I'm so glad to have found a forum where I can ask questions to people who are or were in my shoes!
I have been on my weight loss journey since 1st Feb. I have so far lost 33lbs and this had been achieved by joining a fitness studio and eating healthy foods. I was worried about excess skin before I started my lifestyle change I have tried to keep to a 2lb a week weight loss, although it sometimes comes off quicker. I think I am doing ok so far with the excess skin thing. It seems to be shrinking back?
Since early May I have been struggling with dry skin. Mainly on my stomach and under my breasts. On my stretch marks (which cover most of my body so...) I have been moisturising after every shower and a bit more in the mornings too when the skin is really dry.
It is also sometimes itchy and almost a bit rashy. I read on Google that this can be normal for weight loss but I want to hear some experiences with it.
Is it normal? Will is stop? Is it because my skin is shrinking?
I'm with Nelie - you must have adequate dietary fat or, among many other systems, your hair/nails/skin will suffer. What does your daily intake look like in terms of food and quantities?
I would start by making sure you are eating enough fat and drinking enough water each day. Are you using a body wash/soap that is made for dry skin? Could you get by showering every other day? That could help your skin keep more of it's oils intact. I have very dry skin, too, and those are the things that I try to keep in mind.
Also, if nothing else helps, you may want to get it checked out with your doctor. Dry, itchy, rash-like areas can sometimes be a sign the skin is infected. Good luck!
When I'm not getting enough dietary fat my skin is dry, my hair is dry, my fingernails get brittle, I am tired and mentally confused, and my joints ache. Our bodies need fat to run!
I agree with everyone on the fat possibility, and would like to add a secondary possibility:
Whet your body releases fat, it also releases toxins the fat has been holding which can cause all sorts of issues ranging from stinky sweat to rashes to idk what. It could be something like this as well if you are getting adequate fat.
I went through a stretch where I had really dry skin (I'm also hypothyroid, which can exacerbate the condition) and I started using flaxseed oil (it became the base for my salad dressings instead of olive oil) and the dry skin disappeared entirely.
So I concur with those who say you might consider adding some healthy fats to your diet, and maybe switch from one to another. In my case, olive oil wasn't helping my skin but flaxseed oil did.
While the idea of eating fat, even healthy fat, goes totally against what we think we need to do to lose, you do need a certain amount of healthy fat in your nutrition plan.
I have an oil sprayer, 10 little pumps gives me the proper amount of olive oil daily. I also incorporate some avacado and other healthy fats in to my diet.
I also suffer from exzema, worse in the winter than in the summer, but I have found that taking a vitamin D3 supplement, also helps.
Thanks for all of your replies! Sorry mine is so late :P
Um I don't really track my food intake, fat or calorie. I have 3 meals a day and only snack on fruit. I guess my only general rule is no more than 1g of sat-fat per portion. So for example, for breakfast, my portion of cereal, or toast or porridge equals no more than 1g of sat-fat. Dinners however, say I have a chicken breast, some boiled potatoes and veg it can equal over 1g of sat-fat in total but each individual thing can't. Of course there are times I don't stick to that, especially when I know it's good fats like fish etc. Mainly if I eat at a friends house I try to avoid looking like a nutter by saying 'I can't have that! It has 1.2g of sat-fat!'.. Although I did nearly pass out when I say 25g of sat-fat on a meat free pie my friend was going to cook for dinner. I managed to sway her to a jacket potato with tuna instead!
I suffer from dry skin anyways and I used to have terrible eczema on my legs in the winter but I have never had it so bad on my stomach! It got better and then got bad again, almost moving around different parts of my stomach and sides. I did notice my nails weren't doing as well as they normally do the last month..
You can try a biotin supplement as well. I've heard that fish oil capsules are often rancid so I never took those.
I'd say if you are eating chicken breast, boiled potatoes and vegetables, then that doesn't seem like enough fat. I'd say add in some nuts, avocado, olive oil, etc. Perhaps grab a couple nuts to go with your fruit?
From the few foods you describe then I'd say no, you're not getting enough healthy fats. Foods to include in your diet can be nuts, avocados, eggs, salmon, yogurt, cheese, olive oil, butter.
Weight Loss and Dry Skin?!
