Approximately one in 32–or 8.4 million–people in the United States suffer from a dry skin condition, according to CureResearch. Since your skin is the largest organ of your body, suffering from dry skin can lead to uncomfortable sensations of itching, redness, burning and scaliness from head to toe. Research is ongoing in the study of how various vitamins can cure and protect against dry skin, but a few show the most promise in relieving these symptoms.
Biotin
Biotin is part of the B complex group of vitamins, although it’s also referred to a vitamin H. The B complex are necessary for healthy skin and hair, among other functions, which is why cosmetics manufacturers often add it to their products. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to hair loss, dry scaly skin and cracking in the corners of the mouth. Such deficiencies are rare, but can be caused by anticonvulsant medications, long-term use of antibiotics, and people with a malabsorption syndrome. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that anyone with such a deficiency may need to ask their doctor about how much of a supplement is recommended, since safety has only been established for dosages of 30 to 600 micrograms.
Niacinamide
A study at the Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, tested moisturizers with niacinamide, a water-soluble vitamin and part of the vitamin B group, on patients with rosacea, a skin condition that includes redness and dryness. It found that the niacinamide-containing products improved the stratum corneum barrier and hydration of skin. Another report in a 2005 issue of the “International Journal of Dermatology” found that nicotinamide significantly decreased transepidermal water loss on skin on patients treated with a 2 percent solution twice daily over a four- to eight-week period.
Vitamin A
A deficiency in vitamin A reduces the health and integrity of skin and epithelial tissue. This can result in dry skin and hyperkeratosis, or clumps of skin around hair follicles, reports Columbia University Health Services. But getting the right balance is important, as too much of the vitamin can cause liver toxicity and ironically also lead to dry skin. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 1,000 micrograms for men and 800 micrograms for women. Most people are able to achieve this through diet alone with foods such as fruits and vegetables that are orange or dark green. If medications or dietary issues preclude eating such foods, then supplements may be necessary.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed for growth and repair of tissues and also helps the body make collagen, an important protein used in making skin cells. Symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include dry and splitting hair and rough, dry, scaly skin. Most fruits and vegetables contain good amounts of vitamin C, but it’s sensitive to light, air, and heat, so you’ll get more if you eat fruits and vegetables raw or lightly cooked, according to the University of Maryland Health Center. Although cosmetics companies are working to create a topical vitamin C preparation, most don’t penetrate the skin sufficiently to make any difference, making food and vitamin C supplements a better choice.
