Several factors, like lack of hydration, the natural aging process, shifts in weather, allergic reactions, and scarcity of essential nutrients, may lead to dehydrated skin.

To address your specific type of skin dryness, a variety of remedies ranging from prescription creams to over-the-counter emollients might be recommended to boost skin moisture.

Moreover, tweaking daily habits by enhancing water intake and incorporating targeted supplements can also contribute to alleviating skin dryness.

Below is a list of eight vitamins and supplements that can aid in rejuvenating dry skin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble nutrient, is vital for several aspects of wellness, including your skin's health.

The skin's epidermis predominantly comprises keratinocytes, a type of skin cell. These cells are unique because they can convert the precursor 7-Dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) into a usable form of vitamin D.

This vitamin is crucial for the integrity of the skin barrier, promoting the growth of skin cells, and upholding the skin's immune defences that protect against harmful microorganisms.

Studies indicate that deficiencies in vitamin D are linked with various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, which often lead to dry skin.

Moreover, supplementing with vitamin D has been observed to significantly alleviate symptoms of skin ailments that produce dry and itchy skin, like eczema.

Also Read: Can Vitamin D Deficiency Lead To Depression?

There's also an association between vitamin D levels and skin hydration. One investigation involving 83 women discovered lower vitamin D levels corresponded with decreased skin moisture compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. They also noted that as vitamin D levels in the blood rose, so did the skin's moisture content.

Another study, spanning 12 weeks and involving 50 women, showed that a nutritional supplement with 600 IU of vitamin D daily resulted in notable skin hydration improvements. However, since the supplement included various nutrients, the specific impact of vitamin D remains to be determined.

Since a significant portion of the population has inadequate vitamin D levels, which is crucial for skin moisture, supplementation might be beneficial for dry skin.

Nonetheless, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation and to choose products that have undergone third-party testing to guarantee quality.

Collagen

Accounting for about three-quarters of your skin's dry weight, collagen stands as your body's most plentiful protein.

Studies indicate potential benefits of ingesting collagen supplements, such as reduced wrinkle depth and enhanced skin moisture.

An investigation involving 69 women revealed that those who ingested 2.5–5 grams of collagen for 8 weeks saw marked improvements in skin elasticity and hydration levels compared to those who took a placebo.

Furthermore, a separate 12-week analysis of 72 women observed that a supplement containing 2.5 grams of collagen peptides, vitamin C, and zinc substantially ameliorated skin hydration and texture relative to a placebo group.

It remains unclear if these improvements were due to collagen alone since the supplement included additional nutrients. Moreover, the research was financed by the supplement's producer, which could potentially bias the results.

A review from 2019 encompassing 11 studies deduced that consuming 2.5–10 grams of collagen supplements daily for durations ranging from 4 to 24 weeks led to increased skin moisture and helped alleviate xerosis, the clinical term for dry skin.

Before trying a collagen supplement for your dry skin, it's wise to consult with your healthcare provider and seek out products that have been verified by third-party testing for quality assurance.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties and crucial role in collagen synthesis, both vital for maintaining skin health.

This nutrient is abundant within the skin, especially the epidermis, where concentrations can reach up to 64 mg per 100 grams.

The correlation between increased vitamin C intake from supplements and improved skin attributes, like hydration, has been validated by research.

Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin C can bolster the skin's barrier function, reducing transepidermal water loss and thereby mitigating dryness.

Moreover, vitamin C appears to work synergistically with other nutrients to boost skin hydration.

For instance, a half-year study involving 47 men revealed significant enhancements in skin hydration when participants took a supplement blend that included 54 mg of vitamin C, marine protein, and other nutrients, in contrast to a placebo.

Similar findings have been echoed in studies involving women.

One study involving 152 women discovered that a supplement with 54 mg of vitamin C, zinc, and marine protein noticeably lessened skin roughness compared to a placebo.

However, these studies often involve formulations with multiple nutrients, obscuring the isolated impact of vitamin C. Additionally, there is a potential conflict of interest due to the sponsorship by the companies that produce these supplements, which might influence the outcomes.

Despite these limitations, current evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation could promote better skin health and provide relief from dry skin.

It's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before integrating a vitamin C supplement into your routine, ensuring safety and appropriateness for your individual health needs.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is lauded for its myriad benefits for skin health, thanks to its rich omega-3 fatty acids—docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids are recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects and capacity to aid skin repair and hydration.

Supplementing with fish oil may enhance the skin's hydration levels and fortify its lipid barrier, which is essential for retaining moisture.

In a study conducted over 90 days on rats with dry skin caused by acetone, the group given high doses of oral fish oil supplements experienced a marked improvement in skin hydration—up to 30% after 60 day. And a reduction in both water loss and itchiness associated with dry skin, unlike the control group that did not receive fish oil.

Human studies also underscore the efficacy of fish oil in skin care. Doses ranging from 1 to 14 grams of EPA and up to 9 grams of DHA administered daily for periods between six weeks and six months have been linked to alleviated symptoms of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition, including the mitigation of scaling and the soothing of dry, cracked skin.

Beyond hydration, fish oil has demonstrated a capacity to lessen skin inflammation and provide a level of protection against the damaging effects of sun exposure.

For those considering fish oil supplements, it's advisable to opt for third-party-certified products to ensure quality. It's also prudent to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate type and dosage for individual health requirements.

Other Supplements

Research into various compounds suggests they might benefit skin hydration, though further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Probiotics: Research involving mice and humans indicates that the Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria when supplemented, can improve skin barrier function and hydration levels after 8 weeks. Nevertheless, this area of study requires deeper investigation.

Hyaluronic Acid: Commonly applied topically, hyaluronic acid is recognized for its potential hydration benefits when ingested, especially when combined with other nutrients. Studies suggest it could significantly boost skin moisture.

Aloe Vera: In a 12-week study of 64 women, those who took supplements containing fatty acids from aloe vera showed significant improvements in skin moisture and elasticity compared to those who took a placebo.

Ceramides: As crucial fat molecules in the skin's structure, ceramides, when taken as supplements, may contribute to enhanced skin hydration, offering a potential remedy for dry skin.

While these supplements have shown promise for improving skin moisture and potentially addressing dry skin conditions, more comprehensive research is necessary to establish their efficacy as natural treatments for dry skin. Individuals considering these supplements should consult healthcare professionals to determine their suitability and ensure they meet quality standards.

Takeaway

Numerous factors can lead to dry skin, ranging from simple dehydration to allergies, and even underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism.

Studies suggest that various nutritional supplements, including vitamins D and C, fish oil, and collagen, might play a role in enhancing skin hydration, contributing to healthier and more nourished skin.

While these supplements may serve as beneficial aids for individuals with dry skin, persistent or unexplained dryness warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider, as it could be indicative of a deeper health issue.