The Causes and Remedies for Dry Skin

Our skin produces oil to protect itself from dehydration. However, when our skin does not produce enough oil, it can look dry, flaky, and cause red patches. Though dry skin can be irritating, it is also a serious issue and can lead to infections.

Dry skin is also known as xerosis, and it can be caused by :

  • Cold weather
  • Washing the face excessively
  • Using harsh soaps or exfoliating
  • Hot showers or hot baths, staying in the shower for too long, and swimming in chlorinated pools tend to strip the skin of natural oils and moisture.
  • Dehydration
  • Using beauty products that do not suit your skin type or are disturbing the natural pH balance of the skin.
  • Certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis makes the skin prone to dryness.

Dry skin can be treated by taking simple measures at home. Few home remedies for dry skin and a simple routine will make your skin glowing and flawless again.

1. Virgin coconut oil
Take a few drops of oil and massage it into the skin and leave it on for an hour. Wash your face with water, and repeat this process once or twice everyday. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer and locks in the moisture. Virgin coconut oil is easy to find in any store and is a simple and cheap home remedy for dry skin.

2. Glycerin with rose water
All you need is 1 teaspoon of glycerin and 1 tablespoon of rose water. Mix them well and gently apply it to your face. Leave it for a few hours, and you can wash it after a few hours if it feels sticky. It also works as a lip balm for chapped lips and is an excellent home remedy for dry skin.

3. Banana
Mash a banana and apply the pulp on your face. Massage gently for a few minutes in a circular motion. Banana contains potassium, vitamin E and C, consequently leaving your face feeling smoother, moisturized, flawless, and clear. Try to use ripe bananas instead of unripe ones for an effective home remedy for dry skin.

4. Honey
Apply a layer of honey as a natural home remedy for dry skin, and wash it off with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Honey is known to have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that nourish the skin.

5. Aloe vera
The gel from the leaves of the plant can be applied to areas affected by dryness. If you have dry and flaky palms and feet, after applying the gel you can put on gloves and cotton socks. You can also use the store-bought gel if you don’t have access to an aloe vera plant.