Many
people suffer from dry skin. During the winter, the dry, cold air saps whatever moisture
was in the skin, out, cracking the skin and making it itchy and red.
During
the summer, the sun gives the skin a healthy tan while at the same time
removing moisture. Basic cleanliness and cleaning around the home can
leave hands dry and cracked.
While
most people don't need to see a doctor for their dry skin, the itchiness, tightness, and discomfort it causes can drive
one to distraction.
The
Mayo Clinic recommends that those who can't get their dry skin to clear up with normal remedies or "have large areas of
scaling or peeling skin" should seek help from a doctor. For everyone
else, one of these 10 home remedies may be the answer you're looking for.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#1- Avoid long, hot showers
Although
the heat feels so good, WebMD points out that the hot water removes your body's
natural oils. Rather than enjoying a steaming, hot shower, try a warm shower for no more than 10 minutes.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#2 - Avoid harsh soaps
Fragrant-free,
antibacterial-free, alcohol-free soaps are the best. WebMD also recommends
using cleansers that have ceramides
as they help hold in the body's moisture.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#3 - Moisturize while damp
Dr.
Dee Anna Glaser says in Prevention that putting on the moisturizer
while you're still damp helps lock in moisture.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#4 - Apply milk
According
to Dr. Susan C. Taylor from Prevention, applying a cloth or piece of gauze
soaked in cold milk to extremely dry patches of skin for five minutes can help
remove itch and inflammation.
If
the problem is more widespread than just a patch, Dr. Dane in Reader's Digest
recommends taking a milk bath. Add one to three gallons of milk to lukewarm water and soak
for 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse off well when finished.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#5 - Humidify
WebMD
recommends keeping indoor humidity at 50 percent. If you live in a drier
climate, using a humidifier to put moisture back into the air is a good idea.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#6 - Moisturize
Use
a good moisturizer
after bathing and throughout the day. Prevention recommends petroleum jelly,
mineral oil, creams, and lotions containing shea butter, stearic acid, or
glycerin.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#7 - Smart shaving
WebMD
recommends always shaving with a shaving cream or gel and in the direction the
hair grows. Avoid using a dull razor as you have to push harder, scraping off
your body's natural oils.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#8 - Sweeten your skin
Women's
Health Magazine says that raw honey will draw in moisture from the air. It recommends applying
one teaspoon of raw honey on the dry area and letting it sit for 15 to 20
minutes before rinsing it off.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#9 - Moisturize with the "overnight cure."
If
you're feeling really dry, Dr. Glaser of Prevention recommends taking a warm
bath before bed and covering yourself in Crisco. Put on your pajamas and sleep,
allowing the oil to soak into your skin.
Home Remedies for Dry
Skin Tip#10 - Seal in the moisture
For
areas that are really chapped, like elbows and heels, Dr. Glaser also
recommends putting petroleum jelly or Crisco on just those spots and sealing it
in with socks or a long-sleeved shirt.
Too
many just accept having dry skin and have given up trying to battle it. With so many easy
things to try at home, well-moisturized skin doesn't have to stay outside your
grasp.
Watch
these Videos
Why You Have Dry Skin And What To Do About It
For more ideas on how
to deal with oily, greasy skin, look no further than Patricia Everson’s Oily
Skin Solution which will help you to understand what really causes oily skin
and acne, and will help you come up with a lasting plan to keep your skin clear
and beautiful. Stop spending your money on creams and pills that promise to
help you clear your skin. These only address the surface issue of oily skin.
The Oily Skin
Solution will go a step further and help you address the issues behind your
blemishes so that you won’t need the expensive skin care anymore because you
will have naturally clear, beautiful skin! To find out more, CLICK HERE