Having soft skin needn't cost a fortune. Save money with these recipes with natural ingredients for home treatment for dry skin.
First, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration is a major cause of dry skin.
Swimming pools are another reason you can be experiencing dry skin. Make sure to shower off chlorine and other chemicals immediately upon exiting the pool. Smoking is also damaging to the skin, which gives you one more reason to quit.
Besides the preventative maintenance mentioned above, there are also some home remedies you can try:
Oatmeal is a popular dry skin remedy. So much so, it can be found in many soaps, body washes and facial scrubs. Wrap some oatmeal in a washcloth, wet with lukewarm water and wash your face and body as you would with soap. Not only does it clean, but it softens. A couple of cups of oatmeal can also be poured into a lukewarm bath for soaking. Just don't use commercial breakfast oatmeal loaded with sugars and preservatives. Colloidal oatmeal works best.
A mask made of egg yolk will also moisturize. Scramble the yolk and apply to the affected area. Leave this on for about fifteen to thirty minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. Wash as normal. You can use honey in the same manner. Apply and leave on for fifteen to thirty minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. You can also make a paste with honey and oatmeal and use this to clean, exfoliate and moisturize your face and skin.
Mineral or almond oil also makes a great moisturizer. Massage the oil onto the effected area and let it become absorbed by the skin such as you would any moisturizing lotion. Other medicine cabinet staples such as petroleum jelly and baby oil are wonderful moisturizers. For extra-dry hands and feet, try slathering petroleum jelly on the affected areas and covering with gloves or socks. This will probably work best if you do it while sleeping. If you'd like to protect your skin against the wind, you can put a little petroleum jelly or mineral oil on your face before braving the elements. A little is all you need. You don't want to walk around with a greasy complexion.
Investing in an aloe vera plant might be just want the doctor ordered. Simply cut off a leaf and rub on the affected area. Your skin will feel smooth and soft. Aloe vera is also wonderful for burns.
Drinking chamomile or peppermint tea will also help to prevent dry skin. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and can cause dehydration. In your quest for soft skin, you should use these only in moderation.
Dry skin treatment doesn't require a lot of fancy designer lotions or creams. The most important factor is hydration. Drink plenty of water, use a humidifier and avoid products and situations that will cause skin to dry out. Check your kitchen cabinets too! Chances are the only beauty products you need are right in your own pantry.
