You know how frustrating it can be if you often struggle with flaky, scaly, itchy, dry skin. You may have even spent large amounts of money on fancy moisturizers, only to be disappointed with the results–or to realize they’re full of unnatural chemicals.
Fortunately, certain everyday items contain beneficial ingredients that can give you the relief you deserve naturally. Try these DIY remedies for dry skin, and you’ll never buy expensive moisturizers again.
5 DIY remedies for dry skin
Coconut oil
Coconut oil isn’t just a healthier alternative for cooking. It’s also a fantastic moisturizer.
Research shows that coconut oil boosts antioxidant and collagen levels in the skin, increasing hydration levels.
Other studies have shown it works similarly to mineral oil and petroleum jelly, which trap hydration in your skin’s cells while drawing more from the environment. But unlike petroleum products, coconut oil is entirely natural and nontoxic.
For this reason, you can use coconut oil as often as you like without fearing damaging your overall health. Its benefits don’t stop at moisturizing; it also offers anti-inflammatory properties, supports wound healing, and possesses antibacterial qualities.
Just opt for organic, virgin coconut oil. This unrefined variety boasts a richer nutrient profile, including an abundance of phytonutrients (protective plant compounds, such as antioxidants) that enhance its protective and healing properties.
Oatmeal and honey exfoliating mask
Exfoliating is crucial for managing dry skin. It helps shed dead cells to reveal healthier skin underneath.
But you don’t need store-bought scrubs to do it. Your kitchen is already stocked with excellent natural options.
One effective combination is honey and oatmeal. Oats are rich in saponins (organic chemicals that produce a foam when wet), which gently exfoliate without over-drying.
Honey works as a natural humectant, locking moisture into the skin. Its enzymes also deeply hydrate the skin, producing a softer, more radiant complexion.
To make your exfoliant, grind a few tablespoons of oats in a food processor and combine them with a tablespoon of honey. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of gentle, hydrating oil such as grapeseed or melted coconut oil.
This DIY dry skin treatment is a daily scrub or nourishing facial mask.
Rosehip serum
Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant, located just below the petals. You might have seen them growing on rose bushes in your garden or on plants you can purchase at the grocery store.
They’re packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, giving them an anti-inflammatory and hydrating effect. They can also help smooth wrinkles, lighten acne scars, and brighten the complexion.
To make your rosehip serum, infuse a cup of dried or fresh rosehip with two cups of gentle oil like coconut. You can do this by warming them together in a slow cooker.
Alternatively, you can purchase pure rosehip oil for a fraction of the price of typical facial treatments. Apply a small amount to freshly cleaned, dry skin.
Aloe vera
While most people think aloe vera as a remedy for sunburns, it can also help nourish dry skin.
It has a very high water content and can transfer much of that hydration to the adjacent cells when applied and left on the skin.
Its natural cooling properties also alleviate itchiness and irritation. It’s important to note that aloe vera doesn’t completely absorb into the skin, so it’s best to let it penetrate for a while and then wipe it off.
You can buy aloe vera at your local grocery store or grow it yourself. Cut a leaf to extract fresh gel, and apply a thin layer to clean dry skin. Allow to sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove with a soft towel.
Milk
Milk is exceptionally hydrating and rejuvenating for the skin. That’s why the ancient Egyptians–particularly Cleopatra–enjoyed milk baths.
Milk contains an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) called lactic acid, which helps your skin shed dead cells and retain moisture. It also contains whey proteins and amino acids that strengthen the skin’s collagen fibers. This means it boosts moisture, elasticity, and firmness while brightening the skin’s surface.
While it might be too thin to apply as a facial treatment, milk can be a fantastic DIY dry hand treatment. Soak your hands in a bowl of milk–either cold or warm–for five minutes for smoother, more supple skin.
Tried these DIY remedies for dry skin?
Dry skin doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. These DIY remedies can provide a simple and natural path to revitalize your skin, using only the power of everyday pantry items. Embrace these homemade solutions to nourish your skin and enjoy a healthier, more glowing complexion.
References:
The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors | Circulation
In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil – PMC
Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal – PMC
Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin – PMC
Health Effects of Grape Seed and Skin Extracts and Their Influence on Biochemical Markers – PMC
Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species – PMC
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications – PMC
Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid lightens ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin
How to Make Rosehip Oil: 11 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow.
ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW – PMC
Cleopatra and Sour Milk—The Ancient Practice of Chemical Peeling | Dermatology
Milk Proteins—Their Biological Activities and Use in Cosmetics and Dermatology – PMC
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