Dry skin (xerosis) is often a condition with many different causes.
Dry skin can be a symptom that points to a more serious diagnosis. But in most cases, dry skin is caused by environmental factors that remove a layer of moisture from the skin.
Heat, dry climate and harsh soaps can cause dry skin. Fortunately, you can use home remedies to address the symptoms of dry skin and restore moisture.
In the rest of the article, read the best natural remedies for dry skin on the hands, feet or face.
Natural remedy for dry face and body skin
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has softening properties and is an excellent natural remedy for dry skin.
Emollients fill the spaces between skin cells, creating a smooth surface. That’s why the naturally occurring saturated fatty acids in coconut oil can hydrate and smooth the skin.
You can use coconut oil daily even on the most sensitive parts of the body. This includes the area under the eyes and around the mouth.
Another advantage of coconut oil is that you don’t need to mix it with anything. Coconut is gentle enough for everyday use.
2. Vaseline
According to studies, Vaseline products can effectively heal skin in older adults.
Vaseline, also known as mineral oil, covers the skin with a protective layer. Traps moisture underneath. This helps heal dry, irritated skin.
3. Oatmeal baths
Oatmeal is a common natural remedy for dry and irritated skin. Studies have shown why grandmothers and great-grandmothers have been recommending this home remedy for centuries: It works!
Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation. This natural remedy is especially effective if you want to relieve itching, redness and dry skin.
You can make an oatmeal bath at home. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder with a food processor, then mix it into warm water.
4. Antioxidants and omega-3
When your skin is dry, it means you are exposing it to elements that damage skin cells faster than your body can repair them. However, there are some natural foods that can help your skin look healthier.
Foods rich in antioxidants can reduce damage from toxins and help your body create healthy cells. Some of the foods that contribute to skin health include:
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can also contribute to the diet.
5. Gloves
Hands usually experience the most direct contact with irritating environments. These include soap and laundry detergent.
Get into the habit of wearing gloves when your hands are in the water. Hands also suffer a lot when temperatures drop and when you work outside in the cold.
Wearing insulated gloves while doing housework or when you’re outside in extreme temperatures can reduce dry, irritated skin.
6. Adjust the shower temperature
Relieving dry skin is sometimes as simple as changing your shower routine. Although most people usually shower, sometimes they can burn the skin and cause damage.
And some soaps that claim to moisturize and repair the skin can cause the opposite effect. They can cause allergic reactions and make the skin thinner with harsh chemicals.
Take a short shower with warm, not hot, water. Look for soaps that are unscented and gentler on the skin than traditional soaps.
7. Use a humidifier
Keeping a humidifier in your home can reduce dryness caused by home heating systems.
Although gas and electric heat remove moisture from the air, a humidifier set at 60 percent is sufficient to mitigate this effect.
8. Avoid allergens and irritants
A sudden onset of dry skin can be related to the clothes you wear or what you have exposed your skin to.
Sitting by a fireplace, spending time in chlorinated or chemically treated water, or even wearing woolen clothing can irritate your skin and make it dry.
Check what you are putting your skin through and try to treat it gently.
Prevention of excessive drying of the skin
It is important to maintain healthy skin. Your skin is the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses.
When your skin is damaged by itching, an infection can occur. You may want to incorporate a good natural moisturizer into your routine, even if you’re completely healthy.
In fact, maintaining a healthy skin barrier every day is one of the best ways to prevent dry skin breakouts.
Another important skin care tip is to use a moisturizing sunscreen every day to prevent sunburn and dry skin.
Be sure to wear loose cotton clothing that wicks sweat away from the skin when exposed to high temperatures or conditions that irritate the skin.
Keep in mind that extremely dry skin can be an indication of a more serious condition. If natural home remedies don’t help, you may need to see a doctor to get a prescription medication to relieve your dry skin.