Janet J
How many of you know that your kitchen has everything that dry skin needs.
The reasons that can cause dry skin is endless, ranging from daily habits and weather conditions to a lack of natural oils in the skin as you grow old.
You will be happy to know that it is not necessary to visit a dermatologist to treat your dry skin.
Instead, there are several DIY dry skin remedies that you can include in your skincare routine. In fact, you will be surprised to know that ingredients required for home remedies for dry skin might be already present in the kitchen.
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Why should you choose DIY Dry Skin Remedies?
As there are large numbers of skincare products available in the market, trying a natural remedy is worth it, says skin experts.
DIY dry skin remedies tend to be pure which makes them a good choice for people. Other skincare products available in the market may contain harmful ingredients.
They may not only contain active moisturizing products but also preservatives. That’s mostly the case for water-based items.
These, when used along with fragrances and alcohol, can cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Often, it is suggested to keep your beauty care simple, mainly for those with skin problems and allergies.
Unlike water-based creams and lotions, or the ones containing preservatives, pure oils come with a natural base, which makes them a great product for dry skin.
How are DIY Dry Skin Remedies Beneficial
Your skin produces oil naturally, known as sebum, which helps in protecting the skin from losing moisture but regular actions- like forgetting to apply moisturizer or washing hands with a drying soap- can wash away the natural oil from the skin.
For those without acne, using oils can help in restoring the skin’s sheen and protective moisture layer.
If you have acne-prone skin, there is some proof to support the idea that tea tree oil can treat mild to moderate acne.
Several studies have proved that it is better to consult a dermatologist before following any new DIY dry skin remedies.
There are different ways to enjoy the moisturizing benefits of oils.
You can apply it on your own or mix it with other ingredients, to make a DIY skin-nourishing mask or a skin exfoliating scrub.
According to skin experts, lavender oil, castor oil, or avocado oil may be great ingredients used in DIY dry skin remedies, as long as you don’t have acne-prone skin.
Coconut oil is another oil that most of you might have in your kitchen. It can be a great option for those with acne-prone skin.
People suffering from atopic dermatitis- a kind of eczema and an allergic reaction characterized by itching and dryness- saw best results when they applied virgin coconut oil on their skin, as per a clinical trial.
You can also mix the Aloe Vera plant to make a natural skin moisturizer.
According to research, Aloe Vera gel consists of mucopolysaccharides, which help in locking the moisture into the skin and makes it one of the best skincare ingredients for dry skin.
Top 15 DIY Dry Skin Remedies
One of the simplest ways to treat dry skin is to drizzle your favorite oil into your bathwater. You can even try any of these DIY dry skin remedies:
Use an olive oil cleanser to soothe your dry skin- Olive oil is a great natural cleanser and moisturizer.
To treat dry skin, you just need to apply olive oil on your skin and drape a damp, warm cloth over your face, and wait till it cools down. Wipe away the excess oil.
Olive oil is a great choice when it comes to cleansers as it does not take away the skin’s natural oils, but at the same time cleans your skin.
Make a rich and creamy avocado mask- Making a homemade avocado mask is another popular one on the list of DIY dry skin remedies.
Experts suggest pureeing an avocado and combining it with a teaspoon of olive oil and honey can soothe your dry skin.
Apply this mask on your face and leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. Your skin will feel moisturized.
You can enhance the hydrating effects of the avocado mask by applying your daily moisturizer.
Make a scrub by mixing sugar and olive oil- You can make your own skin exfoliating scrub by mixing sugar and olive oil.
Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tbsp of olive oil. You can even add your favorite essential oil, like lavender, as this adds a natural fragrance and helps in relaxation.
Rub your skin gently using this scrub and wash it away. Finally, apply a moisturizer to lock the benefits of the exfoliated skin.
Prepare a simple oatmeal mask to soothe your skin- This is one of the easiest DIY dry skin remedies.
Adding a cup of oats to your bath routine can rehydrate your dry skin.
According to skin experts, oats are soothing and helps your skin to retain moisture from the water.
Use a homemade mask of honey and oats- Oatmeal is a great mask or exfoliator. Combine 2 tbsp of oats with some water and honey.
Warm the mixture and then apply it all over your face.
You can use it as a hydrating mask and wash it away, or as a hydrating mask by leaving it for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash away.
Before going to sleep, apply coconut oil- Coconut oil is one of the oldest ingredients used in DIY dry remedies for ages.
It hardens at room temperature, so it is better to use it as a moisturizing cream while going to sleep at night.
If you have dry, chapped hands and heels, then applying coconut oil can prove to be helpful.
Add your favorite oil to your bath water- Natural oil is a common ingredient used in most DIY dry skin remedies.
It moisturizes the skin and helps to re-create natural skin protection, which is most of the time damaged by repeated face and hand washing using water and dry soaps that take away the natural protective oil from the skin.
Other than coconut or olive oil, you can test other natural oils that are free from irritants, including argan, avocado, and jojoba oils.
For dry skin, add a few tablespoons of your favorite oil in running bathwater.
Enjoy a short soak and pat dry your skin afterward to avoid rubbing the oil.
You can even apply your favorite oil after taking a shower. This will keep your skin moist and soft.
Use milk compress for treating irritated skin- Milk has natural anti-inflammatory properties which makes it great for using in the best DIY dry skin remedies. It consists of lactic acid, a natural exfoliate.
To make a milk compress, you must soak a clean cloth in a bowl containing cool milk and hold it over dry areas.
Skin experts recommend using these compresses on the skin for at least 5 to 10 minutes. It is especially beneficial for treating irritated and itchy skin.
Use a fruit enzyme face wash or exfoliate- Fruit enzymes are of great help, especially during the dry season.
These alpha-hydroxy acids are helpful for exfoliating the layer of dead skin cells on the body and face.
It is recommended to use a fruit-enzyme-infused face wash or a face mask at least twice a week.
Some of the good fruit enzymes to opt for include papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin.
Apply Aloe Vera on dry and irritated skin- While often considered as a remedy for treating sunburn, Aloe Vera gel can be beneficial for the winter months, also.
It alleviates redness and any kind of skin irritation caused due to dryness and it can also reduce the signs of aging.
However, some people may be allergic to the gel, so it is always better to consult a dermatologist before applying an Aloe Vera gel.
Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant or Cleanser– Fruit enzymes are great DIY dry skin remedies, especially during the cold season.
According to experts, alpha-hydroxy acids are best for exfoliating the top dull and dead skin layer on the body and face.
You must use a pumpkin, papaya, or a pineapple fruit face mask at least twice a week for glowing skin.
Rosewater- Rosewater moisturizes and soothes dry skin. At the same time, it balances the ph levels making it a right choice for those looking for DIY dry skin remedies.
In case, if you have dry skin and you are suffering from itching, then dab some rosewater on that specific area. This will minimize the itching and also moisturize your skin.
Toner made of papaya- Papaya is known for its moisturizing benefits. It is also one of the best ingredients used in DIY dry skin remedies.
This enzyme-rich fruit is packed with essential nutrients that are important for healthy and glowing skin.
Papayas help in soothing sunburn and are great for treating inflammation. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines too.
Take out the pulp of papaya and remove the seeds. Blend papaya with one cup of water in a mixer. Now with the help of a cotton ball apply this mixture to your face.
Apricot Kernel Oil
This is one of the best carrier oil for dry skin. You will find this oil mainly in cold areas of the country. It is a great ingredient for moisturizing your skin.
It also treats psoriasis and rosacea. The oil is rich in Vitamin E and C, making it an important addition to your skincare routine.
Petroleum jelly– Also known as mineral oil, it is one of the common DIY dry skin remedies which has been in use for years.
In a study conducted in 2017, it was found that the skin barrier in aged people got better after applying petroleum jelly.
The study supported the use of petroleum jelly to improve dry skin, mainly the ones caused due to aging.
These were some of the easiest DIY dry skin remedies that you can follow at your home without much effort. Now let us get into the ways by which we can avoid dry skin.
5 Top Tips for Avoiding Dry Skin Relapse
There are various other steps that one can take to protect their skin and avoid dryness.
Include moisturizer in your daily skincare routine. Once you step out of the shower, apply some creamy and soothing moisturizer all over your body.
Develop skin-friendly bathing habits. Avoid hot showers and restrict baths to 10 minutes.
Regular bar soap can consist of ingredients that are bad for your skin, so choose a liquid body wash or a cleanser.
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. This includes apple cider vinegar and alcohol.
These ingredients worsen dry skin and can also cause burns in few cases.
Drink lots of water. Increasing your water intake helps in hydrating your body and moisturizes the skin from the inside out.
Dress correctly according to the weather. During summer, do not go out without wearing sunscreen.
A sunscreen protects the skin against sunburn and avoids skin cancer. Before stepping out in the winter, wear gloves as this will prevent chapping and dryness.
Although there are plenty of DIY dry skin remedies, it is always better to protect your skin from getting dry.
Are you going to dry these DIY dry skin remedies? Which one did you feel is best for you? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.