What can help with dry skin

Whether it is caused by aging, an underlying skin condition or environmental factors, having dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy. There are a range of treatments available to treat dry skin at home – but which are the most effective ones ?

1. Coconut Oil

This treatment can be done before a bath. Simply heat some coconut oil in a bowl and wait till it becomes warm. Apply this oil liberally over the dry areas of your body. Wait for at least 20 minutes o that the oil is absorbed into your skin surface and then go take a bath. Coconut oil effectively hydrates the skin and treats dry and rough skin and callouses. It contains fats that soften cracked skin.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another natural ingredient that can help treat dry skin. Adding powdered oatmeal to a bath or using creams that contain oatmeal may help to relieve dry skin. You can also mix oatmeal flakes with honey and use as a face pack.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel helps provide relief from dry skin.

If you have dry skin on your hands or feet, you can apply aloe vera gel and cover the affected area with a sock or glove. You can do this before they go to bed and leave the gel on all night.

If dry skin is on another area of the body, applying aloe vera gel liberally and allowing it to soak in can help smoothen the dry area.

4. Honey

Honey is an ideal treatment for dry skin. You just need to apply raw honey over the dry patches and wash it with cold water after 15 minutes. Honey is anti inflammatory and it heals and moisturizes the skin.

5. Coconut oil scrub

You should exfoliate your skin at least once every 2 to 3 days. Mix one spoon of coconut oil with one spoon of sugar to mix a paste. Rub this mixture gently over the dry patches. Coconut oil hydrates the skin, while the sharp particles of sugar slough off dead skin cells.

6. Avocado

Take 1 fully ripe fresh avocado, remove the skin as well as the seed, and mash it up into a creamy pulp in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir the mixture until it turns into a uniform paste. Apply to skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the mixture with lukewarm water and pat dry your face with a soft towel.

• Try to take baths in warm or cool water. Hot water strips your skin of natural oils and leaves your skin dry and rough.
• Harsh and alcoholic soaps and body washes can have undesirable effects on the skin. Use a mild cleanser for your body and a gentle chemical free face wash for your face.
• Drink at least 3 litres of water everyday.
• Use a good moisturizer like Aveeno or Cetaphil to keep your skin hydrated. Especially use moisturizer after exfoliating your skin.
• Splash your face with cold water at least 3 to 4 times a day.