30 Natural Home Remedies for Dry Skin

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 contains many antioxidants and fatty acids that are very beneficial to your skin. Apply a small amount of olive oil under your regular moisturizer or massage into your skin shortly before taking a shower.

Coconut oil also contains a lot of fatty acids that help moisturize dry skin. Apply warm coconut oil all over your body before going to sleep or directly after taking a shower to get the most benefit.

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 contains many vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that will help improve the texture of your skin. Eating avocado can help keep your skin hydrated, as will making an avocado paste from the pulp of the fruit to rub over your dry skin.

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.

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 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.

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Fish oils are incredibly healthy for the heart, but they can also help dry skin. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation that can be caused by eczema. The other ingredient, EPA, helps “waterproof” the skin by bolstering the membrane that keeps moisture in.

Blueberries are one of the best antioxidants a person can consume. They’re packed with vitamin A, C, and E, which all help skin in one way or another. Eating blueberries regularly can help improve moisture retention and even provide a brighter complexion!

A hot shower is wonderful, but the skin can become irritated by hot water on a cold day. Super hot water has a tendency to dry out the skin, leaving it itchy and flakey. Try to take a lukewarm shower when the temperatures begin to drop.

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.

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The hands come into contact with a number of irritants on a day to day basis, which can severely exacerbate dry skin. Wearing gloves provides an extra barrier of protection to keep the skin moisturized and safe.

Very dry conditions can often cause dry skin. The easiest way to remedy this is by using a humidifier. This adds moisture to the air, which hydrates the skin. Setting a humidifier to 60% is enough to help skin through the driest of seasons.

Yogurt is good for the body and the skin. Applying yogurt directly to the skin's surface has proven to fight breakouts and prevent wrinkles. Rub it into the skin and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water. Apply it a few times a week to reduce dryness.

Almond oil has high amounts of vitamin E, which makes it an excellent all-natural moisturizer for dry skin. Almond oil isn’t greasy, so your skin will soak it right up. Apply warm almond oil before showering or mix some with warm milk for both sleep and skin health benefits.

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.

Many soaps contain fragrances, antibacterial detergents, and alcohol, all of which can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness. Instead, choose gentle skin cleansers and shower gels that have moisturizers or mild soaps that contain added fats and oils.

Staying hydrated is essential to all of your bodily functions, including keeping your skin healthy. It’s important to drink the proper amount of water every day to bring water where your body needs it. If you’re dehydrated, your skin will dry out, too.

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.

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.

Don't wear fabrics that don’t breathe like wool or polyester. They’re itchy, and they trap in moisture and odors, which is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Avoid these fabrics in favor of cotton or silk. These fabrics are gentle on the skin’s surface and allow the skin to breathe.

This oil is used topically to soothe dry, irritated skin, and is filled with omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid. There are tinctures and capsules of the evening primrose oil that you can take by mouth to treat inflammation of the skin and reduce eczema symptoms. 

This oil comes from the seeds of the sunflower and can be applied directly to the skin after bathing to lock in the moisture. Sunflower oil protects the skin’s outer layer by keeping moisture in and bacteria out. This oil will also hydrate your skin and relieve itching and inflammation. 

This thick, greasy kitchen essential is a classic home remedy for dry, irritated skin and help it heal. Cover the affected area with vegetable shortening, and then put plastic wrap over it for two to four hours. This allows the moisturizer to sink in and can be repeated as often as necessary.

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.

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 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 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. 

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.