Do you have dry skin?
Although it is not a serious condition, you’ll probably agree that it can cause discomfort and affect one’s confidence.
It makes the skin more prone to scaling, flaking, peeling, itchiness, roughness, and redness.
It also seems to make the skin age more quickly.
Causes for dry skin vary from one person to another but Mayo Clinic reports that the most common triggers are heat, weather, harsh chemicals, and sun exposure.
Fortunately, with these excellent home remedies for dry skin, you can easily find a solution to this common skin problem.
10 Natural Remedies for Dry skin
1. Honey
A product derived from bees, honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and natural sugars like fructose and glucose [1].
Its natural dermatological properties have been recognized since the earliest civilizations [1].
It has been confirmed to have strong antimicrobial properties that make it suitable for treatment and prevention of skin infections [1].
Many have relied on honey for the alleviation of eczema, diaper rash, psoriasis, fungal infections and many other skin diseases [1].
If you suffer from dry skin, honey can come to your aid.
It is a potent humectant, which means that it draws moisture from the atmosphere to make the skin softer and more supple [1].
Plus, since it is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids and phenolics, it works in boosting skin regeneration and averts premature skin aging [2].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets
Recommended Directions:
- Put the beeswax in a boiler. Melt.
- Remove from the stove.
- Add honey and olive oil.
- Combine fully.
- Pour into a clear glass jar.
- Apply balm on skin daily.
2. Olive Oil
The extensive benefits of olive oil not only for the health but also for the skin will surely astound you.
Loaded with monounsaturated fats, olive oil is said to be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood sugar levels, and managing diabetes.
When it comes to skin health, olive oil has nourishing and moisturizing properties ideal for treating rough and dry skin.
It is rich in polyphenols that neutralize the damage caused by over exposure to sun [3].
As mentioned earlier, sun damage is one of the major causes of dry skin.
The fatty acids in olive oil efficiently soothe and condition the skin [4].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Recommended Directions:
- Put olive oil and lavender essential oil in a glass jar.
- Shake to mix well.
- Apply mixture on your skin and massage gently for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Do this everyday for one to two weeks as an effective home remedy for dry skin.
3. Yogurt
Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid found in yogurt can do wonders for your skin.
Lactic acid fights bacteria that cause skin dryness and itchiness [5].
On top of this, yogurt also has natural hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin.
Apart from applying yogurt topically, it also helps to include it in your daily diet.
After all, yogurt is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are all beneficial for the health.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of yogurt
- 3 tablespoons of mashed papaya
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of honey
- 1 to 2 cups of yogurt
Recommended Directions:
- Combine the first four ingredients and mix well.
- Slather generously on skin, especially on dry areas.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Do this once a week.
- Snack on yogurt throughout the day.
4. Almond Oil
For many years, almond oil has been highly valued for its numerous benefits for the health.
Even though further research should be done to confirm its pharmacological effects, experts believe that it has strong anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities [6].
It is also said to possess cardiovascular benefits, thanks to its ability to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol [6].
Historical records, meanwhile, point out that it has been used in ancient Chinese and Indian medicines to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis that cause dry skin [6].
Research confirms that almond oil contains emollient properties that help rejuvenate and soften the skin [6].
It also prevents scarring of the skin to keep it blemish-free [6].
It can also boost overall skin health with its high concentration of vitamin E [7].
Since it is non-greasy, almond oil can easily be absorbed by the skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of pure almond oil
Recommended Directions:
- Put almond oil in a pan.
- Warm it over low heat.
- Cool it a little before massaging on your body.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes before taking a shower.
- Apply a moisturizer after bath.
- Do this everyday for one to two weeks.
5. Milk
How many times have you heard of the story in which Cleopatra bathed in milk?
It’s been that long since milk has been recognized for its powerful skin benefits.
Various studies have shown how lactic acid in milk can help treat dry and rough skin [8, 9].
Lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and leave a softer and smoother layer.
It also lightens complexion and keeps skin moisturized, according to Dermatocare.
Some of its other skin benefits include treating acne, alleviating rosacea and psoriasis, and preventing pigmentation problems [9].
What You’ll Need:
- 4 tablespoons of milk
- 2 to 3 drops of rose water
- 1 carton of milk
Recommended Directions:
- Add rose water to four tablespoons of milk.
- Mix well.
- Apply solution on your body using a washcloth.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
- Do this twice a day for two to three weeks.
- Pour a carton of milk to your bath water.
- Soak in the bath for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Rinse your body with cool water.
- Repeat once a week for three to four months.
6. Mango
Don’t you just love the sweet sour but refreshing flavor of mangoes?
Mangoes are actually some of the world’s most popular tropical fruits, which also happen to be among the most nutritious.
When it comes to skincare, mangoes may not be as widely used as other fruits like avocado or banana, but they actually have many benefits for the skin.
For one, mangoes have been found to protect the skin from premature aging caused by sun exposure [10].
Sun damage is known to be a precursor of dry skin, and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
In addition to this, Medical News Today reports that mangoes are also rich in vitamin A and vitamin C that can successfully rejuvenate dry and dull skin [11].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe mango
- 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Separate mango pulp from skin.
- Mash pulp with a fork or put in a mixer.
- Add honey and olive oil.
- Mix until consistency is similar to a paste.
- Apply mixture on face and body.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Do this three to four times each week.
7. Coconut Oil
No beauty expert will deny that coconut oil is good for the skin.
It’s in fact another powerful remedy for dry skin.
It’s one of the safest yet most effective ways to bring back moisture to your skin that looks and feels rough.
Coconut oil is an excellent source of fatty acids that can hydrate and deep condition the skin [11].
In a study that was featured in the 2014 issue of the International Journal of Dermatology, 117 patients with atopic dermatitis, a condition causing dry skin, were treated with either coconut oil or mineral oil [11].
Moisture retention was significantly higher among the participants who applied coconut oil on their skin [11].
Researchers concluded coconut oil was effective in treating mild to moderate cases of atopic dermatitis and its symptoms [11].
It’s no wonder coconut oil is a commonly used ingredient in many skincare commercial products.
From bath washes to body lotions to facial creams—many skincare products incorporate coconut oil into their formulations.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Recommended Directions:
- Apply coconut oil after taking a bath each day.
- Do this for several weeks until skin is no longer dry and rough.
8. Jojoba Oil
There are many interesting facts about jojoba oil.
One of these is that this oil closely resembles the body’s natural oil called sebum [12].
It’s for this reason that it has a plethora of wonderful effects on the skin.
Not to mention, its potent anti-inflammatory properties help tone down itchiness and swelling, and improve skin health [13].
Plus, unlike other natural oils, jojoba oil can effectively moisturize any type of skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of jojoba oil
- 1 basin of warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Soak a bath towel in warm water.
- Cover your skin with the towel for five minutes.
- Remove towel.
- Massage skin with jojoba oil for 10 minutes.
- Wipe excess oil.
- Repeat twice a week.
9. Avocado
If you keep a supply of avocadoes at home because you love making guacamole, here’s another reason to do so:
Avocadoes are great to use on the skin.
These fruits contain many nutrients that can boost the skin health such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants [14].
All these nutrients help maintain healthy skin and repair damaged skin cells.
Vitamin C, for instance, stimulates the growth and regeneration of collagen.
According to (EPA), the oil from avocado penetrates into the skin more quickly than other types of oils [15].
This means that if you want quick solution for your embarrassing dry skin, it would be a good idea to make use of oil extracted from this fruit.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 teaspoon of avocado oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mash avocado pulp.
- Add honey.
- Mix well.
- Apply on skin and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Do this twice a week.
- Apply a thin layer of avocado oil on your skin.
- Let it sit for one hour.
- Wipe it off with a clean towel.
- Repeat procedure once a day for one week.
10. Oatmeal
Don’t you just love having a bowl of oatmeal for your breakfast?
Considered as a healthy way to start the day, oatmeal is packed with dietary fiber and other essential nutrients that are good for you.
What some people don’t know is that it can also be used to improve skin condition.
Commonly used as ingredient in face masks, oatmeal can also help relieve skin dryness.
It is high in protein that creates a protective barrier to keep skin moisturized and stop water loss.
Moreover, oatmeal also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy skin [15].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of oatmeal
- Bath water
- 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Add a cup of oatmeal to your bath water.
- Add lavender essential oil.
- Soak in the bath for 30 minutes.
- Do this once a week.
- Grind a tablespoon of oatmeal in a blender.
- Add honey and olive oil.
- Mix well.
- Apply on the face as mask.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Follow this technique three times a week for one month.
Bottom Line
Dry skin doesn’t have to be a chronic problem with these excellent home remedies.
All these remedies for dry skin are simple, easy and effective in rejuvenating dry and rough skin.
Let us know your experience of using any of the natural remedies for dry skin discussed above.
