Home Remedies for Dry Skin

A 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 can lead to various skin problems. For example, the chances of developing wrinkles and lines are higher in people having dry skin, whereas those with oily skin are prone to acne or pimples. Though dry skin is not a serious problem, it affects the appearance and comfortability of the individual.

The signs and symptoms of dry skin may vary depending upon the age, overall health and environmental condition. In majority of the cases, dry skin is caused by the environmental factors, particularly an exposure to extreme climates (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 can be controlled by avoiding the causes and following some effective home remedies.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin

There are several treatment options for severe dry skin. Nevertheless, one can try effective natural skin care tips to restore a normal skin before opting for the therapeutic medications. In general, dry skin responds positively to lifestyle modification and home remedies.

Bathing habit
Excessive and long bathing contributes a lot to make the skin dry. Hence, certain changes in bathing habit are necessary in order to avoid the dry skin problem. Some of the tips about bathing habit are using lukewarm water, bathing not more than 15 minutes and limiting the frequency of bathing (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.

Soap and Moisturizer
Use of skin drying soaps, especially deodorant soaps should be restricted for people with dry skin. Rather one can use bath oils and mild bathing soaps for restoring the skin moisture. Daily application of moisturizer is recommended for the dry skin. The best time for using moisturizer is immediately after 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 skin areas that are exposed to sun. Thick moisturizers with essential skin nutrients are more effective. Soaps and moisturizers with alcohol content should be avoided.

Diet and Exercise
According to studies, a deficiency of vitamin A, B and E causes dry skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins should be included in the diet plan. One should drink ample amounts of water and fruit juices to keep the skin hydrated and alcohol 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, thus providing nourishment to the skin.

Natural Skin Care

• Prepare a skin cleanser by mixing one egg yolk, few drops of rose water and 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 option is mashing a ripe banana and applying it to the face and neck. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash 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 bath by adding few drops of oat extract and/or lavender oil in the bathtub.

The condition of dry skin is severe during the winter season when the air is dry. In such a situation, a humidifier can be used to retain moisture. Limit the use of makeup, as it can worsen dry skin. If the symptoms of dry skin do not improve with the above skin care tips, then you should consult a qualified dermatologist for the treatment of dry skin.