Home Remedies for Dry Skin

Author: Hansraj Srivastava

Our skin is one of our sensory and the largest organ of our body. It is related to the sense of touch. The skin protects our body; it prevents germs from entering the body and damaging internal organs. It also gives the shape of our bodies. Due to the change in our lifestyle, many people have oily skin and dry skin. Both conditions are not good for us. In this article, we will discuss about the home remedies for dry skin.

Dry skin is a very common condition and itching is one of the most common symptoms of dry skin. It is also called Xerosis. Mostly dry skin is caused by environmental factors that remove moisture from the skin and make it dry. Scratching may be hard to resist and you feel itching all over the day. Sometimes, dry skin can crack and become infected so keep your dry skin moisturized is very important. The elderly are more prone to dry skin than younger people.

Here are some home remedies for dry skin.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is best for dry skin as it contains saturated fatty acids that have emollient properties. Emollients fill the spaces between skin cells that create a smooth surface. Coconut oil acts as a moisturizer which makes skin hydrated. You can use coconut oil daily and it is better to apply before sleeping because then oil can moisturize your skin for a longer period.

Honey: Honey is antioxidant and has antimicrobial & antibacterial properties. It also works as a moisturizer and can work on oily and dry skin. Honey is an ideal home remedy to relieve dry skin. You can apply a thin layer of honey on the dry area and leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly is also known as mineral oil. It covers the skin and prevents water loss from the skin. You can apply Petroleum jelly directly to your skin. Petroleum jelly prevents your skin from drying out. It can be a little greasy, so it is best used as an overnight treatment.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera works like magic in any type of skin problem. That’s why sometimes Aloe Vera described as a "wonder plant". Aloe Vera is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that may help protect in dry skin. Cut a fresh Aloe Vera leaf to extract the gel and apply it on your dry skin. Your skin will soak it up. If not, wait for 15-20 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also drink Aloe Vera Juice. Aloe Vera is beneficial in many problems.

Oatmeal: I know you are surprised to see oatmeal's name but yes, oatmeal is good in itchy and dry skin problem. Oats contain specific sugars and fatty acids that lock in moisture and protect water loss from the skin. You can eat oatmeal, you can take an oatmeal bath, and you can make an oatmeal mask also. For the bath, grind it up and add it to your bath while the water runs, have a 15-minute soak, then towel dry. For the mask, take some oatmeal and grind well. Mix this oatmeal with honey and a little water then paste it on your dry skin. Leave this paste for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and beauty sleep are also very important for skincare. Remember that if home remedies aren’t helping, you may need to see a doctor to get a prescription treatment to relieve your dry skin.