Natural remedies for soothing dry skin

Our body naturally produces oil to protect us from dry skin, but it may not be enough. Why spend a fortune buying products when you can try natural home remedies instead?

Dry skin is a condition that occurs when there is low humidity in the air. Over-the-counter products contain a ton of ingredients including alcohol and fragrances that can irritate skin. What makes natural products so appealing is their simplicity. Save money and remedy your dry skin with these common products you can find in your kitchen.

• Create a homemade beauty mask by mashing up half an avocado with half a teaspoon of olive oil or honey.
• Apply it to your face, leave on for 15-20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
• You could also apply a mask of aloe vera gel to help calm irritated skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and gently massage gel into skin while rinsing.
• Avoid hot water, as it will further dry out your skin, so opt for warm water when bathing or washing your face.
• Sip water throughout the day, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as it will only dehydrate you.

• Products containing deodorant or antibacterial properties will dry out the skin. Use a gentle soap or baby wash instead.
• After cleansing your face, dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and wipe over your face to help balance the skin’s pH while gently removing any remaining impurities.

First of all, avoid skin products that contain alcohol.

• When taking a bath, try adding a cup of powdered milk or colloidal oatmeal. Powdered milk can help soften skin while colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can provide relief from dry skin symptoms, like itching.
• Colloidal oatmeal is different from the oatmeal sold as a breakfast version of oatmeal.
• Grind plain old-fashioned oatmeal in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder.
• Add one or two cups of powder to a bath while running warm water.
• The powder will dissolve in water, unlike oatmeal flakes, which settle at the bottom. Soak in the tub for about 20 minutes. If you don’t want to make your own colloidal oatmeal, you can find it in some over the counter bath products.
• Pat dry after a bath or shower and immediately apply moisturizer.
• Coconut oil is a great alternative to store-bought lotions.
• For extra soothing effect, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your body before applying the oil.

Shaving removes unwanted hair, but it also strips away our skin’s natural oils.

• For best results, shave during or after a shower, when hair is softest. Use a shaving oil or lotion and shave in the direction of hair growth. Moisturize immediately afterwards.

Keep your skin protected from the sun’s damaging rays by always wearing sunscreen. Cover up with hats or loose-fitting clothing when in direct sunlight.

With these natural remedies for your dry skin, that only require a few products from your pantry and a little extra attention, you can relieve yourself of dry skin in no time.