Try These 7 Natural Dry Skin Remedies At Home
Did you know that over-washing your hands can make your skin dry? Or that staying in the shower for too long can actually hurt your skin?
Dry skin can be a real annoyance. It can make your skin red, flaky, and/or itchy, which then will make you feel uncomfortable; all because it is lacking moisture.
Experiencing dry skin is extremely common in people of all ages, especially in babies and kids. It can pop up anywhere on the body, from the hands, face to the arms, and legs.
To ease the dryness and itchiness, people apply creams and use ointments. Some even resort to dietary and lifestyle changes to manage or prevent the dryness, especially during winter, when symptoms tend to be worse compared to other seasons.
If you are looking for more natural remedies to soothe dry and itching skin, these 8 natural home remedies can probably be found in your kitchen, pantry, or vanity.
1. Aloe Vera
Aside from being one of your favorite household potted plants, aloe vera is known to relieve sunburn and heal wounds. According to research, aloe vera’s moisturizing effect works by making the skin more elastic, less wrinkled, and softens it.
Due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties, it also works wonders when applied directly to dry and irritated skin, especially during dry winter months.
2. Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is another natural remedy that can be found in your kitchen and/or vanity table. While most use it to help their hair to grow thicker, longer, and healthier, it is also a good moisturizer of choice if you are not prone to develop acne.
It contains healthy fatty acids that can add moisture to the skin, which can help people with dry skin and eczema. It may also protect the skin by helping combat inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties.
It is best to apply virgin coconut oil after a shower and before going to bed to keep the skin moisturized overnight. For added moisturizer, you may also use it to take off your make up.
Just apply a small amount on the tip of your fingers and gently massage it on your face for a few minutes before washing off with your facial cleanser.
3. Olive Oil
Another natural oil that works well to treat dry skin is olive oil. It is rich in vitamin E which serves an antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and helps out with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also has antibacterial properties that help remove bacteria and treats infections of the skin.
A licensed aesthetician, Brandy Crompton, shared that olive oil works both as a natural cleanser and moisturizer because it will not strip your skin’s natural oils. He said, "just rub the oil into your skin and drape a warm, damp cloth over your face until it cools then wipe away the excess oil.”
Bee Calm for kids and adults is a balm that contains olive oil which is also fragrance-free, natural anti-inflammatory care for stressed and irritated skin. Its unique and organic formula has antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as ingredients that provide a calming effect that works to cool itchy skin.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another natural ingredient that can help treat dry skin. Using creams that contain oatmeal may help to relieve dry skin.
Here are some suggested ways to use oatmeal on your skin:
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Create an oatmeal soak by adding oatmeal to your warm bathwater
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DIY an oatmeal honey mask then rub it on your skin. This may be used just for exfoliation and wash off after scrub or leave it on for a few minutes as a hydrating mask.
5. Honey & Beeswax
A review on medicinal and cosmetic of bee’s honey states that honey is a popular home remedy and has been used in the treatment of various ailments such as colds, cough, and skin problems like cuts, wounds, eczema, dermatitis, and seasonal allergies.
Honey and beeswax are also used in the beauty industry as a skin moisturizer, softener and to heal the skin tissue. These are all qualities that suggest honey is an ideal at-home treatment to relieve dry skin. It is completely natural and can be applied directly to the skin.
One product that contains honey, beeswax, and other natural ingredients is Bee Baby Pure for babies. It is specially formulated to care for babies' sensitive skin and provides immediate relief from the first use and it can be used daily after diaper changes, or to help soothe rashes, itchiness, redness, or eczema.
6. Milk
Milk could also offer relief from dry skin, but not when applied directly to the skin. Apply it by soaking a washcloth with cold milk then press it against your driest, itchiest spots for a few minutes. The lactic acid in milk acts as a mild cleanser, and the fat is extra moisturizing.
7. Avocado
Avocado is a well-known natural source of healthy fats and fats make the skin extra moisturized. Making a DIY avocado face mask is a natural way to moisturize your skin, reduce inflammation, and fight wrinkles.
Natural remedies cannot fully cure skin flare-ups, but they can help manage the symptoms and prevent flares. Every time you use or put something on your skin, always remember to start slow. If you are prone to allergies, you may want to do a patch test first and if there is no bad reaction, you may apply it to the rest of the affected area. But if you experience a rash, rinse and do not use it again.
There are plenty of home remedies that you can use to relieve dry skin like the ones stated above, but seeking the help of dermatologists is a must especially when your condition is really bad.