Winter weather is here, and the plight of dry, itchy skin has arrived. Dry skin is annoying, uncomfortable, and can be painful. It can be challenging to find a healing solution that is not only effective but also economical and natural. Slathering your body with lotion every day is one solution, but some of these skin care products can be expensive, not to mention they may irritate your skin if used in excess. And if dry skin isn't taken care of properly, it can develop into more severe conditions that may require much more attention.
NATURE TO THE RESCUE
Did you know nature offers many solutions to healing dry, cracked skin? Most natural remedies are efficient, cost-effective, and easy to find. So if you're tired of feeling like you're part alligator, give these methods a try!
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WATER, H20, AQUA...It seems like water makes the top of every list, and here's why! Water keeps your body hydrated, which, in turn, keeps your skin hydrated. One sign that you don't drink enough water is when your lips begin to crack. Chapstick or other lip balms may act as a solution for rehydrating your lips, but drinking water is the primary defense behind keeping your skin hydrated.
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Excellent Tip: If you're all watered out for the day, try drinking a warm glass of milk with a couple of teaspoons of almond oil before bed.
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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. The lotion is essential in keeping your skin hydrated, but you can't just use any cream. I love using St. Ives 'Hour Intense Healing' lotion. I've found that I have the most success with this lotion, but some of you may need to use a more gentle cream. Baby lotion is one of the best you can use; it doesn't get more delicate than that! Unless you buy an all-natural and organic lotion, standard moisturizers can contain other chemicals that dry out your skin. So read the ingredients!
I GOT MILK! For thousands of years, queens were known to bathe in milk—for a good reason: it contains nutrients that make skin smooth and healthy. Soaking in a tub full of milk and warm (not hot) water will do wonders for your skin.
Fruit to Nuts to Honey? Try coconut, avocado, or sesame oil rubbed all over your body. Even Honey is a great moisturizer (try adding some to your Milk bath)! Rub honey on your skin and let it sit for a few minutes, then soak in a nice warm bath.
If you struggle with dry skin on your face, try this concoction:
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Mix an egg yolk with a teaspoon of olive oil and orange juice.
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Add a few drops of rose water and lime juice, then apply the mixture to your face.
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Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
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GO BANANAS: Suffering from dry and cracked heels? Rub a banana peel on your heels. Seriously.
- NO SMOKING! Another one that makes every health list is this: quit smoking! There are so many benefits to being a non-smoker, and smooth skin is one of them. Don't believe me? Google 'smoker's skin' and see what comes back.
There are plenty more natural solutions, such as:
- warm showers/baths instead of hot
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adding oily fish like salmon to your diet
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consider switching your laundry detergent to a sensitive skin detergent and using less of it… the list goes on.
Like so many, you may suffer from a more intense version of dry skin known as Eczema. Every winter, without fail, I have an eczema breakout. Instead of rubbing my skin to dry, I pat my skin with a towel to dry off and apply lotion within 15 minutes of getting out of the shower or bath to soothe my skin.
Naturasil also has a fantastic anti-wrinkle and anti-aging product, Naturasil Anti-Wrinkle Serum which contains 100% Organic Moroccan Argan Oil. Argan oil is known for treating dry and flaky skin and keeping it moisturized. It also contains high amounts of vitamin E, which protects your skin from the elements and helps repair any damage that has already been done.
This winter, before you run out and buy expensive products that may or may not heal your damaged skin, give these tried and proper home remedies a try—you won't regret it!
