The body’s first line of protection is the skin.
However, such protection against germs and diseases can be broken when the skin lacks sufficient hydration from water and naturally occurring oils it needs to maintain itself. This results in dry skin, causing the skin to lose its suppleness and sheen.
One major way to do your skin good is to indulge in naturally healthy skin care practices.
This article is a list of homemade remedies that contain food ingredients rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as foods that are good sources of zinc, antioxidants, omega-3, and selenium.
These remedies were specially curated to speed up skin tissue repair and healing for dry skin.
Homemade Moisturiser Using Olive Oil
To soothe dry skin, make a moisturiser out of olive oil, preferably, use extra virgin olive oil for immediate hydration.
Olive oil contains vitamin E, antioxidants, squalene, and other properties that repair damaged skin. However, it is not suitable for acne-prone skin for the risks of clogging pores.
To use, apply a few drops to a face mask or massage the oil into extremely dry areas such as elbows and knees.
We recommend that you use it sparingly, in its pure or normal form that has not been refined with other oils.
Avocado Mask
A homemade avocado mask is another natural way to soothe dry skin.
This mask is packed with antioxidants and probiotics that promote healthy, glowing skin.
To get better results, you can combine avocado with plain Greek yogurt which helps improve skin texture due to its lactic acid content.
Honey can be added to the mixture for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits and relief of inflammatory skin conditions.
A drizzle of water and a teaspoon of turmeric are recommended especially if eczema-like symptoms are present.
Apply the mixture to clean the skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off.
Eating avocado also increases skin elasticity and firmness.
Oatmeal Bath
A cup of oatmeal in a warm bath can naturally hydrate dry skin. The oat product itself is soothing and helps keep skin hydrated from the bath water.
You can also run your bath over the oatmeal tied in a porous material to avoid making a mess.
Oatmeal bath is good for eczema as it reduces dryness and irritation associated with atopic and contact dermatitis.
Oatmeal is also great for scrubs and masks and can be used to exfoliate the face.
Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of honey and a little water. You can simply use it for exfoliation and wash it off immediately, or as a moisturizing mask with a soothing effect, leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular home treatment for healthy hair and skin. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it can be used as a moisturizer anytime, including before bed.
For cracked heels and hands, apply oil and then wear thick socks or non-latex gloves.
Natural oils also help moisturize the skin and restore the skin’s natural barrier.
In addition to olive and coconut oils, you can also try other non-irritating natural oils such as jojoba, argan, and avocado oils.
Apply a small amount of your favourite oil to your skin after your shower to keep it soft and hydrated.
Milk Compress
Milk has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains lactic acid, a gentle natural exfoliant.
Lactic acid is one of the most moisturizing alpha hydroxy acids on the market.
It helps restore the skin barrier and treat related conditions.
It is also one of the safest acids for sensitive skin.
For milk compresses, soak a clean washcloth or towel in a bowl of cold milk and place it over the dry area for 5-10 minutes at a time.
P.S: Lactic acid can sting cracked skin and often causes a slight tingling sensation, but if you experience a burning sensation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist. If you have cracked skin and acute inflammation, you may want to avoid this treatment.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is often thought of as a sunscreen, but it’s also useful during the dry winter months.
It soothes the redness and inflammation associated with excessive dryness and, according to previous research, may even reduce the signs of ageing, acne breakouts, and skin weakness.
However, aloe has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Therefore, it is advisable to do a patch test before applying it to large areas of skin.
Honey
Honey is used to treat dry spots and has emollient and moisturizing properties that help soften the skin and retain moisture.
It is also used as an alternative treatment for various skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff.
Honey is effective in wound healing. It has natural antibacterial properties, keeps the affected area moist, and has a thick consistency that acts as a barrier against infection.
These properties make honey a good base for face mask recipes and an effective spot treatment for dry, irritated skin areas. For best results, apply a small amount of honey to your face. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off.
Tea Bags
Herbal or caffeinated green or black tea bags have cooling and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, while black tea bags help to balance the skin’s natural pH.
The caffeine in these teas helps reduce dark circles by safely constricting blood vessels in the delicate areas of your skin.
Apply a cool, moistened tea bag under each eye for 5-10 minutes for the best result.
Additional Tips
- Take a shower or bathe in warm water for no longer than 10 minutes.
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is highly recommended after a bath.
- Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion to moisturize.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products.
- Wear gloves during cold weather, before performing tasks that make the hands wet.
- Wear cotton or silk underwear and use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Dry skin if left untreated can result in dermatitis, open wounds from scratching, and skin infections. Early treatment is always the best treatment and what better way to tackle dry skin than to follow the aforementioned DIY natural homemade remedies?
Don’t let dry skin steal your confidence!
