The Best Homemade Remedies To Moisturize Dry Skin
In recent years, a wide variety of products have been developed to help treat dry skin. According to information published in the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it’s possible to improve this problem with the use of moisturizers.
Of course, it’s advisable to see a dermatologist, as many cases are a symptom of an underlying problem. However, if it’s something mild, we can resort to some natural products that are effective. Are you interested in learning more about them?
Why is your skin dry?
Genetics play an important role in determining your skin type. However, according to a publication in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, other factors may also play a role, including:
- Diet
- Health issues
- Age
- Hormonal changes
- Weather and pollution
- Toxic habits like smoking
The factors mentioned above show that keeping your skin moisturized can’t be done only by using moisturizing creams. You should consider which one of these is causing your skin’s dryness.
Read this too: 7 Body Scrubs for Dry Skin
The top 10 home remedies for dry skin
1. Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is more than a key part of a complete and balanced diet. It’s high in nutrients and essential fatty acids, making it a very effective homemade skin care product.
Your dry skin will easily absorb it when you apply it. In addition, according to research published in the journal Plos One, it helps prevent signs of photoaging and sun damage.
- Try heating the oil a little so your pores could absorb it better.
- You can also use it to give yourself a gentle facial massage.
2. Avocado
According to information in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, avocado is rich in protein, fat, fiber, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It therefore contains everything dry skin needs to be hydrated, firm and glowing.
- Simply mash the avocado and apply to your skin.
- Let it sit 30 minutes, rinse off with water, and you’ll see its effects instantly.
4. Oats, a great ally for dry and sensitive skin
Oats are a very beneficial cereal for moisturizing the skin without irritating it. In a review published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are said to be effective in case of pruritus, atopic dermatitis, acneiform eruptions, and viral infections.
- To apply oatmeal to your face, make sure to grind it or use oatmeal flour with a little water.
- Likewise, you’ll also gently exfoliate your skin while removing it from your face due to its sandy texture.
5. Banana
Banana’s a fruit rich in vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin. In fact, a review published in Food Chemistry highlights that its antioxidants and phytochemicals help fight the effects of oxidative stress.
- Mash a ripe banana and apply it on the skin for 20 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat at least 3 times a week.
6. Honey
Learn more: How to Make an Exfoliant with Aspirin and Honey
Bee honey, being a food rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and having an oily and smooth texture, has been considered for many years as a good remedy to alleviate many common mild skin disorders.
According to a review published in 2012, it serves to moisturize, soothe, as well as exfoliate, improve smoothness, and cleanse, when combined with other ingredients such as oatmeal, of course.
- To take advantage of it, simply apply a thin layer on the skin, leaving it on for 20 minutes.
These natural products can be useful to treat dry skin when the problem is mild. If the dryness persists, it’s best to see a dermatologist for other treatment options.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Hashizume H. Skin aging and dry skin. J Dermatol. 2004. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2004.tb00565.x
- Kurt A. Reynertson PhD MGMJNMSCPSKP/> KMPMKBMDSP. Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa) Contribute to the Effectiveness of Oats in Treatment of Itch Associated With Dry, Irritated Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 1420;14(1):43-48. http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961615P0043X. Accessed November 10, 2018.
- Mori H-M, Kawanami H, Kawahata H, Aoki M. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16(1):144. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1128-7
- Latreille J, Kesse-Guyot E, Malvy D, et al. Dietary monounsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of skin photoaging. PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e44490. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0044490
- Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(7):738–750. doi:10.1080/10408398.2011.556759
- Singh, B., Singh, J. P., Kaur, A., & Singh, N. (2016). Bioactive compounds in banana and their associated health benefits – A review. Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.03.033
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.93629
- Ediriweera ER, Premarathna NY. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review. Ayu. 2012;33(2):178–182. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.105233
