Home Remedies for Dry Skin

If you have dry, itchy and flaky skin problems, you'll find a list of home remedies for dry skin on this page. Let's first find out what are the causes of dry skin and the common dry skin symptoms. And then we'll look into what are the best vitamins for dry skin and how to prevent dry skin?

The noticeable symptoms of dry skin or known medically as xerosis are the appearance of scales, flakes, cracks, fine lines and premature wrinkles. You may also experience itching. Dry skin can affect any part of the body such as around the eyes, on the arms, lower legs, face, elbows, thighs, the side of the abdomen, knees and heels.

The main cause of dry skin is moisture loss and it can happen in many ways. One of them is when you use harsh skin care products, soaps and detergents. The chemicals can remove your skin's natural oil and affect the amount of moisture. Soaking too long and too often in a warm tub or taking warm showers daily will dehydrate your skin and when it loses the moisture, the skin will become dry.

Some diseases such as hypothyroidism or thyroid disorder and eczema can also cause severe rough, itchy and scaly skin with patches and rashes. Aging causes the skin to become thinner. As we age, the sebaceous glands no longer produce as much oil. Other dry skin causes include frequent exposure to direct sunlight, certain prescription medication, air furnace, air conditioner and low humidity.

Take a look at some of your habits, the products that you use and other possible contributing factors. Once you are aware of the cause, it's easier for you to find the right home remedies for dry skin. Anyway, here are some suggestions for treating dry skin.

Home remedies for dry skin No. 1 - Herbs for dry skin

1. There are about 200 active compounds in aloe vera. Aloe vera gel conditions and hydrates the skin because it forms a barrier on the skin to retain moisture.
   
   
   
2. Chamomile contains volatile essential oils, flavonoids and tannins and is one of the herbal extracts that are often used in skin care products because it soothes irritated skin.
   
   
   
3. Calendula flower is another herb that is commonly used as treatment for dry and damaged skin. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are carotenoids and antioxidants. Apply calendula cream, liquid extract or oil topically and also take it as a supplement to treat your skin problem from within.
   
   
   
4. Use comfrey herbal extract or comfrey herbal soap as a skin wash and apply the cream or oil on your rough and scaly skin.
   
   
   
5. Evening primrose oil may help treat dry and scaly skin especially if it is due to eczema. Evening primrose contains GLA which produces a moisturizing effect. This herbal extract is best taken internally and applied topically.
   
   
   
6. Frankincense oil from the boswellia plant is an astringent. It has the potential to restore and revitalize aging skin. To use it, add a few drops to your cream or lotion and apply it on your skin.
   
   
   
7. Grapeseed oil contains linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, myristic and lauric acids which are omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. It also contains alpha tocopherols and phytosterols. The oil helps moisturize the skin and prevent dryness as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
   
   
   
8. African shea oil which is the extract from the nut of the karite tree contains 6 fatty acids namely arachidic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid and vitamin A and vitamin E. Linoleic acid when applied on the skin is able to retain moisture, linolenic acid promotes healthy skin and oleic acid is a natural moisturizer. Vitamin A and E which are antioxidants are beneficial for healthy skin because they protect the skin from damage.

Home remedies for dry skin No. 2 - Diet, supplements and vitamins for dry skin

1. Vitamin A will help protect your skin from UV rays and harmful free radicals. To avoid high doses of vitamin A, it's best to eat foods that contain carotenoids such as beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are provitamin A which means they are stored in the body and will be converted to vitamin A when the need arises. Some examples for food that are high in vitamin A are liver, meat, eggs, broccoli, carrots, apricots, Brussels sprouts and sweet potato.
   
   
   
2. A deficiency of biotin or vitamin B7 can cause skin problems including eczema and dermatitis which will then cause dry skin. Biotin is produced in the intestine and you also can get it from foods such as nuts, sardines, eye yolk, bananas and mushrooms.
   
   
   
3. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 may help treat cracked, dry and scaly skins. Natural sources of riboflavin are dairy products, eggs, green leafy vegetables, lean meats, legumes, milk and nuts.
   
   
   
4. Vitamin C helps in slowing down skin aging. Natural sources are fruits and vegetables. Some examples are oranges, broccoli, green pepper, tomato juice and kiwi.
   
   
   
5. Vitamin E oil is known for its moisturizing, healing and skin renewal properties. Natural sources are soybean oil, corn oil, wheat germ oil, sesame oil and lemon oil. It is one of the best oil to smooth rough and dry skin. You can use vitamin E oil topically and include foods that contain vitamin E such as wheat germ, almonds, and sunflower seeds in your diet. Taking vitamin E supplement would help if you aren't getting enough from the foods that you eat.

Home remedies for dry skin No. 3 - Habits to develop and to avoid

1. Taking regular warm showers or frequent and over soaking in a warm tub will remove important proteins from the skin. One of the best home remedies when it comes to showering and bathing is to take short cool showers and baths.
   
   
   
2. Another one of the home remedies for dry skin that you must make a habit is to keep your skin moisturized and especially after taking your shower, washing the dishes and before bedtime.
   
   
   
3. Wear a sunscreen with the highest SPF whenever you go out because UV ray can dry your skin and cause premature aging skin.
   
   
   
4. When you do your washing and house cleaning, wear gloves to protect your hands from chemicals found in detergents and solvents.
   
   
   
   
5. Use gentle soap or shower gel. You may want to try the African black soap which is made from various plants and added with oils such as shea butter, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil and cocoa butter. There are many anecdotal claims that black soap help treat many skin problems including dry skin. And when you are cleaning yourself, avoid scrubbing your skin.
   
   
   
6. The next home remedies for dry skin is to use a home humidifier if the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
   
   
7. When cleaning your makeup and face, avoid alcohol based cleansers because it will make your skin dry. Go for natural oil based products and moisturize after cleaning.
   
   
   
8. Another home remedies for dry skin is to avoid using electric blankets. Use extra comforter or blankets instead.

Dry Skin Care Products to Treat and Prevent Dry Skin

1. Genes Vitamin E Creme Swiss Collagen Complex Moisturizing Creme
   
   
   
2. Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Calming Creme
   
   
   
3. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry and Sensitive Skin

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