Dry skin is a common skin concern that affects people of all ages. Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including cold weather, low humidity, and harsh soaps. While there are plenty of moisturizers and lotions available in the market that claim to alleviate dry skin, they can often be expensive and contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can provide relief from dry skin without causing any harm. These remedies can be made from ingredients readily available in your kitchen and can be customized to suit your skin type. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective home remedies to get relief from dry skin, including tips on how to use them and their benefits. Whether you have dry, flaky, or itchy skin, these natural remedies can help you achieve soft, smooth, and hydrated skin.
# Massage some coconut oilCoconut oil can help relieve mild to moderate xerosis, much the same way as a regular mineral oil would, without causing any adverse side effects.
This easily available natural oil has been recognized as an effective agent for the treatment and prevention of atopic dermatitis. It is also credited with significant antibacterial properties.
How to use:- Apply warm coconut oil all over your body every night before going to sleep. Wash it off in the morning.
- You can use coconut oil as a regular skin moisturizer as well.
# Apply colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry skinBesides being a potent anti-inflammatory agent, oatmeal is loaded with protein that strengthens the protective barrier of the skin, thus preventing TEWL. Moreover, oats have the highest oil content (10% and up) among all the cereals.
Oat triglycerides are loaded with omega-3 linoleic and omega-6 linoleic acids, as well as essential fatty acids, all of which are required for strengthening the skin barrier activity.
# Apply aloe vera for skin hydrationWhen applied topically, aloe vera hydrates the irritated skin and forms a protective layer over it to prevent further damage by external irritants.
Multiple aloe-containing creams and gels can be used to moisturize dry skin, but the product should have a minimum of 10% aloe vera concentration to produce a noticeable effect.
How to use:Apply raw aloe vera on the skin to relieve skin dryness:
- Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeeze the gel out of it.
- Apply the gel to your dry skin and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process two times every day.
# Moisturize your skin with honeyHoney is not only a moisturizer but also a natural humectant, which means it hydrates the skin and seals in moisture due to its hygroscopic property.
It is also added to various sun care and sunscreen products to counter the harsh effects of their radiation-blocking components.
# Apply glycerin on dry areas
Much like honey, glycerin is also an easily available humectant that can intensively moisturize your skin and then keep it hydrated for long.
This slightly sticky liquid forms an impervious layer over the skin to prevent TEWL, which can help address severely dry skin.
A 2011 study showed that uremic xerosis can be managed successfully with proper emollient therapy using glycerin and paraffin.
How to use: Simply massage a small amount of glycerin over the dry patches. It can feel a little heavy, but you must let it sit on your skin for a while so that product is sufficiently absorbed. It’s best to apply it before bed and leave it on overnight.
# Scrub your flaky skin with coffee groundsDry skin is extremely brittle and prone to damage or tearing, so you must handle it gently.
Regular scrubs may prove too harsh for your already-sensitive skin, but you must exfoliate your flaky skin once in a while to remove the dead layers.
Getting rid of the damaged skin allows fresh layers to take its place by speeding up skin regeneration.
Coffee scrubs have been helpful for a lot of people with dry skin, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to validate its skin benefits.
How to use:Leftover grounds from a morning cup of coffee can be used as an excellent scrub for dry, damaged skin.
The brewing process softens the granules such that they have a mild exfoliating action that can slough off the dead cells without irritating your sensitive skin. However, never use fresh coffee grounds that have not been brewed as they can be too rough on your skin.
The best time to use a coffee scrub is when you are in the shower, as your skin is already moist, and you can rinse it off conveniently without making a mess.
# Treat your dry skin with milk creamMilk has been a beauty favorite since ancient times and continues to be a widely popular home remedy for various skin problems, including dry skin.
Whole milk or milk cream is replete with natural lipids that can restore moisture to your parched skin. It also contains lactic acid that can stimulate collagen production and hydrate the skin.
Moreover, milk works as a natural toner and cleanser that can balance your skin’s pH and draw out the impurities from the pores.
Applying cold milk can also help soothe the redness associated with xerosis, and its moisturizing effect can help remove dry skin flakes.
How to use:- Mix 1 teaspoon of milk, 2 teaspoons of milk cream, and add a few drops of lemon juice in a bowl.
- Stir the ingredients into a runny lotion, and apply it all over your dry patches.
- Leave it on long enough for the lotion to get completely absorbed into the skin.
- Wash it off. It may be convenient to use this remedy before taking a shower.
While a lot of people have reported good results after using this remedy to relieve skin dryness, it does not have enough scientific backing.
# Try almond oil treatmentAlmond oil is loaded with vitamin E, which is one of the most powerful skin-healing nutrients there is. This emollient provides intensive care by deeply moisturizing the dry areas, exhibiting strong antioxidative activity to counter free radical damage, and blocking out UV radiation to keep your skin soft and supple for long.
In fact, many people regard almond oil as one of the top moisturizers for severely dry skin due to its high vitamin E content. However, this remedy lacks scientific support and needs to be validated by more rigorous studies.
How to use: Warm some almond oil and massage it into dry skin like a regular moisturizer. Make sure that the oil is not too hot by checking its temperature before applying. The gentle heat can stimulate blood circulation and help open your pores to allow the oil to seep into your skin.
# Hydrate your skin with sunflower seed oil
Sunflower oil is a nutrient-rich oil that can help hydrate dry skin and repair its barrier function without causing redness or irritation, as was observed in a 2012 study.
A lot of general users have reported positive results after using this remedy for dry skin, making it a widely popular remedy on the internet. However, this claim needs to be corroborated by further large-scale studies.
How to use: Simply massage a little amount of sunflower oil on the dry patches.
# Use emollients and keep your skin hydratedEmollients come in a wide variety of water-based or oil-based formulations, such as cream, ointment, or lotion.
You may have to try several different products before you find the perfect fit for your particular skin type and condition. However, ointments and creams are usually a better fit for children and people with sensitive skin than creams as they sting less.
Look for products that contain skin healing ingredients like olive oil, jojoba oil, mineral oil, lactic acid, lanolin, hyaluronic acid, urea, petrolatum, glycerine dimethicone, and shea butter.