Are you plagued with dry, flaky skin that is continuously itching or burning? Studies show that many Americans claim to have dry and sensitive skin. While it’s most prevalent in the winter, this annoying dermatological issue can be present any season.
Not only is a dry complexion uncomfortable, but it makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. It often is a symptom of skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Your only solution is to give extra attention to exfoliation and moisturizing.
You needn’t spend a fortune on moisturizing products in department stores. Some of these can contain artificial ingredients that can make your skin condition worse. Instead, do like your grandma did and reach into the pantry and fridge for natural home remedies.
In addition to using natural moisturizers, it’s essential to take preventative measures against dry, flaky skin issues. Use warm instead of hot water when you shower or do the dishes. Hot water can irritate and dehydrate your skin and exacerbate the problem.
Use a deep penetrating moisturizer on your face and body after you take a shower. Use some also after you wash your face in the mornings or before you go to bed. Always use sunscreen when you are outside, and wear a hat and light clothes to deflect the sun’s damaging and drying rays.
Another frustrating issue with dry skin is frequent itching. While it’s tempting to scratch for relief, you can damage your skin and cause an infection. Properly moisturizing your dry skin often soothes and relieves the nagging itch.
This summer and in any season, you can treat your dry skin problems with common ingredients you already keep in the kitchen. As with any natural ingredient, discontinue use if you notice an allergic reaction or your condition worsens. Here are ten natural home remedies to consider for your dry, flaky skin:
1. Olive Oil & Sugar
Mediterranean cultures have extolled the benefits of olive oil for thousands of years. Modern medicine concurs with multiple studies demonstrating its benefits to your body and skin. It is a healthy fat that can hydrate and plump your skin naturally.
While you can use olive oil alone as a moisturizer, adding a little sugar gives a bit of grit to exfoliate dead skin cells gently. Your complexion will look fresh and clean.
What you need:
· 3 Tbsp. of olive oil
· one half-cup sugar
Directions:
In a small bowl, add olive oil then gradually stir in sugar to make a thick paste. Gently rub your face, elbows, or dry knees with the mixture and set it for about 10 minutes. Use a washcloth to wash the mixture off with warm water and towel dry.
2. Avocado
This quintessential summer fruit has a creamy consistency because of its natural healthy fat content. The amino acids in avocado are good for your heart, but they also can nourish dry, irritated skin. It’s easy to make an avocado mask for your weekly skin treatment regimen.
What you need:
·One half-cup avocado, peeled and chopped
·1 tbsp. organic honey
·1 tbsp. olive oil
Directions:
In a small bowl, crush the avocado with a spoon and stir until creamy. Stir in honey and olive oil until thoroughly combined, then rub on your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and towel dry.
3. Oatmeal
Remember how your parents used to serve you oatmeal and tell you how good it was for you? It turns out that they knew what they were saying because oatmeal is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For years, oatmeal baths have been recommended for people with dry, irritated, or sensitive skin issues.
What you need:
· 1 cup oatmeal, blended into a powder
Directions:
As you are drawing a warm bath, add the oatmeal under the running tap to dissipate into the bathwater. Relax and soak in the water for 15-20 minutes and wipe any residue from your body. Towel dry and moisturize your skin as usual.
4. Honey & Oatmeal
Do you want to boost the power of your oatmeal moisturizer for extra-dry skin? Honey has a long, venerable history as a tasty food and powerful health tonic. It’s a natural antioxidant, antiseptic, and antimicrobial that can soothe and soften irritated skin.
What you need:
· One-fourth cup fine oatmeal
· One-fourth cup honey
Directions:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix oatmeal and honey and heat for about 30 seconds. Stir again, then rub on your face and other areas of flaky skin. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, wash off with warm water, and towel dry.
5. Coconut Oil
By now, you’ve probably read the countless scientific data that suggests coconut oil as a prime moisturizer for flaky skin. It has ingredients that fight the free radicals in your body that cause cell damage. It’s an inexpensive way to hydrate and nourish your complexion.
What you need:
· three tablespoons organic coconut oil
Directions:
Pour coconut oil in a small bowl, and use your fingers to rub it into your face and extra-dry patches on your body. You may also consider using a clean, warm washcloth to cover your face, so the oil penetrates your skin better. Rub any excess away with a clean towel.
6. Milk Baths
Do you know how legendary beauties like Queen Cleopatra pampered their skin? They soaked in luxurious milk baths to plump their complexion and soothe away flaky skin. You don’t need to live in an ancient Egyptian palace on the Nile to benefit from Cleopatra’s secret.
What you need:
· 2 cups powdered milk
· 1 cup of sea salt
Directions:
In a medium bowl, stir the milk powder and salt until blended. While the bath tap is running, sprinkle the mixture under the water stream, so it incorporates into your bathwater. Soak and wash for about 20-30 minutes, dry with a soft towel, and moisturize as usual.
7. Pumpkin Puree
Who would have guessed that the abundant star of Thanksgiving pies and Halloween Jack o’ lanterns would be an ideal moisturizer? This delightfully orange squash is brimming with alpha-hydroxy acids, which can naturally exfoliate your flaky skin. Add a little cinnamon for fragrance and a glowing complexion.
What you need:
· One-half cup organic plain pumpkin puree
· One-half tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix pumpkin and cinnamon until blended well. Rub it gently on your face and any areas of your body that need extra moisturizer. Allow mixture to sit for about 10 minutes and wash clean with warm water.
8. Aloe Vera
Here is another beauty secret from Africa that you’ll want to try. Aloe is a succulent plant renowned for its burn-healing properties. The fleshy leaves are full of a pulp that naturally cools and soothes irritated or flaky skin. Use it on its own or give it a boost with another organic moisturizer.
What you need:
· 100 percent pure aloe gel
Directions:
Rub the gel generously on your face and body until it completely absorbs. It’s also perfect for sunburns or bug bites. Although uncommon, some people are allergic to aloe, and you should discontinue using it if you react to the solution.
9. Plain Yogurt
Have you studied the benefits of probiotic-rich foods like yogurt? These live cultures benefit your digestive system, but they can also be natural moisturizers for flaky skin. Yogurt’s lactic acid gently exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft and supple.
What you need:
·One-half cup plain yogurt
Directions:
Stir any lumps out of the yogurt and gently apply it to your face or other dry areas. Allow it to penetrate for about 10-15 minutes then wash away with warm water. Dry with a soft towel and moisturize as usual.
10. Banana Facial
Maybe our primate cousins have a beauty secret they aren’t sharing. The potassium and moisture in bananas can moisturize extra-dry skin and make it glow. You can use banana on its own or lend extra moisturizing benefits with milk and honey.
You will need:
·1 medium ripe banana, sliced
·1 tablespoon organic honey, optional
·2 tablespoons milk, optional
Directions:
In a medium bowl, use the back of a spoon to mash the banana into a pulp. Stir in honey and milk if opting for them. Spread the mixture as a mask on your face and allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes. Wash your face clean with warm water and dry with a clean towel.
Final Thoughts on Nurturing Your Flaky Skin
Any of these home beauty remedies can be used instead of or with your regular moisturizer. If you wear makeup, remove it, and wash your face before applying a natural beauty mask. It’s also recommended that you make the recipe fresh and discard any leftover mixture.
These are just a few of the natural ingredients you can use to combat dry skin naturally. Your complexion can be noticeably softer and more radiant. Try adding one or more of these healthy home remedies to your usual beauty regimen.
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