A dry complexion is not only uncomfortable, it makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. It is often a symptom of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis . Your only solution is to pay extra attention to exfoliation and hydration.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on department store moisturizers. Some of these may contain artificial ingredients that can make your skin condition worse. Instead, do what your grandmother did and search the pantry and refrigerator for natural home remedies.
In addition to using natural moisturizers, it is essential to take preventive measures against dry and flaky skin problems. Use warm water instead of hot water when you shower or wash dishes. Hot water can irritate and dehydrate the skin and aggravate the problem.
Use a deep penetrating moisturizer on your face and body after taking a shower. Also use some after washing your face in the morning or before going to bed. Always wear sunscreen when you are outside, and wear a hat and light clothing to deflect the harmful, dry rays of the sun.
Another frustrating problem with dry skin is frequent itching. While it is tempting to scratch for relief, it can damage your skin and cause an infection.
Properly hydrating dry skin often soothes and soothes persistent itching.
10 ways to heal flaky skin
This summer and in any season, you can treat your dry skin problems with common ingredients that you already have in the kitchen. As with any natural ingredient, stop using it if you notice an allergic reaction or if your condition worsens. Here are ten natural home remedies to consider for your dry, flaky skin:
1. Olive oil and sugar
Mediterranean cultures have extolled the benefits of olive oil for thousands of years. Modern medicine agrees with multiple studies showing its benefits for your body and skin. It is a healthy fat that can hydrate and plump your skin naturally.
While you can use olive oil alone as a moisturizer, adding a little sugar gives it a bit of grit to gently exfoliate dead skin cells. Your complexion will look fresh and clean.
You need:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Half a cup of sugar
In a small bowl, add olive oil, then gradually add the sugar to make a thick paste. Gently rub your face, elbows, or dry knees with the mixture and apply for about 10 minutes. Use a washcloth to wash off the mixture with warm water and dry it with a towel.
2. Avocado
This quintessential summer fruit has a creamy consistency due to its natural and healthy fat content. The amino acids in avocado are good for the heart, but they can also nourish dry and irritated skin . It’s easy to make an avocado mask for your weekly skin treatment regimen.
- 1/2 cup avocado, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of organic honey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a spoon and stir until creamy. Add the honey and olive oil until well combined, then rub over your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water and towel dry.
3. Oats
Remember how your parents used to serve you oatmeal and tell you how good it was for you? Turns out they knew what they were saying because oatmeal is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For years, oatmeal baths have been recommended for people with dry, irritated or sensitive skin problems.
You need:
1 cup powdered oatmeal
While preparing a warm bath, add the oatmeal under the tap so that it dissipates into the bath water. Relax and soak in the water for 15-20 minutes and clean any residue from your body. Towel dry and hydrate your skin as usual.
4. Honey and oatmeal
Want to boost the power of your oatmeal moisturizer for extra dry skin? Honey has a long and venerable history as a tasty food and a powerful health tonic. It is a natural antioxidant, antiseptic, and antimicrobial that can soothe and smooth flaky skin .
You need:
- A quarter cup of fine oats
- A quarter cup of honey
In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix the oats and honey and heat for about 30 seconds. Stir again, then rub your face and other areas of flaky skin . Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, wash off with warm water, and pat dry with a towel.
5. Coconut oil
By now, you’ve probably read the myriad scientific data suggesting that coconut oil is a prime moisturizer for flaky skin. It has ingredients that fight free radicals in your body that cause cell damage. It is an inexpensive way to hydrate and nourish your skin.
You need
Three tablespoons of organic coconut oil
Pour coconut oil into a small bowl and use your fingers to rub it on your face and extra dry patches on your body. You can also consider using a clean, warm washcloth to cover your face so that the oil penetrates your skin better. Rub off any excess with a clean towel.
6. Milk baths
Do you know how legendary beauties like Queen Cleopatra pampered her skin? They soaked in luxurious milk baths to plump up their complexions and soothe their flaky skin. You don’t need to live in an ancient Egyptian palace on the Nile to benefit from Cleopatra’s secret.
You need
- 2 cups of powdered milk
- 1 cup of sea salt
In a medium bowl, stir together the powdered milk and salt until combined. While the bathroom faucet is running, sprinkle the mixture under running water so that it is incorporated into your bath water. Soak and wash for about 20-30 minutes, pat dry with a soft towel and hydrate as usual.
7. Pumpkin puree
Delicious orange squash is packed with alpha-hydroxy acids, which can naturally exfoliate your flaky skin. Add a little cinnamon for a radiant complexion and fragrance.
You need
- Half a cup of organic natural pumpkin puree
- Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
In a small bowl, mix the squash and cinnamon until well combined. Rub it gently on your face and any area of your body that needs additional moisturizer. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.
8. Aloe vera
Here is another beauty secret that you will want to try. Aloe is a succulent plant known for its burn healing properties. The fleshy leaves are filled with a pulp that naturally cools and soothes irritated or flaky skin. Use it on its own or give it a boost with another organic moisturizer.
You need
100% pure aloe gel
Rub the gel generously on your face and body until it is completely absorbed. It is also perfect for sunburn or insect bites. Although rare, some people are allergic to aloe, and you should stop using it if you react to the solution.
9. Natural yogurt
Have you studied the benefits of foods rich in probiotics like yogurt? These live cultures benefit your digestive system, but they can also be natural moisturizers for flaky skin. The lactic acid in yogurt gently exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft and supple.
You need
Half a cup of plain yogurt
Stir the yogurt and apply it gently to your face or other dry areas. Allow it to soak in for about 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Dry with a soft towel and hydrate as usual.
10. A banana facial
Perhaps our primate cousins have a beauty secret that they are not sharing. The potassium and moisture in bananas can hydrate extra dry skin and make it glow. You can use the banana on its own or give it additional hydrating benefits with milk and honey.
You need:
- 1 medium ripe banana, sliced
- 1 tablespoon organic honey, optional
- 2 tablespoons milk, optional
In a medium bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add honey and milk if you opt for them. Spread the mixture like a mask on your face and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Any of these home beauty remedies can be used in place or with your regular moisturizer. If you wear makeup, remove it and wash your face before applying a natural beauty mask. It’s also recommended that you make the recipe fresh and discard any leftover mixes.