Home remedies for dry skin

Having itchy, dry skin is very unpleasant experience. Chilling atmosphere in winter makes it even worse, making most of the expensive over-the-counter treatments useless. So, How can you soothe that cracking skin of yours? Let us discuss some home remedies and natural treatments that will get you closer to the smooth skin you desire.

Millions of people cope with dry skin every year, helping to make the skin care business a billion dollar industry. There are no magic ways to give you back baby soft skin. But knowing why your skin gets dry and learning simple ways to hydrate your skin can help you save a fortune you spend on your skin care regime.

Know your skin better!

Your skin is much more than a covering for your bones. It is a shield against the harsh environment, pollution and harmful sun rays on a daily basis. Your skin serves as a strong barrier that prevents your body system from disease causing bacterial infections and viruses. 

Skin that is dry can develop painful cracks and is more prone to itchiness, rashes and infection. That's why it's important to give your skin a little pampering and rejuvenation every now and then. Take a look at the top effective home remedies you can use to relieve your skin from dryness and sensitivity.

Natural treatments and home remedies for dry skin

Why to spend a fortune on expensive skin care products? When mother nature offers us some of the best natural remedies for dry skin. These natural remedies are not only cost effective, but also quite efficient and are very easily available.

1.       Drink lots of water. It helps to keep your body hydrated and can alleviate dry skin to a great extent. Eight to ten glasses is the minimum quantity, but ideally you should drink much more than that.

2.       Epsom salts and dried Seaweed:Soaking in bathwater filled with Epsom salts softens the skin and removes dry cells. Dried seaweed soaked in water also enhances the softening effect on skin.

3.       Rub on some olive, almond or coconut oil and massage lightly on to your hands, legs and the rest of your body before heading for a shower. If time permits, heat the oil and then apply. Post shower, use a light moisturiser/sunscreen, because winter sun isn’t any less harsh.

4.       A warm glass of milk mixed with a teaspoon or two of almond oil, before bedtime, can work wonders.

5.       Baby lotion is one of the best moisturizing lotions that you can use on your skin. Moisturizing lotions for adults often contain other chemicals that may actually make your skin drier.

6.       Before going for a bath, rub some honey all over your body and leave it on for five to ten minutes. Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers.

7.       This tip dates back to thousands of years when queens bathed in milk. Yes, soaking in a tub filled with milk and warm water can do wonders for skin!

8.       Instead of opting for expensive moisturizing creams that are available in the market, rub some sesame oil all over your body after your shower.

9.       Coconut or avocado oil is also really good for treating dry skin.

10.   Bananas can also be used to treat dry skin on your face and neck. Just mash a banana (ripe ones work better) and apply it like a face pack. After some time wash your face with warm water.

11.   Do include plenty of fruit in your diet.

12.   If you're a smoker, quit. Smoking is really bad for your skin. If you don't believe me, Google the term "smoker's face".

13.   Exercise. How does this work? When you exercise, you sweat. This unblocks your pores, and allows the natural oils to come to the surface and hydrate your skin.

14.   Try to include spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander in your diet. They help to soothe and relieve dry skin.

15.   You can even make a paste out of avocadoes and apply it all over your body to nourish your skin.

16.   This tip may make you feel as if you've been dunked in a bowl of cereal, but it's an excellent remedy for dry skin. Simply blend some baking soda, oatmeal, and vanilla extract in to a paste and mix it in a tub of warm water. Soak in the tub for as long as you like and say goodbye to dry skin.

17.   You can also rub some oatmeal on your hands before washing them.

18.   Petroleum jelly is one of the best remedies for dry lips, hands, and feet.

19.   Glycerin oil is also a good remedy for dry skin.

20.   Conditioned air is dry and really affects your skin. If you can't avoid sitting in an air conditioned room all day, at least get a humidifier, or keep a bucket half filled with water next to you to humidify the air.

21.   Nothing beats a hot shower or soaking in a tub of hot water on a cold winter's day. Unfortunately, hot water really dries the skin. Opt for warm water instead.

22.   The soap that you use may be responsible for your dry skin. Switch to natural soaps that do not contain any harmful chemicals. Doing so can really make a big difference to your dry skin problem.

23.   If you use a lot of detergents your hands may become dry and the skin may begin to crack. Wear rubber gloves when handling detergents, or switch to a detergent that is classified as being soft on the hands.

24.   Does your face feel itchy every time you wash it? Try this: mix an egg yolk with a teaspoon each of olive oil and orange juice, and add some drops of rose water and lime juice. Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

25.   Oil fish like salmon are not only rich in essential fatty acids, consuming them regularly can also help alleviate dry skin.

26.   Are you suffering from dry and cracked heels? Rub the inside of a banana peel on your heels and watch all the dry skin disappear.

27.   Get sufficient sleep. Your body requires at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Lack of sleep really affects the skin.

28.   If you have extremely dry skin, here's what you can mash about half an avocado. Mix this with half a cup of honey and smear this mask onto the dry areas of your face. Let this mask stay on the face for about ten minutes and then wash it off with water.

29.   An excellent remedy for dry skin is the juice of cabbage leaves with little bit of yeast dissolved init mixed with honey. Apply this mixture thickly over your face and neck. After 15 minutes remove it with cotton wool soaked in water.

30.   Scrap some carrots and squeeze the juice from them. Apply on your dry skin. After ½ an hour, wash it off.

These natural remedies for dry skin are very effective and easily doable. If you experienced dry skin, and used some of your own remedies, please share your home remedies in the comment section.