What actually helps with dry skin
Skin that feels tight, rough, flaky, or itchy due to inadequate moisture retention, often worsened by environmental factors or nutritional gaps.
GLA for Dry Skin
Solid3 studies · 1 supporting · 1 against
4 safety notes
Gamma-linolenic acid restores epidermal barrier function, DGLA conversion provides anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Dose: 240–480 mg
Astaxanthin for Dry Skin
Solid3 studies · 2 supporting · 0 against
5 safety notes
Provides UV protection to skin cells, reduces wrinkle depth via collagen protection, increases dermal moisture.
Dose: 4–12 mg
Vitamin E for Dry Skin
Evidence4 studies · 1 supporting · 2 against
7 safety notes
Vitamin E protects skin cell membranes from lipid peroxidation by free radicals. It supports the skin's lipid barrier, reduces UV-induced photodamage, improves moisture retention, and works synergistically with vitamin C for skin protection.
Dose: 200–400 IU
Omega-3 for Dry Skin
Evidence2 studies · 1 supporting · 0 against
10 safety notes
Omega-3 fatty acids are incorporated into skin cell membranes, improving barrier function and transepidermal water loss. They support ceramide production, reduce inflammatory skin responses, and enhance skin lipid composition for better moisture retention.
Dose: 1000–2000 mg
Glutathione for Dry Skin
Evidence1 study · 0 supporting · 0 against
4 safety notes
Modulates melanin synthesis pathways, provides antioxidant protection to skin cells, enhances dermal hydration.
Dose: 250–500 mg
Collagen for Dry Skin
Evidence1 study · 0 supporting · 0 against
5 safety notes
Oral collagen peptides accumulate in dermal layer, increasing fibroblast density and collagen/elastin production.
Dose: 2.5–10 g
Vitamin A for Dry Skin
Evidence1 study · 0 supporting · 0 against
8 safety notes
Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for skin cell differentiation, turnover, and sebaceous gland function. It promotes keratinocyte maturation, enhances the skin barrier, stimulates collagen production, and normalizes desquamation to prevent dry, flaky skin.
Dose: 2500–5000 IU