According to the Mayo Clinic, dry skin is usually caused by environmental factors like changes in humidity levels, changes in weather, excessive bathing or use of drying shampoos and soaps. While some of the factors that cause dry skin can easily be changed, there are numerous home remedies to help the symptoms of dry skin. However, these remedies have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for effectiveness, and you should speak with your doctor or dermatologist before trying any new skin-care regimen.
Honey and Cucumber Juice
Honey and cucumber juice is a common home remedy for very dry skin in Ayurvedic medicine and beauty care according to Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care." To make the appropriate mixture of honey and cucumber juice, place 1/2 cup of peeled, fresh cucumber fruit in a blender with 4 tbsp. natural, raw honey and blend for 30 seconds. With a brush or fingertips, apply a thick layer to your skin. Leave the mixture on for approximately 90 minutes before rinsing your skin with cool water to remove the mask. Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel.
Mint and Aloe Vera
A mixture of mint and aloe vera gel is a common home remedy for extremely dry skin. To make the mixture, muddle 3 tbsp. fresh chopped mint in a mortar and pestle or in a small, non-breakable bowl. Add 3 tbsp. natural aloe vera gel to the muddled mint and apply a thin layer to the affected area. Leave the mixture on for 60 minutes and rinse your skin with cool water. It is important to only use natural aloe vera gel, as aloe vera products with added ingredients may cause blemishes in some skin types.
Vegetable Oil
Applying vegetable oil to the skin is a common folk remedy for dry skin. While it may not seem appealing to slather vegetable oil all over your skin, it can help seal in essential moisture according to Lisa Sharon Belkin, author of "The Cosmetics Cookbook." Plain vegetable oil works well on dry skin, but sunflower, avocado and peanut oil work very well too. To use vegetable oil on your skin, apply a thin layer after showering and leave the oil on overnight or for six to eight hours. If you have long hair, try to keep your hair out of your face to keep the oil from getting on your hair and scalp.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a very old home remedy for dry skin according to Lisa Sharon Belkin. To use cornstarch to relieve dry skin, add 2 tbsp. to a half-filled lukewarm bath. Get in the tub and continue filling with cool water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse your body in the shower to remove any residue and pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Taking hot baths can exacerbate dry skin conditions, so it is best to use cool or lukewarm water.
References
- "Ayurvedic Beauty Care"; Melanie A. Sachs; 1994
- "The Cosmetics Cookbook"; Lisa Sharon Belkin; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Dry Skin
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