Home Remedies for Dry Skin

It can be improved by following certain home remedies like healthy diet, regular exercise, use of mild soap and moisturizer, and other natural skin care tips. The following story provides information about the same.

Dry skin appears rough, reddish, and dehydrated. An individual with dry skin may experience itching and skin tightness (especially after bath). Too dry or too oily skin may lead to various skin problems.

For example, the chances of developing wrinkles and lines are higher in people with dry skin, whereas people with oily skin are prone to acne or pimples. Though parched skin is not a serious problem, it affects the appearance and comfort level of the individual.

The signs and symptoms of dry skin may vary depending upon the age, overall health, and environmental conditions. In majority of the cases, dryness of skin is caused due to variety of environmental factors, particularly an exposure to extreme climate (either hot or cold) with low humidity conditions.

At times, it is caused due to the use of certain cosmetic products and excessive bathing. Dry skin may be controlled by avoiding the causes and following some effective home remedies.

There are several treatment options available for severe dry skin. Nevertheless, one can try effective natural skin care tips to restore a normal skin before opting for other medications.

Excessive bathing and bathing for a long period contributes a lot to make the skin dry. Hence, certain changes in bathing habit are necessary in order to avoid dry skin. Some of the tips that may help with this skin condition are using lukewarm water, bathing for not more than 15 minutes, and limiting the frequency of bathing to once or twice a day.

Reduce the use of soap while bathing, as it removes the natural skin oil. After shower, one should gently dry the skin rather than rubbing it. It is recommended to pat dry the skin.

Use of skin-drying soaps, especially deodorant soaps should be avoided by people with dry skin. Rather one can use bath oils or mild bathing soaps to restore the skin moisture. Daily application of moisturizer is recommended for people with dry skin. The best time for using a moisturizer is immediately after a bath and before going to sleep.

While going outdoors, sunscreen moisturizer with SPF 15 or more should be applied to face, neck, hands, and other exposed skin areas. Thick moisturizers with essential skin nutrients are more effective for dry skin. Soaps and moisturizers with alcohol should be avoided.

According to studies, a deficiency of vitamin A, B, and E causes dry skin. Therefore, fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins must be included in the diet plan. One should drink ample amounts of water and fruit juices to keep the skin hydrated enough.

Apart from this, alcoholic beverages and caffeine intake should be kept minimum (or avoided, if possible). In addition to healthy diet, regular physical activities promote blood circulation in the body cells and tissues, thereby providing nourishment to the skin.

• Prepare a skin cleanser by mixing one egg yolk, few drops of rose water, lime juice, and one teaspoon each of honey, orange juice, and olive oil. Apply this natural cleanser at least 15 minutes before bath.
• Another natural skin care tip is mashing a ripe banana and applying it to the face and neck. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

• Massaging the face with a mixture of almond oil and olive oil before going to bed is also an effective home remedy for dry skin.
• Apply a mixture of glycerin oil and rose water in equal amounts in order to moisten the skin.
• Take a bath by adding a few drops of oat extract and/or lavender oil in the bathtub.

The condition is severe during the winter season when the air is dry. In such a situation, a humidifier may be used to retain the moisture. Limit the use of makeup, as it can make the skin even more dry. If the symptoms of dry skin do not improve with the aforementioned skin care tips, then consult a qualified dermatologist, as he will be in a better position to provide better treatment.