At-Home Remedies for Dry Skin Relief
Dec 11, 2023
Your skin is one of the most exposed parts of your body indoors or outdoors. As much as people try to prevent injuries or conditions, finding a few flaky patches is still possible this winter. Explore these eight natural remedies to relieve your dry skin at home.
What Is Dry Skin?
Dry skin — also referred to as xerosis and xeroderma — is a condition where your face and body look and feel rough. People who deal with dry skin tend to describe having skin flakes and cracks, as well as a constant itch that can be hard to deal with.
Having dry skin may be a symptom of other conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism. There are also different severities of dry skin, some qualifying as skin disorders like ichthyosis.
Reasons for Dry Skin
Dry skin is more prevalent in individuals 60 and older, but younger people can experience this condition for various reasons. Environmental factors such as colder weather and a lack of humidity can significantly contribute to dryness, but it also depends on overall skin health.
Your skin releases natural oils to help combat dryness, but dehydration and sun damage can hinder production. Harsh chemicals in your skincare, medication and other products may also dry out your skin over time.
8 Remedies for Skin Dryness
The dermatology industry grows by 1.2% every year, which clearly indicates how more and more people prioritize their skin. Aside from connecting with a skin expert, you can relieve skin dryness in various ways.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
A few glasses of water can help dry skin. The results take some time to show — as oral hydration skips direct contact with your skin — but increasing your fluid intake can improve bodily functions that benefit your skin in the long run.
If you’re looking at ways direct contact with water can relieve your dry skin, assess your bath routine. Hot showers can strip your natural oils. Try switching to lukewarm and cold water when washing up.
2. Drink a Cup of Herbal Tea Every Day
Excessive caffeine consumption can dry out your skin. Plus, it disrupts your beauty sleep, which isn’t the best for your skin health. Regulate your intake or try herbal tea if you want to swap it out.
Teas like chamomile can minimize the possibility of dry skin and reduce skin inflammation. When coffee cravings kick in, turn to decaffeinated variations instead so it doesn’t dehydrate you as much.
3. Run an Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal can be effective for treating dry skin, as it’s emollient enough to remove itch and add moisture. Some people make oatmeal face masks, but an oatmeal bath is excellent if you have dry skin on your arms and legs.
Draw some water for the bath when you’re preparing for this natural remedy. It should be warm enough to activate the oatmeal. Once it is, add powdered oats to the tub before dipping in and relaxing.
4. Lather Oil on Dry Patches
Lotions can be great for dry skin, but some ingredients don’t really help lock in moisture. A variety of face and body oils can help treat your dry skin. Here are a few suggestions:
- Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is exceptionally moisturizing, making it a staple for those with extreme dryness and itchiness. After a shower, rub oil directly on your wet skin from the neck down. However, you’ll want to use a gentle touch for the face, shoulders and chest because those areas can easily clog with excess moisture.
- Olive Oil. Among other plant-based oils, olive oil can help relieve the rashes some people with dry skin experience. Apply a few droplets after drying yourself off from a shower. Going out in the sun after applying olive oil could spell sun damage, so make sure you only implement ut when you’re ready for a soothing, sleepy-time routine.
- Argan Oil. Argan oil is a well-loved ingredient in skincare, thanks to vitamin E and fatty acids that make your dry skin feel silky smooth. Simply apply a couple of droplets directly to the skin alongside your typical skincare routine. Starting small will help you acclimate to the new solution.
5. Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Exfoliator
People recognize apple cider more as a cooking ingredient, but it can do so much more. For instance, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that balance your pH levels and soothe skin dryness.
While there are many ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your skincare routine, it’s best to make an exfoliator mix. Mix it with water and some liquid exfoliant to remove dry flakes and refresh your skin barrier. Use this once or twice a week only.
6. Create a Milk and Honey Body Wash
Some face and body soaps can work against your skin. Make your own milk and honey soap for a more natural alternative. These two ingredients can make your final body wash mixture quite creamy and moisturizing, especially with some of the oils above.
7. Try Skin Slugging with Petroleum Jelly
After exfoliating, trying out slugging can be advantageous. This viral trend of applying petroleum jelly on the skin can minimize transepidermal water loss by 50% or more. Essentially, it helps your skin retain moisture.
For those with milder dry skin, putting even a thin layer of petroleum jelly after moisturizing with your usual gel and cream is beneficial. Doing this extra step once or twice a week can effectively lock in the hydration.
8. Make an Aloe Vera Face Mask
Aloe vera plants have a wonderful gel inside of them that serves as a great face mask for skin dryness. It contains a variety of antioxidants, soothing the skin upon application. Remember to wash your face after leaving it on for 10 minutes, as aloe can make the skin feel more taut than usual afterward.
Alleviate Your Skin Dryness
Taking care of your dry skin can take some extra steps, but it’s possible to alleviate some frustrating symptoms with the right regimen. Try out a natural at-home remedy or two that appeals to you, and your skin will thank you.