The causes of dryness are many. From daily bathing (hot showers, scrubbing your skin with a towel) to harsh winter weather and lack of natural oils as you age.
You may not have to see a dermatologist if you don’t have a skin problem. Consider adding a home remedy to your skincare routine.
You may already have the ingredients to treat dry skin in your home. Some of the elements we list below, like aloe Vera and Coconut Oil, are collectively referred to as “remedies” even though they’ve been used as homeopathic medicine for centuries in cultures worldwide. You should consult a dermatologist if you have a skin condition underlying your dryness. This can prevent your dry skin from getting worse.
Home remedies can be great for a variety of skin types. They are accommodating if you’re in a hurry or want to try alternative skin care remedies. Consult an aesthetician if you have chronic skin conditions like rosacea or psoriasis and cystic acne.
Why Choose a Natural Dry Skin Remedy Over a Product?
A home remedy could be worth trying if you are concerned or confused by long ingredient lists. The ingredients in over-the-counter skin care products often need to be clarified. They may contain active moisturizing agents, as well as preservatives.
Michigan State University says this is often the case with water-based formulas because bacteria can proliferate. These preservatives can cause irritation and dry skin. They may also trigger allergies.
Keep your skincare routine simple if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Oils are a great alternative to water-based creams and lotions that contain preservatives. They also work well for dry skin, especially if you don’t have any skin conditions.
Remember, however, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate oils and over-the-counter remedies, so they’re not guaranteed to be safe. To be safe, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before adding any DIY skin care recipe to your routine.
How to soothe dry, irritated skin with natural remedies.
Sebum is a natural oil that protects your skin from moisture loss. However, everyday actions, such as not using moisturizer, or washing with soaps that dry out hands, can remove these oils. Oils can restore the skin’s protective moisture barrier and sheen for people who do not have acne.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, dermatologists recommend choosing an oil carefully for people with acne. Acne is often caused by excessive sebum production. Tea Tree Oil is one option. Some evidence suggests that tea tree oils may help mild to moderate acne. This includes an old randomized controlled trial and an uncontrolled pilot study in August 2017 Australasian Journal of Dermatology. However, you should consult a dermatologist before beginning any new acne treatment. Tea tree oil, in particular, can irritate.
You can use oils to moisturize your skin in many different ways. They are tremendous or combined with other ingredients to create a DIY exfoliating scrub or nourishing mask. Castor oil, lavender oil, and avocado oil are all suggested by Poblete Lopez as promising ingredients for people with dry skin.
Coconut oil can also treat acne if you are not susceptible. In a previous randomized controlled study, those with atopic dermatitis — a form of eczema characterized by itching and dryness — experienced a reduction in their symptoms after using virgin coconut oil.
Aloe vera is a plant that has natural healing properties. It can also be used as a moisturizer. Aloe vera gel, according to an article published in June 2019, plant food for human nutrition, contains mucopolysaccharides such as hyaluronic acids, which help lock moisture into the skin.
The best DIY remedies to moisturize dry skin
Try one of these simple home remedies when your skin is dry.
- Make an Olive Oil Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Adell suggests extra-virgin oil to replace your moisturizer if you are in a hurry.
She says that olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants. It also contains squalene. Adell notes that olive oil may be unsuitable for those with acne-prone skin due to the possibility of clogging pores.
Consult a dermatologist before applying olive oil to your skin. According to Research published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in December 2017, olive oil can reduce inflammation. However, applying it topically alone may damage your skin’s barrier.
Adell suggests using olive oil sparingly. You can apply a few drops on a facemask or massage the oil onto dry elbows.
2.DIY a Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask
Adell uses avocado masks at home to soothe her family’s dry skin. She says the face mask contains probiotics and antioxidants, which will help promote glowing skin. According to an independent review published in September 2019 by Nutrients, she recommends mixing 1/2 avocado with 1/4 of plain Greek yogurt, which may improve skin texture due to its lactic acid content. The mixture should be applied to clean skin for five to ten minutes before being rinsed.
Eat the other half! A small-scale pilot study published in the September 2022 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that female participants who consumed an avocado every day increased the elasticity and firmness of their skin.
A second study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology on September 2020, combined avocado oil, water, and saffron extraction. Researchers found this combination rejuvenated skin and reduced wrinkles. However, it needs to be clarified if any significant moisture was noted.
3. How to make a natural coconut oil and sugar scrub
You can use a homemade sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells and give your skin a softer texture. Michigan State University suggests mixing 1 cup of brown sugar or granulated with 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add essential oil, such as lavender, to the mixture. It has a pleasant aroma and may help reduce anxiety. This was suggested in a controlled study published in the January 2022 Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. Rub the scrub gently into your skin, allowing it to sit for 30 seconds. Then wash off with lukewarm aqueous water. The AAD suggests using a soothing, moisturizing cream to maximize the benefits.
Remember that this type of exfoliation may not suit all skin types. The AAD does not recommend scrubs for sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin.
Adell warns against using sugar scrubs, particularly on the face. She says that physical exfoliation could easily irritate because the skin on the front is more sensitive than other parts of your body. “My favorite exfoliation method is to use enzyme powders or chemical peel pads.”
4. Make an easy oatmeal soak to calm your skin.
Poblete Lopez says a cup of oatmeal added to a hot bath will hydrate your skin. She explains that the oatmeal product is soothing and helps to retain moisture in your skin. For a clean soak, tie the oats in pantyhose to your faucet and then run your bathwater over them.
DermNetNZ says that oatmeal can provide relief for eczema. It is effective in treating atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.
5. You can exfoliate your face with a homemade oatmeal honey mask.
Oatmeal is also an excellent exfoliator and mask. Mix two tablespoons of oats, one tablespoon of honey, and a splash of water. It can be used to exfoliate the skin and then washed off or left on for up to 20 minutes to hydrate, soothe, and smooth. According to an article in the October 2021 Open Life Sciences, honey has antimicrobial properties which may help speed up wound healing.
6. Apply Coconut Oil before Bedtime
Coconut oil is used as a moisturizer at night or anytime. According to a review in the July 2022 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it has its roots in African and Indian culture. Use coconut oil as a moisturizer at night or any time, says Tsippora, MD, a dermatologist board-certified at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care, Beverly Hills, California. Apply the oil to chapped hands and heels, then cover with thick socks or non-latex gloves.
7. Use Nourishing Oils
Dr. Shainhouse explains that natural oils can moisturize the skin and help recreate the natural barrier. This is important because frequently washing hands and faces with soap and water strips the skin’s natural oils. You can also try other oils, such as jojoba or argan oil, that are not irritating. Shainhouse suggests adding a few teaspoons of oil to the bath water. To avoid removing the entire oil, soak for a few minutes and gently pat dry your skin.
Research published in December 2017 by Women’s Health suggests that bathing in oils is not recommended for women due to vaginal health concerns. After showering, you can apply a little oil to keep your skin soft and moisturized.
8. Use milk compresses to soothe itchy skin.
Shainhouse says that milk has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains lactic acids, a mild natural exfoliant. In a controlled 14-day study published in the August 2020 Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, using a lotion containing ceramide and lactic acid twice daily significantly improved skin hydration and eliminate dead skin cells. This is why longer-term studies are needed to confirm the results.
Adell also notes that lactic acid “is one of the most hydrating alpha-hydroxy acids on the market.” It’s safe for sensitive skin and can be used even during pregnancy.
Cincinnati Health Institute recommends that you soak a clean, dry cloth (such as a washcloth, towel, or similar) in cool milk and then place it over the area. Shainhouse suggests applying these compresses to your skin for five to ten minutes at a stretch. This is especially useful for itchy skin.
Harvard Health Publishing warns that lactic acid can cause stinging to cracked skin. Adell says that mild tingling can be familiar. However, Adell recommends talking to a dermatologist or aesthetician if you feel burning. Research published in September 2018 on dermatological therapy indicates that lactic acids may be beneficial for treating eczema and other skin conditions. However, you should avoid using this remedy if your skin is in an active flare-up with cracks.
9. Consider using a fruit enzyme cleanser or exfoliant.
Fruit enzymes are a great way to soothe dry skin. Shainhouse says that alpha-hydroxy acid is excellent for exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface of the face and the body. According to the FDA, AHAs can improve your skin’s texture and appearance.
Shainhouse suggests using a fruit enzyme-infused wash or face mask at least twice weekly. According to Research published in November 2021, you should look for fruit enzymes bromelain, papain, and ficain.
10. Aloe Vera can be used to soothe dry, irritated skin.
Aloe vera can also be helpful during the dry winter months. Previous Research shows that it reduces redness and irritation caused by excessive dryness. It can also reduce signs of aging, acne breakouts, and even skin injuries. Shainhouse warns that aloe can cause some people allergic contact dermatitis (skin eczema). You can test it first on a small area before applying it.
11. Use honey as a spot treatment for dry patches.
According to past Research, honey has emollient effects and can help retain moisture in your skin. Honey is also an alternative for treating several skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff.
A previous review states that honey and manuka, in particular, are effective for healing wounds. It is antimicrobial and keeps the area moist.
Honey is an excellent base for masks and can also be used as a spot treatment on patches of dry or irritated, itchy skin. As Adell points out for the avocado face mask, adding manuka honey to the recipe increases wound healing and reduces inflammation. Apply honey to your face in small amounts for best results. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off.
12. Brew tea bags to soothe inflammation
You can use tea bags in other ways if you drink tea. Adell says this includes herbal and caffeinated black and green teas such as chamomile and jasmine.
According to Cincinnati Health Institute, black and green teabags can have an anti-inflammatory and cooling effect on your face, while black teabags may help balance your skin’s pH.
Adell says that the caffeine found in these teas can help reduce under-eye circles by shrinking blood vessels in this sensitive skin area. Adell recommends placing a wet, cool teabag under each eyelid for five to ten minutes.
In a small research study published in the December 2019 Journal of Dermatological Therapy, 22 people with facial atopic dermatitis were treated with 20-minute compresses soaked into weak, room-temperature black tea and treated with an emollient. Participants saw improvement in skin symptoms after three days, using five compresses per day. There were no side effects.
Adell states that chamomile tea bags may help reduce inflammation and irritation. It can also be used to relieve itchy skin and rashes. Jasmine tea is also effective in treating acne.
13. Take Petroleum Jelly Back to the Basics
You probably already have a jar or two of Aquaphor or Vaseline in your medicine cupboard. The AAD states that petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, can relieve dry skin, reduce chafing and promote skin healing. Petroleum jelly is safe to use on the lips and eyelids. Some people swear by petroleum jelly and slather the stuff all over their faces, even leaving it overnight. This is called ” Slugging.”
The AAD recommends applying petroleum jelly to damp skin. If you have acne-prone skin, avoid using petroleum jelly on your face, which can cause breakouts.
5 Tips from Experts to Avoid a Relapse of Dry Skin
Follow these steps after restoring moisture to the skin to prevent it from drying again.
- Moisturizing should be a daily part of skin care. After you get out of the bath, apply a rich moisturizing cream to your entire body. AAD recommends ointment and cream for extra-dry skin. Consider products that contain shea butter or hyaluronic acids.
- Other skin-friendly bathing practices can be developed. According to the AAD, you should limit your bathing time and avoid hot baths or showers. Bar soaps can have harsh ingredients like fragrances and preservatives, so choose a liquid body wash or mild cleanser instead.
- Do not expose your skin to harsh chemicals. This includes alcohol and vinegar. Shainhouse warns that these ingredients can aggravate dry skin and, in some cases, even cause burns.
- Drink lots of water. You may have heard that water can make your skin appear less dehydrated. While Mayo Clinic states that the Research on drinking water to treat dry skin is inconclusive, good hydration could offer other benefits.
- Dress for the weather. It is not enough to wear sunscreen in summer to prevent sunburn and cancer. Shainhouse advises that gloves should be worn before going outside in the winter to avoid chapping and dryness.