Whether it is due to an underlying skin problem, aging, or environmental factors, living with dry skin could be itchy and scratchy. There are many cures out there for treating dry skin at home. Which of them are most helpful?
Homemade remedies for dry skin?
- Coconut oil
You can add this natural oil to your every day dry skin care regimen. In a study, it was found that coconut oil is as effective as petroleum jelly when it comes to curing dry skin.
Coconut has saturated fatty acids that come with emollient properties. Emollient is an oil or fat that serves as a moisturizer by filling the gaps in dry skin and making it even.
- Milk
Milk can also bring relief from dry skin, but only when it is drunk. A research also states that a diet with milk can enhance dry skin. The research also discovered that milk having fat (phospholipid) enhanced the skin barrier in mice while added to their diet.
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera or aloe vera gel might aid in giving relief from dry skin. Someone experiencing dryness on hands or feet can use aloe vera gel and cover the affected area with gloves or socks. People might choose to do this before bedtime and leave the gel overnight. If dryness is on another body area, using aloe vera gel generously and letting it absorb might get a similar result.
- Sunflower seed oil
A research from 2013 found that sunflower seed oil improved hydration while applied as a moisturizer on candidate’s arms. The same research found that olive oil, in fact, harmed the skin’s barrier stating that not every natural oil fit to use as moisturizers.
- Honey
Honey has been found to be healing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory, as per some studies. These are the properties that state honey is a perfect homemade remedy for lightening dry skin.
Honey is absolutely natural and could be used straight on the skin. So, do not hesitate to add honey to your daily skin care routine for dry skin.
When should you visit a specialist?
If the reason behind dry skin is not aging or environmental factors, then it is more likely that you might be suffering from an underlying skin problem. If you think this is the case, you need to visit a specialist or skin expert. Leaving the problem untreated can cause bacterial infection, bleeding, or red patches.