The worst thing during winters is the tight and scaly dry skin. Skin, without a proper amount of moisture, looks very unattractive and dull. Many people have dry skin texture throughout the year and it becomes very difficult to keep it moisturized all day. What is the best thing to do for dry skin, we wonder. Definitely, using cosmetics helps but why not try some natural remedies this time? In this post, I have listed the best home remedies for dry skin which you can use to make your skin moisturized and glowing (1).

What is Dry Skin?

Dry Skin is mostly a condition caused due to a lack of moisture or a proper amount of moisture. It can affect both sexes equally and can be seen more adversely in elderly people. This is of course caused by the diminished amount of lubricants and oils in the skin. An individual, especially of old age, can be more prone to dry skin in highly humid climates. Also known as xeroderma, dry skin can be a short-term cause, lasting only a while or even a severe long-term condition (2).

Symptoms of Dry Skin

Some of the symptoms of dry skin include

• Discomfort
• Skin tightness
• Itching

 Other instances such as hand washing or sanitizing the hands can also lead to dry skin.

Factors Causing Dry Skin

Our epidermis (outer layer of the skin) is comprised of both fat and protein, the liquid portion of which assists in preventing dehydration. If this layer loses its fatty oils it affects the protection of the skin from getting dry. This dryness leads to increased sensitivity which opens the way to rashes and skin breakdown.

The symptoms of Dry Skin can sometimes have enhanced effects due to external factors such as weather, more specifically hot and cold air.

There are as well certain internal factors such as

• Age,
• Genetics
• Personal conditions and
• Medical history

People with dermatitis or thyroid diseases are also quite prone to having dry skin. Bathing can be considered as a method to rehydrate the skin but afterward, when moisture dries off it may result in dry skin. Usage of soap can also be a probable cause as it removes oil. Other causes like improper usage of moisturizers, medication or improper clothing can stimulate the dry skin.

45 Home Remedies for Dry Skin

1.  Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is primarily a good ingredient for preserving moisture. It is known to contain plenty of fatty acids. This helps in securing your skin from any loss of moisture. You can apply coconut oil to your skin before going to sleep and then wash it off in the morning. It helps you get a glowing skin. This will keep your skin soft and moist. Also after taking a warm bath, you can apply coconut oil to your skin to keep excess moisture from evaporating. (3) (4)

2. Aloe Vera

It is of course popularly worldwide for its antiseptic and soothing qualities and also its antifungal properties. Aloe Vera is perfect to help one moisturize their skin and prevent over flaking, dryness and any irritations in the skin. It helps by creating a protective layer that restricts any form of impurities in the skin. Using it is very simple. Cut open the aloe vera leaf and apply the gel to the skin. Let it rest for 10 minutes or more and rinse it off. Practicing it twice a day can show greater results. Aloe Vera is one of the best home remedies for dry skin. (5) (6)

Aloe Vera

3. Honey

This golden liquid is flourishing with antioxidants, antimicrobial as well as humectants properties. It is a superb natural moisturizer. It has many essential vitamins and minerals which assist anyone in preserving more moisture in the skin. Before taking a bath it is advised to rub the skin with honey and let it rest for over 10 minutes. Another highly effective recipe for the skin is to use beeswax and oil in a mixture of honey. Apply the preparation to the skin and let it be for 5 to 10 minutes. These are to be repeated daily. (7) (8)

Honey

4. Glycerin

It is most widely used in most cosmetic products throughout the world. Glycerin is derived from plant oils as well as being synthetically manufactured. It acts as humectants and absorbs moisture from the air and applies to the skin. Also, it forms a layer over the skin which serves as a barrier for preventing loss of moisture.  Glycerin is one of the best home remedies for dry skin. (9)

5. Turmeric

This particular ingredient can be used in many ways and is also helpful in preventing dry skin. It contains antioxidants and eliminates impurities from the skin. Turmeric promotes the production of collagen in the skin that makes it soft. The turmeric needs to be mixed with gram flour along with water and milk to form a paste. Apply the paste as a face pack and let it settle for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, wash it off with lukewarm water. (10)

Turmeric

6. Sesame

Acquired from the Sesamum plant, sesame seeds are quite enriching for the skin especially its oil. It works as a natural moisturizer and also protects it from dehydration due to the presence of vitamin E. It also helps in detoxifying as well as curing damages in the skin. This feature serves as a remedy for the dry skin itself. (11)

7. Besan/ Gram Flour and Milk

Besan is useful as a team remover and when paired with raw milk and yogurt acts as a moisturizer. It softens the skin and also helps to remove wrinkles. (12) (13)

8. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can also be used to fully cleanse and moisturize the skin. There are large quantities of protein in oatmeal which allows it to create a protective barrier over the skin. This barrier prevents any excess loss of moisture from the skin. Also, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Prepare a bath with warm water, oatmeal and a few drops of lavender oil. Enjoy it twice a week. One can also try it out as a face pack by mashing bananas and mixing it with ground oatmeal as well as lukewarm milk. Apply it and keep it over your skin for 10-15 minutes. (14)

Oatmeal

9. Olive Oil

Olive Oil is known to have high levels of antioxidants along with fatty acids that have proven to be quite healthy for the skin. It helps condition the dry skin all over the body. Before applying the everyday regular moisturizer spread a layer of extra virgin olive oil. Massage the skin with olive oil every day before taking a shower.  Olive Oil is one of the best home remedies for dry skin.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a ripe nightshade vegetable that helps moisturize the skin even more. They always bloom rich in antioxidants and omega 3s. It assists the skin in developing new cells and prevents any toxins. Tomatoes can be paired with other ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, and even gram flour to prepare face packs that help rejuvenate the skin.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of those natural ingredients that have been used popularly in cosmetic products. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-bacterial benefits. This helps in de-alkalizing the body which leads to the prevention of dry itchy skin and other skin irritations.

12. Green Tea

Green Tea has a unique feature. It contains flavonoids that promote collagen production of the skin. This helps maintain a beautiful elasticity in the skin and makes it glow even brighter. First of all the tea leaves need to be boiled and after it has retained color, add two teaspoons of it in a bowl. After adding cream and brown sugar. Apply it to the skin and wash it after 10 minutes.

Green Tea

13. Saffron

Saffron has always a highly prized ingredient when it came to increasing the glamour of the skin even in ancient times. It has several antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage and other impurities. The simplest way to apply saffron is to mix a few strands of it in one tablespoon of honey and spread over the face. Rinse it after 10 minutes. Results will show after continuing four times a week.

14. Cucumber

Cucumber is mostly comprised of water and vitamin E which are most beneficial in case of dry skin. It helps moisturize the skin and soften it as well. It also contains silica which improves the skin by maintaining its elasticity. A rich cucumber face pack can be made by cutting them up into small pieces and mashing them into a paste. Mix yogurt or aloe vera gel, whichever is preferential and apply it to the face. Keep it for 10 minutes then wash it off.

15. Banana Mash Face Mask

Banana is popular for its moisturizing quality. It is also well known for its anti-wrinkle abilities that serve as an excellent remedy for dry skin. When applied with coconut oil, the fat of the oil helps condition the skin. Mash the bananas and mix them into a paste with the coconut oil. Apply to the face and then rinse with cool water after 20 minutes.

16. Carrots

Carrots like tomatoes are also very rich in Vitamin A, antioxidants and omega 3s. They are known for repairing damages to the skin. Applying Carrot juice helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and moistness.

17. Oranges

These fruits are of course lush with citric acids and vitamin C. These elements help refresh the skin and relieve it from acne. It also gives it a firm natural glow. Take a few orange peels and grind them with rose water form a paste. Apply for 10 minutes all over the face. Wash off with cool water.

18. Milk

This classic ingredient has been used in recipes for decades. Milk has always contained skin-friendly constituents like saturated fat, calcium, protein, and vitamin C. Applying milk helps provide healthy and radiant skin.

19. Neem Leaves

These leaves possess the ability to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. It is known for removing itches and irritation from the skin. Simply, make a mixture of neem leaves with honey and turmeric powder. Add a bit of water and then apply on the face. Allow it to dry for 10-12 minutes then wash it off.

20. Fenugreek

Known to have anti-aging abilities and soothing effects, Fenugreek has mucilage that has a moisturizing effect on the skin. It is easy to apply as well, just grind the seeds into a powder and mix it with oil and water. Spread it over the space for 15 minutes and then wash off.

21. Avocado

High Vitamin A content in Avocado repairs any damages in the skin. It also contains fatty acids, antioxidants and other vitamins that rejuvenate the skin from the inside. One of the methods of using avocado is to mash the pulp into a paste. Apply that paste to the face and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Avocado

22. Sandalwood Face Mask

Sandalwood, also known as ‘Chandan’ in India has been used for medical purposes for many skin conditions. Its oil contains fatty acids and has a moisturizing effect. Mix sandalwood oil with milk powder and rose water to create a face pack. Apply it to the face for 15 minutes and then rinse.

23. Papaya

The primary reason to use papaya as an ingredient is that it has papain. Papain is an enzyme known to remove many layers of dead skin and acts as a mild exfoliator. It also clears dirt and oils from the skin. Cut small pieces of Papaya and mix it with sandalwood powder or honey. Apply it to the face for 15 minutes and then wash it off.

Papaya is also one of the best fruits for glowing skin.

30. Cod Liver Oil

Cod Liver Oil can be considered a gold mine for repairing dry skin. It contains Omega-3, vitamin A, and D, fatty acids, EPA as well as DHA. This, of course, nourishes the skin and helps repair any damaged cells.

31. Bittergourd Juice

Karela or bitter gourd is known to improve digestion and assists in eliminating impurities in the skin. This also helps in improving the health and glamour of the skin. Peel the gourd and remove the seeds. After washing it and cutting it into small pieces, mix it well with lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to make it ready as a drink.

32. Mangoes

Mangoes, the king of all fruits, has a high moisturizing capacity. It helps keep the moisture intact as well as exfoliates it with a protective layer. Mix mango perks with yogurt and honey. Add half a tablespoon of sugar and spread it all over the face. Keep it for 20 minutes and then wash.

33. Multani Mitti

The clay of Multani Mitti is recommended mostly for oily skins. It has the ability to absorb excess oil from the skin. Other than that it also has a soothing and cool effect on irritated skin. It can be applied to a variety of ingredients.

34. Kiwi

This fruit is essentially rich in Vitamin C hence has the ability to increase the production of Collagen. It helps transport nutrients in the skin. This rejuvenates dry skin and keeps it soft and glamorous.

35. Almonds

Almonds or its oil form is primarily a supply of Vitamin E for the skin. It is considered as an efficient lubricator and helps retain moisture. Its antioxidants assist in increasing the quality of the skin’s health.

Almonds

36. Milk Cream

Milk is a rich ingredient for the skin. Its creamy form has high moisture content and contains various vitamins and nutrients. It can be applied to a variety of other ingredients.

37. Walnuts

This particular but contains healthy fat that helps in absorbing moisture from the air. Applying a mixture of walnut over dry skin helps improve its health and protects it from UV rays.

Walnuts

38. Spinach

Consuming spinach is an excellent boost to toimproving the skin’s health. It has an abundant amount of iron, >fiber, plant protein’s as well as vitamins E, A and C.

39. Strawberry

This garden fruit is rich in all types of vitamins along with iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Mix strawberries with fresh cream and honey. Spread it over the face for 10 minutes and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

40. Rose Water

This ingredient is always useful for soothing and moisturizing the skin. Also, it improves blood circulation in the skin as well as balances the skin’s pH. Apply rose water to the skin with a cotton bud. After it has dried the user a moisturizer. Rosewater is one of the best home remedies for dry skin.

41. BlackBerries

These berries are a rich source of vitamins A and C. Its dark color is also proof of its high antioxidant content.

42. Ubtan

It is a preparation made of almonds, fresh cream and sesame oil (or olive oil). Almonds help rejuvenates and hydrates the skin. Its high Vitamin E content acts as nourishment for the skin. Mix Almonds, fresh cream and half a tablespoon of sesame oil. Apply it to the skin for 10 minutes and then wash.

43. Broccoli

This vegetable has rich iron content and vitamins. It retains moisture in the deepest layers of the skin as well as removes wrinkles by making it soft. Consuming it is highly beneficial for the skin.

44. Bell Pepper

Rich in Vitamin E and A red bell peppers are extremely healthy to consume. It is also rich in fiber that improves digestion hence promotes the health of the skin.

45. Chocolate Mask

 Chocolate is well known as a sweet delight but it also has several healthy properties. It has antioxidants, it is anti-inflammatory inflammatory and maintains blood flow to the skin. Applying chocolate as a face pack increases glamour in the skin and softens it.

Some effective tips for Dry Skin

There are several healthy habits and practices that can be adapted to prevent skin from excess drying. Homemade remedies are always useful, simple and budget-friendly which allows one to have a more organic cure. Here are some tips for glowing skin.

• Taking a bath in lukewarm water along with avoiding excessive scrubbing over the skin can help preserve moisture.
• Delicate, mild and soap-free cleansers are recommended for people with dry skin, such as Cetaphil, Dove, and Neutrogena.
• Moisturizers containing skin-friendly ingredients like lactic acids and urea are also used for dry skin prevention.
• Practice yoga for glowing skin. Regular exercise helps you in perspiration and the skin pores are opened up.  This helps your skin to stay healthy.

There are several combinations in which you can use these ingredients. They all represent a natural solution for all dermatological needs. They not only help you remove dry and dead skin but also improves its quality. Regular use of natural remedies is guaranteed to give long-lasting results for your skin.