Aloe vera, olive oil, glycerin, vaseline, watermelon facepack , multani mitti, rose water, milk powder facepack, apple cider vinegar, baking soda and chocolate facepack are some of the home remedies for dry skin.

Dry skin is also known as xerosis, which is the skin that is lacking in moisture content on the outer layer. Dry skin is not only something that diminshes your cosmetic beauty but also when left untreated, the skin can crack and this would eventually lead to certain infections.

What are the causes for dry skin?

Some may always have had dry skin but some people with normal or oily skin type can also be subjected to dryness of the skin due to various reasons. Few of them are:

• Changes in the weather especially during winter seasons and colder months
• Hot baths/showers
• Chlorine water in the swimming pools
• Dry air experienced in arid or semi – arid regions of the world
• Excessive use of skin cleansers
• Certain chemicals that are harsh to your skin found in soaps and detergents
• Due to certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.
• Medications for high cholesterol, allergies, acne and also high blood pressure.

11 Tips to Relieve Dry Skin Fast

Aloe vera

It is a very popular remedy that has been in use for quite a long time. Aloe vera extracts are also available in lotions and creams. However using fresh aloe vera gel extract is much better. Due to the presence of polysaccharides, moisture levels in the skin are retained. Also it would enhance collagen and elastin production in the skin. If dryness is due to certain skin conditions then aloe vera is an excellent tool as it has anti – inflammatory properties too.
You can take an aloe leaf and cut it diagonally to extract the gel present inside it. Then apply this fresh gel on the face and massage it in, so that it is thoroughly absorbed into the skin. Leave this on overnight. Repeat the same every night before going to bed.

Olive oil

Take two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil and one or two drops of lavender essential oil. Mix this thoroughly and massage this onto your skin. Wipe off the excess oil with a washcloth. Do this every night before going to bed.

Olive is a natural moisturizer which would nourish your skin. Due to the presence of polyphenols it would also counteract the damage done by the sun. Moreover, lavender oil also has anti – microbial and anti – inflammatory properties which would help to reduce itchiness and irritation caused by the dry skin and also solve several skin conditions. You could however refrain from using lavender oil in undiluted or excess amounts as this can cause irritation of the skin.

Glycerin

Mix one teaspoon of glycerin with one teaspoon of rose water. Apply this on the dry patches of your skin. Leave this on for a few hours. You can also rinse this off after an hour if you wish to. Use this once every day for quick relief from the skin.
Glycerin is a perfect emollient and also a humectant that locks in the skin moisture. You can also use it to apply it on chapped lips.

Read More: 11 Home Remedies for Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

Vaseline

Vaseline is one such product that is present in every household. You can take a small amount of vaseline and massage it on the entire face. It is best to leave this on overnight, you can also wipe it off after few hours if you wish to. Do this once every day for best results.
Vaseline being a product made from petroleum jelly helps to lock in the moisture and prevent water loss from the skin.

Water melon facepack

Mix one or two tablespoons of watermelon juice with one teaspoon of honey. Apply this on the face and let it sit for ten minutes. Then rinse it off with water. Repeat this twice a week.
Watermelon is rich in a variety of skin – friendly vitamins and also has high water content. This would eventually leave your skin moisturized and hydrated. Watermelon also is rich in anti – oxidants eventually leading to protection against UV rays.

Multani mitti

Mix two tablespoons of multani mitti, one tablespoon cucumber juice and one teaspoon of homey or one tablespoon of milk into a thick paste. Apply this mixture as a face mask and leave it on for fifteen minutes for it to dry. Rinse it off with plain water.
Multani mitti has the natural ability to absorb the excess oil and provides a cool, soothing effect on dry and irritated skin.

Rose water

Spray on some rose water on the cotton pad and then gently wipe your face with it. Once your face has dried, apply a suitable moisturiser on your skin.
This provides a soothing, moisturizing and refreshment for your skin. Rose water with its astringent properties it helps to balance the skin’s pH conditions and also helps in improving circulation to the skin. Thus, this helps to restore the normal oil production of the skin.

Milk powder facepack

Mix two teaspoons of milk powder with one teaspoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric powder first. After this, add water to adjust the consistency of the paste. Apply this on the face and leave it for it to dry completely before washing it off. Repeat this twice a week.
Milk is a natural ingredient that can help alleviate your dry skin problems. Milk powder contains healthy fats and amino acids thus helping in keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized.

Apple cider vinegar

Dilute half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with half a teaspoon of water and half teaspoon of honey. You can apply this mixture either on the dry patches of your skin or your entire face. Let this sit on for ten minutes before washing it off. You can repeat this once or twice a week.
Apple cider vinegar contains mild acids that help to adjust the skin’s pH levels to the normal range. It is also rich in several vitamins, minerals and anti – oxidants that promote your skin’s health.

Baking soda

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of almond oil or coconut oil. Massage this paste on your face in circular motions. Rinse this off after scrubbing for two to three minutes. You can use this once or twice a week.
Baking soda works as an excellent exfoliant to remove the dry and dead cells from the skin’s surface. Also it has certain pH neutralizing properties that restores the normal oil production of the skin.

Chocolate facepack

Mix five tablespoons of cocoa powder with five tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of maize flour to make a smooth paste. Apply this as a face pack and leave it on for thirty minutes. Then rinse it off. Repeat this twice a week for best results.
Chocolate contains phytochemicals that confers it anti – oxidant, anti – inflammatory and also healing properties. It also helps in improving blood circulation and maintaining the skin health.

Conclusion

Dry skin is a condition which has to be addressed as this can lead to cracking of the skin and also infections. Instead of going for the expensive and demanding skin treatment packages you can try to solve this issue by ingredients available in your very own home. Few of the effective home remedies are – Using apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, olive oil, chocolate face pack, baking soda, watermelon face pack, Multani mitti face pack, rose water, glycerin and vaseline.

References

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-home-remedies-for-treating-dry-skin/#gref

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319555.php