas of the body affected by acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Also avoid brushing areas that are broken or recently scarred, or that have protruding varicose veins.

Hope that helps.
Skyflier

Thanks for your posts. They were both very helpful. :) I took a warm bath in olive oil and now the dryness isn't nearly so bad.