Dry skin can be a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. It is an uncomfortable condition that causes itching, scaling, and cracking. There can be many reasons for having dry skin. Many people have dry skin naturally, but some people get dry skin with time. It is not a serious problem but can become severe if not treated on time. Some of the commonly affected areas are arms, hands, and legs.
In the following article, we will discuss the reasons for dry skin in detail and how it can be prevented. You will get a complete DIY guide to treat dry skin. There are no side effects of trying natural ingredients on your face until you are allergic to them. You can try out these home remedies before meeting any dermatologist and spending lots of money.
What are the Reasons for Dry Skin?
The fatty acids or lipids in our skin helps in locking the moisture. It keeps your skin soft and smooth. Whenever there is a decrease in lipids, your skin lacks moisture. It may cause xerosis or dry skin. There are several many reasons for having dry skin:
- Using soaps with harsh chemicals
- Overuse of skin cleansers
- Hot baths or showers
- Weather change (Especially dry and cold winters)
- Heaters (Portable or Central)
- Chlorinated swimming pools
- Skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc
- Allergies
- High cholesterol and blood pressure
- Acne
How Home or Natural Remedies Help to Treat Dry Skin?
Our skin produces natural oil, known as Sebum. It protects our skin from loss of moisture. People suffering from acne, the levels of Sebum is quite high. There are several ways to get the moisturizing benefits of the natural oil, either by ingredients or by own. You can create different nourishing masks and exfoliating rubs that keep up the levels of moisture in your skin.
24 DIYs to Treat Dry Skin
Use Olive Oil Cleanse for Smoothening Dry Skin
Olive oil is quite an amazing natural oil, which you can use to treat dry skin. It works as a natural cleanser as well as a moisturizer. You need to rub the oil on your face and apply a damp, warm cloth on your face. It will clean your face and help your skin to soak the moisture of oil.
Creamy Avocado Mask
You can create a homemade mask, in which you can use avocados. It is a fantastic ingredient to soothe your skin. First of all, you need to make a puree of half avocado and mix it with a teaspoon of Olive oil. You can also add honey if you have extremely dry skin. Apply the mask for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off. After that, your skin will get moisturized and hydrated. You can maintain the moisture level by using moisturizers regularly.
Scrub using Olive Oil and Sugar
You can create an exfoliating moisturizing scrub with sugar and olive oil. You can add lavender essential oil for fragrance and relaxation. Take a half cup of sugar and mix it with two teaspoons of olive oil along with lavender oil (Not Compulsory). Rub the scrub on your skin gently and wash it off. It will give you a soothing and moisturizing skin.
Oatmeal Honey Mask
You can create an exfoliator mask by 2 tbsp of oats, some water and one spoon of honey. You need to warm up the mixture and then rub it on your skin. After exfoliating, wash it off or leave it for 15 to 20 minutes as a hydrating mask.
Wheat Germ Oil Hand Cream
If you suffer from dry skin then it is likely that you have dry hands. This isn’t unusual because your skin type is not just limited to your face. A hand cream that is made with several different types of oil will save your hands from being cracked and dry.
This remedy not only uses wheat germ oil but all vitamin E, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, and lemon essential oil. Your hands will look and feel wonderful yes, but they will also smell great too.
Oatmeal Soak Bath
You can rehydrate your skin by taking a warm bath of oatmeal. You can add a cup of oatmeal to your warm water to retain moisture from the water.
Add Oil to Your Bath
Whenever we use dry soaps or face washes, the natural oils get stripped from our skin. The natural oils help in recreating the natural skin barrier and moisturize your skin. You can add natural oils, that are free from irritants, in your bathwater. You can use oils like argan, jojoba, avocado, etc. Apply some oil after taking a shower.
Apply Coconut Oil on Your Skin Before Bedtime
You can use coconut oil as a moisturizer at bedtime. If you have chapped hands or heels, then apply oil and cover it using thick socks or gloves. It will soothe your skin and make it smooth and soft.
Milk Compresses
Milk contains lactic acid, which is used as a mild and natural exfoliator. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat your irritated skin. You can use milk compresses for 5 to 10 minutes to heal cracked and dry skin.
Aloe Vera Gel
You can apply aloe vera gel during dry winter months. It can treat skin redness and irritation, which can be caused due to excessive dryness. The gel reduces the signs of aging and acne breakouts. It is found that some people are allergic to aloe vera gel. It is essential to perform a patch test before applying it on your face or larger skin area.
Oatmeal Honey Mask
Oatmeal and honey are both good for dry and combination skin types so why not use them together in a mask. This mask doesn’t only moisturize it also exfoliates. This means that you can use this as a scrub or leave it on your face for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator or Cleanser
During winters, fruit enzymes are the best to treat dry skin. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which are great to exfoliate dead skins from the face and body. You can use a mask or fruit enzyme-infused water once in a week. Some of the preferable fruit enzymes are pumpkin, papaya and pineapple.
DIY Lip Balm
Your lips need love too. If you are a dry skin sufferer than it is more than likely that your lips are often dry and chapped. Dry lips are miserable so you definitely need to try this DIY tinted lip balm.
This recipe may take a little longer because you might not have some of the ingredients. Most of the DIY remedies we have talked about use common items found in homes. This recipe has some items you may need to order.
The lip balm we really like is made with a small amount of alkanet root, olive oil, beeswax, honey, and essential oil of your choice. You probably have olive oil, honey, and essential oils but few people have beeswax and alkanet root readily available.
Hydration Mask of Spirulina and Manuka Honey
Spirulina, is also known as blue-green algae, contains antioxidants that can treat wrinkles and fine lines. It is easy to create a nourishing mask. Manuka honey is used to reduce inflammation and skin irritation. It is a humectant and can be used to moisturize the skin and make it smooth and soft.
Oat and Banana Exfoliating Mask
Dry skin can become severe in dry winters. Your skin becomes flaky and dull. The mask will help in lifting and removing the skin dryness to make your skin glowing and increase moisturization levels. Mash a banana and mix it with plenty of oats.
Herbal Steam Treatment
You can take the treatment before applying the mask. Different herbs, flowers, teas, etc., can be used to prepare herbal steam. You can take the steam at least once in winters. It is a hydrating treatment because the steam opens your skin pores, and it will absorb the oils.
Coconut Aloe Cream
You can create a hydrating and moisturizing cream with coconut oil and aloe vera gel. It will help in treating itching, irritation and redness. If you have a sunburn, then also it works. It is quite a better option than using chemical-based aloe vera lotions that are available in the market. You have to take a cup of coconut oil and aloe vera gel from 2 leaves.
Warm the mixture by placing it in warm water. You can also store at room temperature for a long time. You need to apply the mixture and pat it dry to remove excess oil from your skin. Both aloe vera and coconut are skin-healing ingredients. Coconut oil fights with bacteria and moisturizes the skin. On the other hand, aloe vera treats skin redness and sores.
Olive Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a primary ingredient to treat dandruff and dry skin. It helps in smoothening the skin and minimizes flaking. Tea Tree oil contains Vitamin E and antioxidants, which is excellent for skin healing and moisturizing. It remains in a liquid form at room temperature. You need a cup of olive oil and 5 to 6 drops of Tea Tree essential oil. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply it on your face.
You can also store the mixture in a jar at room temperature. Tea Tree oil fights with fungal infections and bacteria. On the other hand, Olive oil heals scratches, small sores, itching, inflammation, and other skin dryness problems.
Hemp Avocado Mask
This DIY helps in treating skin dryness and provides smooth and soft skin. It also helps in fighting aging. Hemp oil contains healthy fats, Chlorophyll, and Vitamin E, which reduces inflammation and improves dry and flaky skin. You can apply the mushy spread to fight the dryness problems.
You need to take one cup of Hemp oil, and puree of one ripe avocado. Mix them well and make sure that it becomes a consistent and thick paste. You can apply on your face and store the rest in your fridge. Rinse it with water after 30 to 45 minutes. Hemp seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that provide incredible benefits to your skin. It will help in minimizing the itching, wrinkles and fine lines.
Apple Face Mask
Apples have a tone of natural moisture in them and they make great face masks for dry skin. This is such an easy way to ease your dry skin. While it is true that you can add whole milk and honey to the recipe, if you have them readily available, it isn’t necessary.
Not only is this make great for dry skin but it also works well for combination skin because it can control the overproduction of oil.
Olive Oil Sugar Scrub
Sometimes when you exfoliate your skin can be dried out. If you make an olive oil sugar scrub you can have the best of both worlds. You can scrub away the dirt and dead skin while simultaneously adding moisture to your skin.
It is advised that after you have scrubbed, rinsed, and dried your skin that you use your regular moisturizer. This will help keep the moisture locked tightly in your skin.
Banana Face Mask
This face mask is not just bananas but also utilizes the exfoliating and moisture-locking properties of oatmeal. Bananas have natural moisture that is great for dry skin. This is a simple remedy that uses ingredients found in most homes.
There is no set liquid that you have to use for this mask so you have a choice. Most people use water, rose water, or sometimes yogurt. Any of these choices are good for your skin.
This remedy needs to be left on a little bit longer than some of the other masks that we have added to our list but you will love the results. Once you have put the mask on and rubbed it into the skin, leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before wiping it off.
Spirulina Mask
Stay with us. We know this name sounds weird and we also know that it isn’t very likely that you have the main ingredient for this mask on hand. But this is extremely good for dry skin.
This mask uses Spirulina, which is a blue algae, and manuka honey. Both of these have amazing benefits for the skin. The spirulina has antioxidant properties that have the ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles with the honey is a natural humectant that gives your skin the ability to retain moisture.
Herbal Facial Steam Treatment
An herbal steam treatment may seem counterproductive because you are hovering your face over a pot of hot and steaming water. Typically you are supposed to avoid long encounters with hot water, or really any water if you have dry skin. however, this steam treatment will allow your skin to absorb the herbs, oils, and lotions.
You can choose any herbs or teas you want for this steam treatment. Just add what you choose to the water along with some rose petals. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes, pat your skin dry and apply your moisturizer.
Tips to Prevent Dry Skin
It is better to prevent the problem before it becomes too late. There are different ways to protect your skin like:
Moisturize Your Skin Daily
It should be a part of your daily routine. Whenever you step out for the shower, use a creamy soap and slather it from head to toe. After taking a bath, apply plenty of moisturizer on your skin. The opened pores of our skin absorb the moisturizer, and it will make your skin soft and smooth.
Good Bathing Habits
People with dry skin should avoid hot showers. You should limit your bathing time to only 10 minutes. It is essential to use a mild body wash or creamy soap to keep your skin moisturized.
Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals
Make sure that you do not use products, which include apple cider vinegar and alcohol. Such ingredients can be harmful to dry skin and can worsen skin problems. It may lead to flaky and itchy skin.
Drink Enough Water
Hydrating your body from the inside, moisturize your body from outside. Water balances the PH level in our body, and drinking enough water hydrates your body. It will moisturize your skin deeply, and there will be no need to apply any products.
Dress According to the Weather
If you are going out in summers, you should protect your skin using sunscreens. In winters, make sure that you wear gloves and socks to cover your hands and feet to prevent dryness and chapping. The skin dryness can be prevented if you wear it according to the weather.
Change Your Diet
Having a proper diet can do wonders on your skin health. If your food contains adequate amounts of fats, then it can heal dry skin. You should include walnuts, avocados, olive oil, etc., in your diet. It is essential not to consume alcohol, coffee, and caffeine. Drink enough water and juices to improve your skin health.
Try to Avoid Harsh Skin Cleansers
Make sure that you do not use face cleansers, which contains fragrances or additives. You should prefer chamomile or oatmeal-based products. You should use gentle face cleansers that do not strip natural oils from your skin.
Final Words
Dry skin is not a significant issue but can become severe if you do not take care of your skin. Having dry skin can be natural or a side effect of changing weather, harsh products, unhealthy diet, and lousy bathing habits. In severe cases of skin dryness, you can experience flaking, redness, inflammation, itching, etc., on your skin. It is always better to prevent the problem than curing it.
You should take a healthy diet, drink more water, and avoid using harsh chemical-based products. You can try out any of the natural DIYs to treat dry skin at your home. There are no side effects of applying natural ingredients on your face if you are not allergic to any. These natural products promote the development of natural oil and give smooth and soft skin. The effect of these home remedies stays for a few days, and you have to reapply it again.
Improve your bathing habits and get rid of dry skin naturally. Take a patch test before applying any DIY. Treat your dry skin before going to any dermatologist. Find available ingredients and try out appropriate home remedies and get smooth and refreshing skin.
