Does dry, itchy skin have you feeling uncomfortable and irritated? Dry skin can be a serious pain, especially if you don’t know how to get rid of it. There are certain things you can do in your everyday life to soothe dry skin. From using the right moisturizers, to changing up your soap, to investing in a humidifier for your home, check out 8 dry skin remedies that actually work and banish dry, itchy skin for good!
What Causes Dry Skin?
Dry skin occurs when your skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. This can be caused by factors such as cold or hot weather, frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, genetics, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure. Typically, the top layer of skin is made up of dead skin cells and natural oils, which help trap moisture, keeping the skin soft and smooth. If the top layer of cells lack moisture, the result is often dry skin. Dry skin can occur at any age and can surface anywhere on the body, from your hands and feet to your face and neck.
How to Prevent Dry Skin [5 Tips]
1. Avoid Harsh Soaps
Using harsh, dry soaps is one of the main culprits of dry skin. Stick to cleansing creams and gentle cleansers, and bath and shower gels with added moisturizers. Mild soaps with added oils and fats will help moisturize your skin, as will soaps without any added fragrance or alcohol. What you use on your skin is very important to its health, so make sure to be as gentle as you can with your products to avoid dry skin.
2. Moisturize Regularly
To prevent dry skin, you should be moisturizing regularly, especially immediately after washing and bathing. Within a couple minutes of bathing or washing your hands, apply moisturizer to help retain moisture in your skin. Products containing glycerin, lactic acid or urea can help. Outside of bathing and washing your hands, applying moisturizer morning and night can help you keep your hands soft and smooth. If you’re noticing specific body parts are dry, it’s ideal to moisturize them more often.
3. Increase Your Antioxidants and Omega-3s
Dry skin occurs because you’re exposing it to elements that are damaging skin cells faster than your body can repair them. Certain foods make your skin healthier, helping your body make healthy cells. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, tomatoes, peas and lentils can minimize damage from toxins, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and soybeans can also contribute to healthy skin.
4. Wear Gloves When Your Hands Are in Water
Washing dishes or doing other chores where your hands are submerged in water or getting wet for a prolonged period of time can seriously dry out your skin. Get in the habit of wearing gloves when your hands are in water. Depending on how dry your hands are, you may even consider wearing gloves while showering too.
5. Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your home can help minimize dryness that occurs through home heating systems. Humidifiers release water into the air, increasing the moisture levels (humidity) in your home. This can help your skin retain more moisture, preventing dry hands.
4 Natural Dry Skin Remedies
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known to be incredibly moisturizing for the skin. It has emollient properties, which fill the spaces between skin cells, creating a smooth surface. The saturated fatty oils that occur naturally in coconut oil can hydrate and soothe the skin. You can use coconut oil anywhere on your skin daily, from your lips and under eyes to your hands and legs. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, so lather it on when you feel the need.
2. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is a well known remedy for itchy skin, and as you probably know, itchiness typically accompanies dry skin. Colloidal oatmeal has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally hydrate the skin, soothing irritation and itching. Once you’ve taken your oatmeal bath, make sure to moisturize your skin immediately to make sure to lock in the moisture.
3. Avocado Mask
If your dry skin is primarily on your face, whipping up a creamy avocado mask can be your saving grace. It’s a great, natural way to soothe dry skin. Puree half an avocado and mix it with one teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of honey. Apply it to your face and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water, applying moisturizer afterwards.
3. Use a Soothing Moisturizer In Your Bath
Natural oils are amazing because they’re super soothing and free of any irritants. Some oils in particular are great for moisturizing skin, helping to recreate the natural skin barrier which can be broken by frequent hand and face washing with dry soaps. Jobaba, argan, coconut, and avocado oils are all natural oils known to naturally soothe and hydrate the skin.
4 Store Bought Products for Super Dry Skin
1. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme
Formulated with vitamin E and jojoba oil, this body moisturizer is extremely hydrating, absorbing quickly into your skin. It’s moisturizing, but not overly oily, and you can use it on your face, body and hands. Use it everyday for soft and supple skin!
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This product moisturizes, restores and maintains the protective skin barrier. Developed with the help of dermatologists, it provides 24 hour hydration and is free of fragrance and oil. It’s made with hyaluronic acid to help retain the skin’s natural moisture levels, and is ideal for normal to dry skin.
3. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
This head-to-toe moisturizer provides instant relief and hydration for dry skin. It’s instantly absorbed into the skin, without any greasy after-feel, and is suitable for all skin types. Created with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramide 3 and the FAB antioxidant booster, you’ll have improved feel and look of smooth skin.
4. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
This lightweight moisturizer packs a hydrating punch! It’s oil-free and formulated with vitamin C and fruit water antioxidant complex to soothe and moisturize your skin. It’s oil free, delivering deep hydration, leaving your face soft, fresh and smooth.
If you’ve been dealing with dry skin, you don’t have to worry about it any longer. Use these home remedies and products to banish dry skin for good!
