What Can Cause Dry Skin In Eczema?
Dry skin isn’t just a surface-level issue—it’s often a sign of underlying imbalances within the body. While external factors like weather, harsh skincare products, and hot showers can contribute to dryness, nutrient deficiencies and internal health issues may also play a significant role. If your skin feels persistently dry despite using moisturisers, it’s time to look deeper. Here are five common causes of dry skin you might not have considered:
1. Low Essential Fatty Acids
Healthy skin requires a balanced intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fats. These fats help to maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing water loss and keeping your skin hydrated. A deficiency in EFAs can lead to dry, flaky, and inflamed skin. Sources of healthy fats include:
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Flaxseeds and chia seeds
Walnuts
Avocados
High-quality olive oil
2. Low Iron Levels
Iron plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen to your cells, including those responsible for skin health. Low iron levels can lead to pale, dull, and dry skin due to decreased oxygen and nutrient supply. If you suspect an iron deficiency, consider eating more iron-rich foods such as:
Red meat and organ meats (liver)
Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
Pumpkin seeds
Iron-fortified foods
Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries) can help boost absorption.
3. Dehydration
One of the most obvious but overlooked causes of dry skin is dehydration. When your body lacks sufficient water, your skin cells struggle to retain moisture, leading to tightness, flakiness, and itchiness. Factors that contribute to dehydration include:
Not drinking enough water daily
Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
Sweating without proper rehydration
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and increase your intake if you’re active or live in a dry climate. Herbal teas, bone broth, and water-rich foods (like cucumbers and watermelon) can also help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
4. Lack of Bile
Bile is essential for digesting fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)—all of which are crucial for skin health. If your body isn’t producing enough bile (often due to gallbladder issues, liver dysfunction, or poor digestion), your skin may become dry and irritated. Signs of bile deficiency include:
Bloating or discomfort after eating fatty foods
Pale or clay-colored stools
Nutrient deficiencies
To support bile production, consider eating bitter foods like dandelion greens, kale, spinach, and artichokes, and include healthy fats in your diet.
5. Thyroid Dysfunction
Your thyroid gland plays a key role in skin hydration and renewal. When thyroid hormone levels are too low (hypothyroidism), the skin can become dry, rough, and slow to heal. Other signs of thyroid dysfunction include:
Fatigue
Hair thinning
Cold intolerance
Unexplained weight gain
Supporting your thyroid with selenium-rich foods (Brazil nuts), iodine (seaweed), and zinc (pumpkin seeds) can be beneficial.
Dry skin is often a sign that your body needs internal nourishment, not just external moisturisers. By addressing essential fatty acids, iron levels, hydration, bile production, and thyroid health, you can improve your skin from the inside out.