Vitamins are essential for a variety of reasons, including the health of your skin. Deficiencies in vitamins like A, C and H can lead to dry skin patches, as well as other adverse symptoms. However, you may also develop scaly skin for other reasons unassociated with vitamin intake. Talk to your doctor about meeting the recommended daily allowance for these important vitamins, and let him know about any changes you've noticed in your skin.
Vitamin A
Your cells rely on vitamin A to reproduce, and your skin needs it to stay healthy, as well as heal wounds. Furthermore, consuming or topically applying synthetic vitamin A in the form of retinoids can help treat skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. You should consume 900 mcg of this vitamin a day if you are a man, and 700 mcg if you are a woman. It is rare for someone to be severely deficient in vitamin A in the United States, but if you do not get enough, you can develop night blindness, diarrhea and skin problems, such as dry, rough patches. However, be aware that consuming high doses of vitamin A can be toxic and also result in dry skin as well as hair loss, nausea and muscle pain.
Vitamin C
Your body relies on vitamin C to heal wounds, too, as well as form scar tissue, and the vitamin also plays a role in creating the proteins that make up your skin. This vitamin is also an antioxidant, warding off environmental aggressors that can lead to premature skin aging and dryness. If you become deficient in vitamin C, your skin may become rough, dry and scaly, and you may also experience nosebleeds, swollen joints and brittle hair. Women need 75 mg of this vitamin daily, and men need 90 mg.
Vitamin H
Vitamin H is actually a B vitamin, also known as biotin, and the health of your skin depends on it, as well as that of your hair, eyes and nervous system. This vitamin metabolizes your food, distributing nutrients throughout your body to nourish all of its parts, including your skin. Many cosmetic products for hair and skin contain biotin to help promote strengthen and suppleness. While it is rare to be deficient in vitamin H, this can result in dry, scaly skin patches, and you may also develop hair loss, cheilitis, glossitis and depression. The RDA of this vitamin is 30 mcg for both men and women.
Additional Considerations
Do not start taking supplements or altering your diet without first checking with your doctor. Some vitamins can interact with certain medications and each other, and especially in the case of vitamin A, you should take caution if exceeding the RDA. Let your doctor know if you think you have a vitamin deficiency, and tell her about all of your symptoms. Also keep in mind that dry skin patches may be a sign of eczema, or atopic dermatitis. If you suspect this condition, seek medical attention.
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