Dry skin isn't usually a serious problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. Using home remedies and moisturizers may cure the problem. The Mayo Clinic recommends moisturizers with oil or lactic acid. Home remedies aren't meant to replace traditional care--some cases of dry skin can be severe or can indicate an underlying health problem. If you suffer from persistent or severe dry skin, speak to your doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause and best treatment for your individual situation.
Intense Moisture Mixture
Step 1
Peel one avocado, and remove the pit. Place the avocado in a blender. Avocados contain moisture and potassium. Avocado is also purported to have protective qualities against the sun, though cosmetic use of the fruit as a topical preparation for dry skin has not been substantiated through testing.
Step 2
Mix the avocado with 3 tbsp. of honey. According to a 1999 study performed by the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wales Institute and published in the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine," honey is a natural antibacterial substance and hygroscopic ingredient--it draws moisture from the air to your skin.
Step 3
Blend until the mixture is a consistent texture. It should resemble a thick, goopy paste.
Step 4
Spread the mixture evenly over the areas of dry skin. You can use the mixture on the face, but take care to avoid eyes and mucous membranes, as the avocado may cause stinging and irritation, as outlined in "The Herbal Cosmetic Handbook." For use on the face, include one to two drops of lavender essential oil, a mild astringent and folk remedy for inflammation.
Step 5
Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for five to 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Skim Milk Daily Moisturizer
Step 1
Mix 1 tbsp. of skim milk powder with a 1/2 tbsp. olive or jojoba oil. Milk contains lactic acid, a natural skin toner that tightens the pores of your skin. It is also a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells for a healthier appearance. Olive oil is a mild moisturizer, and jojoba oil mimics sebum, the natural oil produced by the human body as outlined in a 2009 study produced by University of Iowa and published in the "International Journal of Cosmetic Science."
Step 2
Heat the mixture, and stir, allowing the milk powder to dissolve in the oil. Allow the oil to cool until it is at or slightly above room temperature.
Step 3
Apply the mixture to areas of dry skin. This moisturizer is gentle enough to use on the face.
Step 4
Allow the mixture to remain on your face for up to five minutes. Rinse the milk and oil mixture completely from your face with warm water.
Step 5
Follow up with a natural toner, such as tea tree oil, to close the pores of your face. Rinse with cool water after applying the toner. Tea tree oil, lavender oil and witch hazel are just a few of the natural toners recommended by "The Green Beauty Guide."
Exfoliating Moisturizer
Step 1
Sift together 1 cup of oatmeal and 1 tbsp. of sugar. The sugar granules and oatmeal flakes gently exfoliate skin, according to "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics." Oatmeal is soothing and moisturizing.
Step 2
Mix 1 tbsp. of yogurt and 1 tbsp. of honey. Yogurt contains lactic acid as a toner and is a moisturizer. Honey has antibacterial properties and is moisturizing.
Step 3
Blend the wet and dry ingredients together until the mixture becomes a uniform paste.
Step 4
Apply the paste to your skin, rubbing the mixture in small circles over areas of dry skin. The circular motion sloughs off dry skin.
Step 5
Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for up to five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Things You'll Need
- 1 avocado
- 4 tbsp. honey
- Lavender essential oil
- 1 tbsp. skim milk powder
- 1/2 tbsp. jojoba or olive oil
- Tea tree oil, witch hazel
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. yogurt
- Knife
- Blender
- Sifter
References
- "Herbal Cosmetics Handbook"; H. Panda; 2000
- PubMed.gov: "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine"; Antibacterial Activity of Honey Against Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus from Infected Wounds; RA Cooper et al; June 1999
- PubMed.gov: "International Journal of Cosmetic Science"; Human Synthetic Sebum Formulation and Stability Under Conditions of Use and Storage; PW Wertz; Feb. 2009
- "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics"; Barbara Close; 2005
- "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances"; Julie Gabriel; 2008
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