Call it xerosis –nobody will know. Call it dry skin, then the stories you get to hear will be numerous. Yes! Truly, dry skin is a problem that most people face. This occurs due to many reasons ranging from a serious disease to reasons such as
- Seasonal changes (changes in weather conditions);
- Bathing too often;
- Heaters;
- Humidity;
- Staying for a longer time in swimming pools with chlorinated water;
- Harsh chemicals in soaps and detergents;
- Excessive use of skin cleansers;
- Hot water baths;
- And skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and so on.
When a person is suffering from dry skin, the upper layer of the skin loses the required water content or cannot retain moisture. This causes the top layer to become flaky with visible fine lines or cracks. The dry skin-prone areas are usually the lower legs, and sides of the abdomen and thighs, but this can also occur all over the body. Dry skin often leads to itchiness and rashes which causes further problems like burning sensation and/or bleeding.
While people face many problems with dry skin, they do feel odd to consult a doctor for a solution as most people think that it is not a big problem to go to the doctor and take medical advice. Depending on the reason, it is not very difficult to deal with dry skin with a few easy-to-do home remedies. Here are a few of them.
Dry Skin: Home Remedies
Honey
Applying honey at least once a day, patting the skin and then washing it off with warm water, and then applying a moisturizer will increase blood flow to the cells of the skin and contributes to increased moisture retention. Honey has the property to tighten soothe and moisten the skin, it has anti-oxidants and it also has anti-microbial properties, and this trick really works.
Sea Salt
Sea salt has many minerals which have healing properties. Adding a cup of sea salt to one tub of water and soaking the problem areas in this solution for about twenty minutes would repair the damaged skin and make it smooth.
Oils
Oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc. have essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. They do act as lubricators that will help lock the moisture from escaping, thus avoiding dry skin. These oils would be more effective when applied immediately after taking a shower with slightly wet skin to trap moisture and slow down the process of drying the skin.
Milk and Milk Cream
Lactic acid will exfoliate the skin and it allows for maintaining the right pH levels for the skin. It is also anti-inflammatory, which means that it reduces the burning sensation you get with dry skin. Milk will increase the moisture retention ability of the skin and helps lighten the skin complexion too.
Aloe Vera
There are innumerable health benefits in this tiny, little miracle plant. Aloe vera is packed up with a lot of minerals and vitamins and it is also a natural moisturizer and skin smoothening agent. Applying the gel twice a day will not only reduce dry skin but also keeps the skin tight and smooth. If the gel is absorbed by the skin, you can just leave it, but if you feel it is not, then clean it with warm water.
Petroleum Jelly and Moisturisers
The petroleum jelly will act as a protective barrier on the skin, thereby maintaining the required hydration levels and preventing dry skin. Baby products, in this case, are recommended as they remain effective for a longer period of time.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to soothe the irritation caused by dry skin and relieves itching. Take 2 tablespoons oatmeal and add milk cream to it, apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water to reap the maximum benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a solution to not only dry skin but also many other health conditions. Drinking ACV daily will heal the skin from within and gives glowing skin. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of ACV to one glass of water and drink it daily before meals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are mostly found in seafood, flax seeds, and spinach, and they are obtained as supplements too. Including these in your diet will enhance the skin texture, smoothens the skin and nails, and also works for your hair.
Juices and Water
Drinking enough water and taking natural fruit juices will keep you hydrated and healthy. This, in turn, will keep the skin hydrated and maintain its moisture levels. Avoid carbonated beverages and added sugars, but include a lot of fruit juices, soups, and water to keep yourself looking fresh and healthy.
Showers
Taking bath too many times with harsh soaps and taking bath with hot water too often will deprive the skin of its moisture and leave it dry and without life. Avoid soaps with fragrance and regulate your shower temperatures to reduce dryness.
Apart from all these, maintain a balanced diet and exercise daily to have a stress-free life which in turn helps to get healthy and glowing skin.