Home Remedies For Dry Skin: Know How To Treat Dry Skin Naturally

Home Remedies For Dry Skin

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    If the skin feels itchy, flaky and rough, these are the signs of dry skin. Severely dry skin occurs when your skin cannot retain sufficient moisture. Plenty of dry skin remedies are available on the internet. However, choosing the right one depends on the severity of the condition and diagnosis. If you are looking for home remedies for dry skin, you have come to the right place. This article will explore all about dry skin, skin dryness remedies, and how to implement them to keep the skin thoroughly moisturised and glowing.

    How To Treat Dry Skin Naturally?

    The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma or xerosis. Dry skin is usually temporary and improves with a proper skincare routine. Dry skin treatment at home typically begins with diagnosing the initial signs and symptoms to understand the severity of the condition. Several natural remedies for dry skin involve common household products like coconut oil, olive oil, and others. These have excellent moisturising properties that help relieve skin dryness and make it soft and supple.

    Additionally, it is important to understand the causes of dry skin and eliminate it. Experiencing skin dryness is more common during harsh winter months. Also, frequent washing of hands or overuse of sanitiser may lead to extra dryness. In many cases, having extremely dry skin is hereditary. It is common to observe skin dryness in older adults due to ageing. People with specific allergies tend to have chronic skin dryness, too. Whatever the cause, you can rely on home remedies for sensitive and dry skin, enlisted and described in the next section. [1]

    Top 16 Best Home Remedies for Dry Skin

    Home Remedies for dry skin on face are affordable and natural solutions that help replenish skin’s lost moisture and restore balance. Regularly using these skin dryness home remedies will make the skin softer, radiant, and more supple.

    Coconut oil:

    Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser and the best remedy for dry skin, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in it. It helps soothe dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Apply coconut oil to the dry skin directly and massage it till it gets absorbed. It is best to use it at bedtime to lock in the moisture.

    Olive Oil:

    Olive oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which makes it an excellent skin moisturiser. It also contains many antioxidants and skin-loving healthy fats that help retain the skin’s natural barrier. Use olive oil in small quantities to apply directly to the dry areas of the skin and gently massage to get intense hydration.

    Aloe vera:

    Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies for sensitive skin. It instantly soothes dry and itchy skin and has excellent cooling properties that calm and hydrate the skin. Apply fresh aloe vera to the dry areas of the skin like a face pack. Spread it evenly, leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.

    Honey:

    The use of honey as an effective home remedy dates back to centuries for its antibacterial properties. It is also a natural antioxidant that effectively moisturises dry skin. Honey is one of the best face dryness home remedies, which you can use directly as a facial mask or in combination with warm water. After it dries, you can rinse it well and get instantly glowing skin.

    Oatmeal:

    Oatmeal is a growing choice for home remedies for dry face, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is gentle on the skin and makes it silky smooth once applied as a mask. To make an oatmeal face mask, take instant oats and grind them to a powder. Add lukewarm water to form a smooth paste. Apply it to the affected areas of the skin and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse it off, and the skin will feel nourished.

    Sunflower oil:

    Sunflower oil is a natural moisturiser with high vitamin E content. It creates a protective barrier on the skin and retains the moisture. Apply a small quantity and massage well into the affected areas.

    Banana:

    Rich in potassium and natural enzymes, bananas are excellent for repairing dry skin. They gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells to make it softer. Bananas, honey and avocado make a great face mask. Mash half a banana and add some honey to make a smooth paste. Apply it to the affected areas of the skin.

    Herbal oils:

    Among the other dry skin on face remedies, herbal oils are becoming popular. Herbal oils such as rosehip oil and jojoba oil are rich in fatty acids and provide deep hydration to the skin. [2] Take a few drops of the oil in your palm. Spread it evenly and gently massage it into the dry areas of the skin.

    Milk:

    Milk is rich in vitamins A and D. Its high lactic acid content helps gently exfoliate the skin and soften it. Soak a cotton pad in milk and dab it on the affected areas of the skin. Leave it on for some time, then rinse.

    Petroleum jelly:

    Petroleum jelly forms a protective layer on the skin to prevent excess moisture loss and keep it hydrated. [3] You can use petroleum jelly to protect extremely dry hands and feet. Apply a thin layer, especially after bathing, to lock in the moisture.

    Avocado:

    Avocado is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E. It is anti-inflammatory and helps repair dry skin. Make an avocado face mask with honey or yoghurt and apply it to the face. Leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

    Yoghurt:

    Yoghurt contains healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and zinc, which help soothe and exfoliate dry skin. Apply yoghurt directly to the affected areas or along with honey for at least 20 minutes before you rinse it off.

    Almond Oil:

    Almond oil is high in vitamin E and antioxidants. It deeply moisturises dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. Your skin quickly absorbs the oil, thereby improving skin elasticity. Take a few drops and massage them well into the skin before bedtime.

    Jojoba Oil:

    Jojoba oil mimics sebum in the skin and helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Apply a few drops to the skin and massage gently.

    Cucumbers:

    Their high water and mineral content help soothe dry, inflamed and dehydrated skin. Grate a cucumber or blend it with yoghurt to use it as a face mask.

    Shea Butter:

    Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, E and F. It is also a suitable and safe option for dry skin in children’s home remedies. Put it directly in the dry areas of the skin until your skin absorbs it.

    Prevention Tips

    These are the preventive tips to avoid dry skin –

    • Avoid skin care products containing alcohol.
    • Use less air conditioning.
    • Avoid scratching, bathing or showering with hot water too often.
    • Avoid sitting under direct heat.
    • Avoid clothes that rub the skin.
    • Avoid rubbing the skin with a towel. [4]

    When To Consult A Doctor?

    If you feel the home remedies for dry skin do not work for you, it is best to seek professional help. Consult a dermatologist as soon as possible and get a detailed diagnosis for your condition. This may indicate an underlying issue, such as eczema or psoriasis, which will require immediate attention. Follow a proper skincare routine and change the lifestyle choices that contribute to dry skin. [5]

    Frequently Asked Questions On Home Remedies For Dry Skin

    Q1. How Can I Treat Dry Skin On My Face?

    A1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and keep it moisturised. To protect your skin, use a humidifier and a good SPF.

    Q2. Why Does Dry Skin Occur?

    A2. Dry skin occurs when the skin cannot retain moisture and loses its oils.

    Q3. How To Make Moisturizer At Home?

    A3. Use coconut oil and almond oil as organic moisturiser at home.

    Q4. How To Treat Dry Skin Internally?

    A4. Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of water or fluids.

    Q5. How To Treat Dry Skin In Winter At Home?

    A5. Try home remedies for dry skin, such as using coconut or olive oil in your daily skincare routine.

    Q6. How To Cure Dry Skin On Legs?

    A5. Use a moisturising cream or oil on the legs after a shower to keep them hydrated.

    Q7. How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On Body

    A7. Use home remedies for dry skin, such as herbal oils and face masks, to relieve dry skin faster.

    Q8. Can diet affect dry skin?

    A8. Yes, dry skin can result from a deficiency of vitamins A and C in the diet.

    Q9. How Do You Get Rid Of Dry Skin Fast?

    A9. Use home remedies for dry skin, such as herbal oils and face masks, to relieve dry skin faster.

    Q10. What Helps Dry Skin Naturally?

    A10. Using natural and organic oils and face masks helps replenish dry skin naturally.

    Q11. Why Home Remedies Work?

    A11. Home remedies for dry skin are effective because they help repair the skin’s natural barrier and surface cells.

    Q12. Which Home Ingredient Is Best For Dry Skin?

    A12. Coconut oil, shea butter, and oatmeal are the best alternatives for treating dry skin.

    Q13. How Often Should I Moisturize My Skin?

    A13. Moisturise your skin 2-3 times daily, especially after a shower.

    Q14. How Can I Improve Dry Skin Overnight?

    A14. Using an overnight mask with coconut oil or almond oil helps to improve skin drastically overnight.

    Q15. What Are The Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin

    A15. The best moisturisers for dry skin should be non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free and contain emollients that help lock in the moisture.

    Q16. How Dry Skin Symptoms Look Like?

    A16. Dry skin may look flaky, cracked, dry to the touch, rough, wrinkled, and itchy. In some cases, it may appear darker than the surrounding skin.

    Q17. Are Oils Helpful In Treating Dry Skin?

    A17. Yes, oils help strengthen the skin’s natural lipid barrier and prevent hydration loss.

    Takeaway

    Dry skin is a temporary condition that is manageable and resolvable by using some common household products. To maintain skin hydration and keep it calm, make sure to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Drink loads of water and use a humidifier if possible. Use gentle cleansers and follow them up with a non-comedogenic moisturiser to lock in the moisture. Take a good 8 to 9 hours of sleep to allow your skin to repair in the meantime.

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    About The Author

    Dr. Sushant Shetty

    Dr Sushant Shetty is a veteran in the Dermatology and Cosmetology domain, boasting an illustrious career spanning three decades. Recognised as a trailblazer in Aesthetic Dermatology by the medical fraternity, Dr Shetty has played a pivotal role in bridging the realms of pure Dermatology and... Read More