Come winter and it’s not just the harsh weather to deal with but also an unwanted, irritating problem – dry skin. Dry skin feels itchy and flaky, stretched like a drought on the body. Sometimes it may even leave you scratching incessantly. It looks dead and dehydrated and may even crack.

Dry skin isn’t just a nuisance, it can cause more damage than you think. So if you’re ignoring it with an ‘it’s just a mild inconvenience’ attitude, chances are you may pay dearly for it. But why ignore dry skin at all when there are some really simple and easy remedies like a skin moisturizer for dry skin you can incorporate in your daily skincare routine!

Why Dry Skin is More than Just a Mild Inconvenience

It can cause Skin Inflammation

It’s hard to resist that itch that comes along with dry skin. But scratching can cause redness and inflammation which can damage the skin. Inflammation is the body’s immune response which can result in a rash that can sting and burn. The skin may become scaly with blisters or pimples and may crack and bleed.

Severe cases of skin inflammation caused by dry skin include conditions like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. These can be painful and can leave the skin scarred and damaged.

  • It can cause premature aging

Dryness is one of the main causes for the appearance of lines and wrinkles – the affirming signs of skin aging. Without ample water and nourishment, the skin cells will not be able to produce collagen and elastin which are key for keeping the skin taut and flexible.

  • It makes the skin prone to photo-damage

Moisture also forms a protective layer on the skin. Without it, when the skin is exposed to UV radiation of the sun, it is prone to more damage than otherwise. UV exposure can result not only in sunburns and tanning or darkening of the skin but also in reduced skin cell production. This makes the skin flaky and prone to premature aging.

UV rays also cause hyperpigmentation – the irregular production of the skin pigment melanin. This may manifest in sun spots, age spots, melasma, etc. When the skin is moisture-deprived, it is easily exposed to the damages caused by sun exposure.

Remedies to Soothe Dry Skin

Now that you’re aware of the potential damage dry skin can cause, you’re probably weary. Maybe you’re already dealing with some of the severe effects. Or maybe you’re just sick and tired of dry, itchy, flaky skin!

Whatever your motivation, it is time to remedy the dry skin problem. While a number of clinical and medical remedies do exist, if you’re one to prefer natural over chemical, there are a number of all-natural remedies for dry skin.

All-Natural Skincare Products

Include organic, real products from a trusted brand in your skin care routine for dry skin. Be sure to check the ingredients and consider your skin-type while selecting them. The best skincare routine for dry skin is one that includes all the steps for treating dry skin – cleansing, toning, nourishing and protecting. While selecting products, wherever possible, don’t let price become the defining factor as you will want the best for your skin, no matter what.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin

When it comes to skincare for dry skin, you’d be surprised by the magic of ingredients you’d find easily at home! Use these by themselves or include them in your daily skincare routine to remedy all the dryness and itching without digging deep into your pockets!

1. Humidifier

Something as simple as using a humidifier can make a massive difference to your skin. You should start seeing results quite immediately.

Set the humidifier at 60% level to ensure there’s enough moisture in the air around you. This will not only prevent your skin from drying up but will also help heal and replenish skin that is already dry.

2. Coconut Oil

This easily available household commodity is an excellent moisturizer and source of fatty acids that will nourish and replenish dry skin. Coconut oil works as an emollient, filling the cracks in the skin to make it soft and pliable.

Apply coconut oil on dry hands, feet, face and chapped lips at night before sleeping. Leave it on all night to let it work its magic and find the symptoms diminishing the next morning.

3. Oatmeal Bath

This is an effective age-old remedy that gets rid of flaky skin and dead cells while also rejuvenating the cells and stimulating new cell production. Oatmeal is rich in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants which will help heal the damage caused by dry skin.

Simply grind a cup of oatmeal and mix it in your bath. Avoid using harsh soaps and just let the oatmeal bath do its work.

4. Petroleum Jelly

Commonly known as mineral oil, petroleum jelly has been used as a remedy for dry skin for ages. Its deep moisturizing properties prevent skin dehydration by locking in the moisture.

Apply petroleum jelly on all areas with dry skin and leave it on overnight. If you don’t mind the greasy texture, use it during the day too, especially when stepping out into a dry climate.

5. Milk and Honey Mask

The lactic acid and natural lipids in milk prevent moisture from escaping the skin’s surface. Honey, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that heal redness, cracks, wounds and other dry skin damages.

Mix a teaspoon of milk in two teaspoons of honey and apply it on the face and other affected areas. Gently massage the mix in circular motions for 2-3 minutes and then leave it on as a mask for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

6. Sunflower Oil

Another easily available household commodity, sunflower oil is a natural oil rich in essential fatty acids that moisturize the skin and protect it from drying up.

Simply add two teaspoons of sunflower oil to your bath to replenish your skin. You can also pat a few drops of the oil on damp skin right after taking a bath to lock in the moisture.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is rich in vitamin E that serves as an antioxidant to reverse dry skin damage. It also boosts skin immunity and soothes inflammation and redness while nourishing skin that has been deprived of nutrients.

8. Avocado Mask

Avocado is a common fruit, rich in natural lipids with moisturizing properties. It not only protects skin moisture but also promotes skin health by nourishing it with vitamins, sterols, fatty acids and minerals.

Mash 1/4th of a ripe avocado to achieve a creamy consistency. Add a teaspoon of yoghurt and a teaspoon of honey and mix well. Apply this mask on dry skin and leave it on till it dries out. Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply a natural moisturizer right away for extra nourishment. 

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