Dry skin is a common condition, especially during the winter time. Extreme cold temperatures with low levels of humidity cause all of the moisture to be pulled from your skin, leading to dryness. While there are plenty of moisturizers and lotions that are available on the market, these products can be very pricey. Natural remedies are both low-cost and effective for hydrating and nourishing your skin back to a healthy state.
Milk
Milk has natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your dry and itchy skin. Additionally, the lactic acid in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and increases your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Simply soak a washcloth in cold milk and apply the cloth to your skin for five to seven minutes before gently rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Oil
Using different types of natural oils can also help to moisturize your dry skin. These include:
- Olive oil: Olive oil contains many antioxidants and fatty acids that are very beneficial to your skin. Apply a small amount of olive oil under your regular moisturizer or massage into your skin shortly before taking a shower.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil also contains a lot of fatty acids that help moisturize dry skin. Apply warm coconut oil all over your body before going to sleep or directly after taking a shower to get the most benefit.
- Almond oil: Almond oil contains a lot of vitamin E, which makes it a very good emollient and lubricator for problematic dry skin. Almond oil is also non-greasy, meaning it absorbs very easily into your skin. Warm almond oil can be applied to your skin before showering and can also be mixed with warm milk and drank before bed to benefit both your sleep and your skin.
Honey
Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers because it contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and humectant properties. It also contains various essential minerals and vitamins that will improve the overall health of your skin. For the best results, rub honey all over your body about five to ten minutes before taking a bath or shower.
Avocado
Avocado contains many vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that will help improve the texture of your skin. Eating avocado can help keep your skin hydrated, as will making an avocado paste from the pulp of the fruit to rub over your dry skin.
Oatmeal
Since oatmeal contains such high protein content, it is very good for moisturizing and relieving dry skin by preventing water loss and maintaining natural moisture. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that will help improve your skin health as well. Pouring one cup of plain oatmeal into your bath is one way to see the benefits.
Aloe Vera
This medicinal plant contains many antiseptic and antifungal properties that help to soothe your skin and combat flaking, dry, irritated skin. You can access the gel within the aloe vera plant by cutting open a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeezing the gel out of it onto your dry skin. Let this sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
