Milk
Milk has natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your dry and itchy skin. Additionally, the lactic acid in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and increases your skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Simply soak a washcloth in cold milk and apply the cloth to your skin for five to seven minutes before gently rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Honey
Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers because it contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and humectant properties. It also contains various essential minerals and vitamins that will improve the overall health of your skin.
For the best results, rub honey all over your body about five to ten minutes before taking a bath or shower.
Avocado
Oatmeal
Since oatmeal contains such high protein content, it is very good for moisturizing and relieving dry skin by preventing water loss and maintaining natural moisture. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that will help improve your skin health as well.
Pouring one cup of plain oatmeal into your bath is one way to see the benefits.
Aloe Vera
This medicinal plant contains many antiseptic and antifungal properties that help to soothe your skin and combat flaking, dry, irritated skin.
You can access the gel within the aloe vera plant by cutting open a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeezing the gel out of it onto your dry skin. Let this sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has been used as a moisturizer for years. In 2017, a study showed that petroleum jelly is especially useful in for older people to help restore the skin's barrier as it weakens with age.
Just use it every day or twice a day.
Fish Oil
Blueberries
Cooler Showers
Sugar Scrubs
Sometimes all it takes is a good exfoliation. Removing dead skin cells allows new skin cells the chance to absorb moisture from lotions, petroleum jellies, and oils.
Sugar scrubs don’t have to be expensive, either. It’s even possible to make your own using natural ingredients.
Wear Gloves
Use a Humidifier
Yogurt
Almond Oil
Don't Take a Bath
Spending too much time soaking in a hot, soapy bath is a recipe for dry skin, especially during the winter. The hot water dries out the skin and can lead to extremely dry skin, skin inflammation, and worsen eczema.
Soaking in a tub only strips your skin of natural oils, so take a lukewarm shower instead to protect your skin.
Avoid Harsh Soap
Water
Lock in Lotion With Cotton Socks
It can be easy to forget about keeping your feet moisturized but neglecting them leads to dry, cracked feet and skin sensitivity. If your feet are dry, apply moisturizer or a hydrating oil, like coconut oil, to your feet and then put on a pair of cotton socks.
The cotton allows your skin to breathe while locking in the moisturizer.
Turn Down the Heater
Hot air is one of the fastest ways to dry out your skin, especially if it’s dry, direct heat from a heater. If you’re in the car or in a place where you sit in front of a heater, do your skin a favor and turn down the thermostat.
Even slightly cooler air is better for your skin than the heat on full blast.
Wear Gentle Fabrics
Evening Primrose Oil
Sunflower Oil
Vegetable Shortening
Use a Gentle Laundry Detergent
Many laundry detergents and fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that leave your skin dry and irritated. Swap out your laundry soap for something fragrance-free, which has fewer chemicals and won’t dry out your skin.
These types of detergents normally say “free and clear” on the label to let you know which ones are safe.
Tomatoes
When you expose your skin to the elements it damages skin cells faster than your body can repair them, leading to dry skin. Eating foods high in antioxidants, like tomatoes, can help with skin health.
They minimize damage from toxins and help your body make new cells, making your skin look and feel soft and healthy.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil contains zinc, a mineral that helps your body produce collagen, which helps preserve skin elasticity. It also contains monounsaturated fats and linoleic acid, making it an excellent moisturizer for the skin, too.
Apply warm sesame oil to your skin before bed to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Rose Water
Rose water is a beauty regimen staple, and for a good reason. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, irritation, acne, dermatitis, and eczema while also cleaning pores and toning the skin. It is soothing, moisturizing, and refreshing for your skin.
Just apply rose water with a cotton pad to any affected areas after bathing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and is used for weight loss, treating infections, and as a natural antiseptic. It also helps with a variety of skin problems because it’s antimicrobial properties help with skin infections and soothe irritation while balancing the natural pH of your skin.
Just add one or two cups of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bath and soak in the tub for no more than 10 minutes to protect your skin.